Photorefractive Keratectomy
If you have blurry vision due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism but are not a candidate for LASIK, there is an alternative.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a safe and effective refractive surgery that produces excellent long-term results comparable to LASIK.
At Primary Eye Care Associates in Chicago, IL, Dr. Steven Chander can perform PRK to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses and contacts.
Why Choose Us for PRK?
Safe Surgical Procedure
When performed by a doctor board-certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry in a sterile environment and using the latest technology, PRK is a safe and highly effective procedure. Experience, maintaining a state-of-the-art facility, and incorporating the best equipment and products at our Chicago practice assures that we perform all laser eye surgery procedures in the safest manner possible.
Advanced Technology
We use a state-of-the-art excimer laser to reshape your cornea during PRK surgery; we also use wavefront imaging and computer-guided tools to achieve the most precise and accurate reshaping of your cornea possible. When the cornea is shaped to its ideal contours, light focuses directly on the retina, producing the clearest vision possible. Our technology can also detect and correct less common refractive errors, improving clarity of vision beyond what is possible with glasses and contacts.
Excellent Results
Dr. Chander has been in practice since 1995, giving him hands-on experience performing hundreds of laser eye surgery procedures. Because he can identify issues that preclude you from being a good LASIK candidate, he can recommend the most appropriate refractive surgery for your unique needs. Patients that undergo photorefractive keratectomy at our practice have achieved excellent results and a low rate of complications.
How Can I Pay for the Cost of PRK Surgery?
"There's nobody else I would trust with my eyes"
Nicole Marie
2016
I can't say enough about my Experiences at Primary Eye Care. Dr Chander is very gentle and has a very calm demeanor. Truly, there's nobody else I would trust with my eyes.
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Serena Maldonado
2021
They are so friendly and helpful! I was having issues with my eyes for months and I came here. A week later ,my eye issues are almost gone! I’m also very pleased with the social distancing practices.
View On GoogleContact Our Practice
If you have been told that you are not a suitable candidate for LASIK and are seeking the vision correction option that is right for you, a PRK surgery consultation at our Chicago, IL, practice can help us determine if this advanced procedure is right for you. Patients with certain corneal conditions, scarring, or a thin cornea may not be candidates for LASIK vision correction because these issues can affect the creation of the corneal flap.
We are located in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood, just minutes from Midway airport. Contact us online to send a message or request your appointment with Dr. Steven Chander. You can also reach Primary Eye Care Associates by phone.
Call: (773) 524-6637
Not a Good Candidate for LASIK? PRK Could Be Your Solution
PRK is a form of laser eye surgery that does not involve a corneal flap, making it a good solution for many who are not good LASIK candidates due to thin corneas. Similarly to LASIK, PRK can enhance your vision and eliminate the need for corrective lenses. If you're considering laser eye surgery, Dr. Steven Chander can review your candidacy to determine if PRK is the best treatment.
PRK vs. LASIK Vision Correction
PRK and LASIK vision correction procedures share important similarities. For example, they:
- Correct refractive errors of the eye that cause myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism
- Involve the use of a laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors
- Produce comparable vision correction results
However, there are some important differences between the two procedures.
Exposing the Underlying Corneal Tissue
- LASIK: During LASIK surgery, a precision bladed device known as a microkeratome or an IntraLase® laser can be used to create a flap in the outer layer of the cornea. We use the advanced Intralase laser, which is associated with fewer complications. The flap is then peeled back, allowing the LASIK procedure to be performed.
- PRK: PRK does not involve the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelial layer, is removed altogether to access the underlying corneal tissue.
Corneal
Healing
- LASIK: Immediately after LASIK surgery, the hinged flap is closed and no sutures are required. In the days and weeks following LASIK, the incisions will heal on their own.
- PRK: After PRK surgery, we will place protective contact lenses in the eyes to assist with epithelial healing. A few days after your procedure, Dr. Chander will remove the contact lenses and the epithelial layer will continue to grow back and your eyes will continue to heal.
Recovery
Length
- LASIK: LASIK is more popular than PRK because it is associated with a faster recovery period. The corneal flap closes on its own and heals more quickly. Because of the reduced severity of side effects and quicker results, patients prefer this procedure when they qualify for it.
- PRK: Because the epithelial layer must grow back after photorefractive keratectomy, the surgery requires a longer recovery time than LASIK surgery. However, it provides similarly excellent vision correction results and can help you if you're not a candidate for LASIK.
What Happens During PRK Treatment? The Treatment Timeline
When you come to our practice in Garfield Ridge, just minutes from Midway airport, for PRK surgery, you can expect the following:
"Quick and Informative"
Sarai Trevino
2021
Very friendly staff the doctors who are very thorough with the exam. Great selection of eye glasses and sunglasses. Definitely recommend this practice for the entire family.
View On GoogleJim Knight Jr.
2017
Wouldn't trust my peepers to anyone else!!! Primary Eye Care has been my go to place for 18 years. They got all the state of the art machines for taking pictures of the INSIDE of your eyeball!! Friendly knowledgeable associates will make your visit quick and informative.
View on FacebookPRK Surgery Recovery Tips
Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes in the weeks after the procedure to prevent infection and other complications.
Use prescribed eye drops on schedule to prevent infection.
Use lubricating eye drops to reduce dry eyes; dry eyes can cause the eyes to become red, itchy, and watery, increasing your urge to rub your eyes during the healing period.
