What is PRK/LASEK?
The PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) with its further development LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a comprehensively proven treatment method in ophthalmology to compensate for short-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism. PRK/LASEK is a frequently used treatment method, especially for thin corneas.
Like LASIK, the PRK/LASEK laser eye procedure is a comprehensively tested, outpatient procedure for vision correction. With less than 10 minutes treatment time per eye and optimal correction results, PRK/LASEK is a very popular treatment method. Eye recovery and vision recovery takes slightly longer after PRK/LASEK than after LASIK. But after a short time, most patients are fully operational again and can start their life without glasses and contact lenses without any worries.
Treatment with the PRK/LASEK Method
Anesthesia
At the beginning we prepare your eyes for the treatment with numbing eye drops. Most patients only feel a slight pressure during the treatment.
Preparation
The ophthalmologist prepares the area of the cornea to be treated for the laser application. She/he gently removes the uppermost layer of the cornea, the epithelium.
Laser treatment
Now the ophthalmologist treats the surface of the cornea in just a few seconds with the Excimer laser in such a way that vision can be restored as best as possible.
Healing
A soft medical contact lens protects the treated area for the first few days. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their eyesight after just one day.
From the first preliminary examination through the PRK/LASEK treatment to the last follow-up check, we only use modern medical devices and leading technologies at all CARE Vision locations (link to technology page).
Advantages of the PRK/LASEK Method
Years of experience
PRK/LASEK, together with LASIK, is the most commonly used eye laser method worldwide. Both methods convince with reliable long-term empirical values.
First-class treatment results
Even with very thin cornea, PRK/LASIK achieves excellent treatment results.
Painless, non-invasive procedure
Most of our patients only feel a slight feeling of pressure and are surprised at how quickly the treatment is over.
Post-treatment possible
If there is still a small ametropia after the laser eye surgery, PRK/LASEK offers the possibility of follow-up treatment.
Accurate treatment
Depending on the condition of the eye and the personal habits of the patient, PRK/LASEK is particularly suitable because there is no flap.
First steps into a life without glasses with PRK/LASEK
Step 1. Initial information and aptitude test
In a personal exchange with our experts for eye lasers, you will learn more about PRK/LASEK and other eye laser methods. Either we will be happy to advise you from the comfort of your own home via free video consultation, or we will welcome you at one of our locations. On request, our optometrists will carry out an initial suitability test of your eyes for laser correction on site.
Step 2. Preliminary medical examination
A careful preliminary medical examination is the solid foundation for your optimal restoration of vision. The doctor treating you will analyze which correction method is most suitable for your eyes and will be happy to answer your questions about the treatment.
Tip: save time by providing initial information and a preliminary examination in one appointment
If you wish, we can plan a preliminary medical examination for you on your first appointment with us in addition to the initial information. In this case, please plan about 2.5 hours for the entire examination.
PRK/LASEK:
costs and funding
The cost of a PRK/LASEK treatment is around 1.200 euros per eye (billing is based on GOÄ after the treatment has been completed). On request, we can offer you flexible financing options.
1The exact billing is done according to the German Gebührenordnung für Ärzte (GOÄ).
High quality
Technology
Optimal vision restoration for our patients is a top priority at CARE Vision. From the initial examination to the completion of treatment, we use only extensively proven and up-to-date technologies at all CARE eye centers for maximum safety and the best possible treatment results.
How safe is PRK/LASEK eye laser treatment?
Along with LASIK, PRK/LASEK surgery is one of the two most commonly used laser eye methods in the world. Leading doctors have been relying on this extensively tested treatment method since 1987 due to its high level of safety and excellent treatment results, even with very thin corneas.
PRK/LASEK: Risks
The risks of PRK/LASEK treatment are extremely low. PRK/LASEK is one of the most commonly used and particularly safe treatment methods worldwide. Compared to LASIK, the recovery of the eyes after the treatment takes a little longer. In the first one to two weeks, there may be a foreign body sensation, which can be easily compensated for with moisturizing eye drops. After about two to three weeks, the restoration of vision is usually complete.
Highlight –
PRK/LASEK weekends
For patients who are busy during the week, we regularly offer our popular LASIK weekends. The comprehensive medical preliminary examination of your eyes takes place on Fridays. The eye laser treatment takes place on Saturday and the first follow-up examination on Sunday. The very next day on Monday, most of our patients can already go about their everyday lives again – without disturbing visual aids!
Frequently asked questions about PRK/LASEK (FAQ)
A PRK/LASEK can correct short-sightedness up to -10 diopters and far-sightedness up to approx. 4 diopters. Astigmatism can also be corrected up to a maximum of 6 diopters.
If you are bothered by your glasses or contact lenses and you want to get rid of your corrective lenses, this is the right time to have your eyes lasered. You should be at least 18 years old and have stable eyesight for at least one year. In addition, you should be in good health and not suffer from any eye diseases. PRK/LASEK is used when LASIK is not possible, for example because the cornea is too thin.
Yes, both eyes are lasered one after the other in one treatment. After just 24 hours, the eye has partially recovered and visual acuity gradually improves. The final stability of the visual acuity of the eyes is reached after several weeks.
The PRK/LASEK treatment only takes about 10 minutes per eye. As soon as the numbing eye drops take effect, the top cell layer of the cornea is gently removed. Then the laser treatment begins. In just a few seconds, the doctor uses the laser to model the surface of the cornea in such a way that the individual ametropia can be corrected. A therapeutic contact lens is then placed in the eye, protecting it for several days.
Both methods are among the most widely used methods for correcting ametropia. With LASIK, a small cover (flap) is prepared on the surface of the cornea and folded up before the laser treatment. This is folded down again after the treatment and thus acts as a natural patch for the eye. A PRK/LASEK method is used if, for example, the patient’s cornea is too thin for such a flap. Then the superficial cell layer of the cornea must be removed in order to laser. A therapeutic contact lens protects the eye during the first few days.
After the treatment, your eyes will need a few days to recover. Visual acuity improves noticeably in most patients after just 24 hours. As a rule, eyesight suitable for everyday use develops within one to two weeks. After about 2 to 3 months, the visual acuity has usually reached its final stability.
A temporary sensation of dryness or a foreign body (similar to a grain of sand) in the eye may occur after treatment. Burning or itching can also result. You will be given pain-relieving medication after the treatment, as well as artificial tears and a drop schedule, which you should follow to avoid discomfort and promote optimal recovery of your eyes. After a few weeks at the latest, the feeling of dryness should disappear again.
The cost of a PRK/LASEK is around €1.200 per eye (billing according to GOÄ after the treatment is completed). We are also happy to offer you the option of financing your treatment with up to 12 monthly installments (0% financing).