1. The patient is prepared for surgery and the eye is anesthesized
to relieve pain. A microscopic incision is made with a microkeratome,
a very precise surgical instrument, so that a flap is created in
the cornea. This flap is moved to the side.
2. The
doctor directs the laser beam toward the center of the cornea.
It is a "non-thermal" laser, meaning minimal heat is involved.
The treatment is very smooth and precise.
3. This magnified view shows the laser as it removes a microscopic
layer of the cornea to change the curvature of the surface.
4. At the end of the procedure, a new corneal curvature is created
so that light focuses more clearly.
5. The flap is replaced and will heal without stitches.
The
PRK Procedure 1. PRK is an alternative surgery to LASIK. There
is no incision or flap created.
2. The laser is applied directly to the outer layer of the cornea,
known as the epithelium, is removed and then the laser is applied
to the surface of the cornea without making a flap.
1. The patient is prepared for surgery and the eye is anesthesized
to relieve pain. A microscopic incision is made with a microkeratome,
a very precise surgical instrument, so that a flap is created in
the cornea. This flap is moved to the side. 
2. The
doctor directs the laser beam toward the center of the cornea.
It is a "non-thermal" laser, meaning minimal heat is involved.
The treatment is very smooth and precise. 
3. This magnified view shows the laser as it removes a microscopic
layer of the cornea to change the curvature of the surface. 
4. At the end of the procedure, a new corneal curvature is created
so that light focuses more clearly. 
5. The flap is replaced and will heal without stitches.
The
PRK Procedure 
2. The laser is applied directly to the outer layer of the cornea,
known as the epithelium, is removed and then the laser is applied
to the surface of the cornea without making a flap.
