PRK in San Francisco | Pacific Vision Institute

PRK & Epi-LASIK: Your Alternatives to LASIK

PRK/Epi-LASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea with a laser. This procedure is ideal for patients with thinner corneas or other conditions affecting the upper layers of the eye. It is also an excellent alternative for those with an active lifestyle who may be concerned about the corneal flap. Studies have shown that the final vision results after PRK are comparable to those of LASIK.

What is PRK?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the surgeon completely removes the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) before applying the excimer laser directly to the surface. This procedure is often recommended for patients with corneas that are too thin for LASIK or for those with active lifestyles who want to avoid the risk of a flap-related complication.

What is Epi-LASIK?

Epi-LASIK is a variation of PRK that also corrects vision by reshaping the surface of the cornea. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a specialized tool to carefully separate the outer epithelial layer of the cornea as a very thin, continuous sheet. After the laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue, this epithelial sheet may be preserved and placed back over the eye. Like PRK, Epi-LASIK is a safe and effective alternative for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional LASIK, and it also eliminates the risks associated with creating a corneal flap.

Who is a Candidate for PRK & Epi-LASIK?

PRK and Epi-LASIK are excellent alternatives for individuals who may not be ideal candidates for traditional LASIK surgery. If you are considering PRK in San Francisco, you may be a good candidate for these procedures if you meet the following criteria:

You have thin corneas. Since PRK and Epi-LASIK do not require the creation of a corneal flap, they are safer options for patients with corneas that are not thick enough for a LASIK procedure.
You have an active lifestyle or high-risk profession. If you are an athlete, in law enforcement, or in the military, you may choose a surface ablation procedure like PRK to eliminate the risk of a corneal flap becoming dislodged due to a potential eye injury.
You have mild dry eye. PRK may be a better option for those with dry eye, as it affects fewer corneal nerves compared to LASIK.
You are at least 18 years old with a stable prescription. Your vision prescription should not have changed significantly for at least one year.
You have healthy eyes overall. You should not have any existing eye diseases, such as advanced glaucoma or cataracts.

Dr. Faktorovich performing Lasik eye surgery on a patient

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Key Differences

While both PRK and Epi-LASIK are considered "surface ablation" procedures, the primary difference lies in how the top layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is handled. With PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), the surgeon completely removes the epithelial layer before reshaping the underlying cornea with a laser. This layer then regrows naturally over a few days.

In contrast, Epi-LASIK uses a specialized tool to carefully lift a very thin, continuous sheet of the epithelium. After the laser treatment, this sheet is then repositioned back over the eye, where it adheres to the surface. Both procedures achieve a similar final visual outcome to LASIK, but they do so without creating a deep corneal flap, which makes them a safer option for certain patients.

Recovery

The recovery period for both PRK and Epi-LASIK is generally longer than that of LASIK. Since a new epithelial layer must grow back, patients can expect some discomfort and blurry vision in the first few days after the procedure. You may experience a feeling similar to having something in your eye, along with some mild to moderate pain or throbbing for about 2-3 days.

A special bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to help with comfort and promote healing. While functional vision often returns within a week, it can take several weeks or even months for your vision to fully stabilize and reach its optimal clarity. More frequent follow-up visits are typically required after a surface ablation procedure to monitor the healing process and ensure the best long-term results.

Had my PRK done here and the results were nothing but amazing. The staff went above and beyond to make everything go smoothly. I would definitely recommend my friends and family K.I.

Dr. Seibel with cataract patient at Pacific Vision Institute

Why Choose Pacific Vision Institute for PRK and Epi-LASIK?

When you're considering laser vision correction, you deserve access to the latest technological advancements and minimally invasive surgical techniques. At Pacific Vision Institute, we're proud to be recognized as providing the top Epi-LASIK and PRK in San Francisco, offering outstanding care and surgical precision.

Under the care of Dr. Faktorovich and Dr. Seibel, both members of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, you can trust that you will be offered the opportunity to address any vision issues alongside your surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome.

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PRK and Epi-LASIK FAQs

How long does the procedure take?

Both PRK and Epi-LASIK procedures are very quick. The total time for the laser to be active on your eye is usually less than a minute, and the entire procedure for both eyes typically takes less than 30 minutes.

Is PRK a permanent solution?

Yes, like LASIK, PRK is considered a permanent procedure. The reshaping of the cornea is a lasting adjustment. However, it's important to remember that as you age, your eyes can naturally change, and you may eventually require reading glasses or a minor enhancement procedure to maintain optimal vision.

Can I get a custom treatment with PRK?

Yes, we use the same advanced excimer laser technology for PRK as we do for our custom LASIK treatments. This allows us to create a highly personalized treatment plan that is precisely tailored to your unique vision needs.

How do I prepare for my procedure?

Before your procedure, you will have a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with our team. You'll need to stop wearing soft contact lenses for at least two weeks before your consultation and hard contact lenses for three weeks. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare, including any medications to stop and when to avoid wearing eye makeup.

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PRK/Epi-LASIK San Francisco