Lifetime cost of glasses
and contacts:
PRK
Corrective eyewear like glasses or contacts can, no doubt, be a hassle when trying to complete everyday activities. As a long-lasting solution to this struggle, consider the option of PRK (photo refractive keratectomy). Through this laser vision correction procedure, the surface of your eye is reshaped, which restores your ability to focus properly. Results from the procedure can not only improve your vision, but enhance your overall lifestyle.
Evaluating Your Eyes
When you come in for your eye exam, your doctor will determine whether PRK is the right fit for you. To establish your candidacy, your eyes will first be dilated. Then your ability to focus light (refraction) is measured. It is also necessary for the shape and thickness of your cornea to be examined. With this information, your doctor can determine whether PRK can provide you with a successful outcome, or if a different solution such as LASIK or EVO ICL™ may be preferable.
Correcting Your Vision with PRK
Your vision ultimately depends on the shape of your cornea. During the PRK procedure, your eye doctor will employ an excimer laser to reshape the surface of the cornea to improve its ability to focus light and see clearly. Since a computer calculates the amount of corneal tissue that needs removed, PRK is both precise and predictable. Similar to LASIK, the PRK procedure is a quick process with the actual laser correction taking less than 15 seconds to complete. Most patients come in for their procedures and leave within the course of about an hour.
Your Recovery and Follow-Up
Immediately following the PRK procedure, your vision will be blurry, but as your eyes heal, you should begin to see more clearly, usually within 3 to 4 days. To help protect your cornea during this time, a soft contact lens is usually placed on the eye. You will also be supplied with eye drops to minimize any discomfort and prevent infection. Your progress will be monitored over the course of a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Get PRK or LASIK?
Some people interested in laser vision correction are not good candidates for LASIK. This may be due to certain ocular problems like thin corneas or dry eye, which can affect the success of the procedure. Others may not be eligible for LASIK because they are involved in activities that increase their risk of eye injury, which could damage the corneal flap created during surgery. Because of circumstances like these, PRK is often a beneficial alternative and even the preferred preferred treatment option for occupations such as police officers, firefighters, and military personnel. During the consultation, your surgeon will help you determine which procedure is best.
Could PRK change your life?
The benefits of PRK are tremendous for active and social people and can improve the overall quality of life. Image life with the freedom from the irritations, dependence and expense of glasses and contact lenses among other nuisances. Glasses can be frustrating as they often fog up, limit peripheral vision, and can easily be damaged. Contacts are irritating for many patients, especially those with dry eyes or allergies. All of these problems can limit the activities you partake in, which is why PRK is such an attractive solution to so many people. This quick outpatient procedure can reverse poor vision without weakening your eyes.
Is PRK for you?
The best candidates for PRK are those who have stable vision and suffer from low to moderate myopia (nearsightedness). You should also not have any other eye problems, as this can affect the success of the procedure.
PRK is a relatively quick and painless procedure, though you may feel some discomfort for a few days. While PRK is a great solution for many individuals, our doctors stress that not everyone may achieve perfect vision.
How Much are Glasses & Contacts Actually Costing You?
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Starting age:
18
Number of years between purchasing new glasses:
0
Average cost of prescription glasses and lenses:
$0
Boxes of contacts purchased in a year:
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Cost of a box of contact lenses:
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Schedule a consultation appointment at Virginia Eye Consultants to better understand what your PRK procedure will cost.
Contact Virginia Eye Consultants
If you don’t want to rely on glasses or contacts, and you desire more freedom in your lifestyle, consider the option of PRK. Get started today by booking your free PRK consultation.
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The doctors at Virginia Eye Consultants have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.