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Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK)

Discover the benefits of PRK eye surgery, a safe and effective alternative to LASIK

Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), also known as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), is one of several options from Durrie Vision for people who are not eligible for LASIK, but want freedom from glasses and contacts.
 

For Treating

Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism

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"I couldn't believe how fast & professional the whole experience was."

– Mackenzie

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Is Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK) Right For You?

Like LASIK, Advanced Surface Ablation, or PRK, is an excellent solution if you are at least 18 years old with a stable vision prescription for a year. The procedure is typically recommended for those who aren’t candidates for LASIK due to limited corneal thickness, corneal scarring due to contact lenses or previous eye surgery, or for those with specific occupational or recreational demands.

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What to Expect From Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK) Surgery

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Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the entire process, answering your questions and calming your nerves.

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Advanced Surface Ablation is a 10-to-15-minute outpatient procedure.

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You will need a driver with you on the day of surgery and for the one-day and four-day post-op appointments.

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You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use following surgery.

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Our doctors follow our patients' recovery with regular check-ups throughout the year following surgery.

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Optimal visual results are expected approximately one month after surgery; read more on the recovery timeline below.

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Although ASA and SBK Advanced LASIK have similar visual outcomes and satisfaction rates, ASA patients have a longer healing time because the epithelium, a layer of the cornea, needs to heal.

Advanced Surface Ablation Recovery Time

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Days 1 and 2:

Your vision can vary, but it’s fairly functional for tasks like watching TV and some computer work. We don’t recommend driving.
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Day 3:

As the epithelium regenerates, your vision may become hazy and you may see double.
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Day 4:

The bandage contact lens is usually removed. Your vision could still be hazy, but you can start resuming daily tasks.
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Week 2:

Your vision will continue to improve.
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Weeks 3 and 4:

Patients are doing well with vision at about the 90% to 95% level.

See What You’ve Been Missing Without PRK Eye Surgery

Improved eyesight

See better without glasses and contacts

Safer vision

PRK is safer than contacts due to contact lens-related infections

Save money

No need to buy contacts, glasses, and cleaning solution again

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Get time back

Eliminate all daily hassles that come with glasses and contacts

Advanced Surface Ablation FAQs

I have astigmatism. Can I still get Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK)?
Yes! In fact, ASA is an excellent treatment for astigmatism, because it eliminates this error by reshaping the curve of the cornea.
What if I'm not a candidate for PRK surgery?
PRK is a common vision-correction procedure at Durrie Vision, but it’s not the only one that can help you see better. Advancements in vision correction mean there are new procedures, techniques and technologies leading to more options for more people.
What are the risks of PRK eye surgery?
The decision to have a vision correction procedure is a personal one. Rest assured, serious complications with SBK Advanced LASIK are extremely rare. Our thorough pre-op screening reduces the risk of or eliminates many of them.
What if I move or blink during the PRK procedure?
We place a small, gentle eyelid holder between your top and bottom lids, so you don’t have to worry about blinking during the procedure. During the procedure, we also use laser platforms that continuously monitor your eye’s position and make necessary adjustments for any eye movements.
How soon after PRK surgery can I return to normal activities?
You can return to tasks like watching TV and some computer work the first few days following the procedure. The first couple of weeks afterward, you may experience hazy or doubled vision as well as mild to moderate discomfort and light sensitivity. During these two weeks, you should avoid physical activity. Most patients will notice their vision improve and can resume normal activities within six to eight weeks following their ASA procedure.
How soon after PRK eye surgery can I drive?
Four days after the procedure, your doctor will remove the bandage contact lens, assess how your eye is healing, and examines your vision. Patients are typically cleared to drive following this appointment.
Does PRK wear off?
No – both No. Advanced Surface Ablation lasts. That’s because it permanently changes the cornea. Natural changes to your eye’s internal lens can affect near vision beginning in your 40s, and we can help you improve vision when those changes occur.
Does PRK eye surgery cause dry eyes?
Moderate glare and dry eyes are common side effects immediately following ASA, but these conditions resolve for most patients within three months. Our Advanced Ocular Analysis (AOA) helps our doctors identify patients who are prone to these conditions and discuss if ASA is right for them. 
Will I need additional procedures after my PRK procedure?
Our goal with any vision correction procedure is to help patients achieve their best possible vision. If the procedure doesn’t meet your expected results, a touch-up (or enhancement) may be necessary. At Durrie Vision, our extensive pre-op diagnostic testing, plus our doctors’ experience, keeps our enhancement rates at approximately 1% within the first year. If an additional procedure is required, it’s included in the patient’s postoperative care.

Don’t just take our word for it!

“One of the best decisions I ever made. The eye surgery nursing team is knowledgeable and professional. I had been wearing glasses and contacts with nearsightedness. Thanks to refractive lens exchange I can get up and explore a lot more of the world. Thank you Durrie Vision.”

Jeannette

“I would highly recommend Durrie Vision to anyone wanting to experience the BEST in vision care. I had cataract removal with lens replacement in both eyes performed by Dr. Stahl and I am totally blown away with my vision results.  My vision is bright, sharp, vivid and crystal clear!”

Linda

“I was impressed with the amount of detailed testing they did at my initial consultation. I had a great experience the day of my LASIK procedure with all of the staff. The results are amazing for such a quick procedure!”

Melissa S

“After 25+ years of glasses and contacts, all it took was about 10 minutes of surgery to correct my vision. Everyone was friendly and easy to work with throughout the process. To anyone considering getting their vision corrected, I give my highest recommendation to Durrie Vision.”

Brad

“Durrie Vision continues to exceed my expectations! I had lens replacement surgery yesterday. Less than 24 hours later I can see great and I am back at work.”

Cassie

“Just had Lasik, and it was a great experience!! The office was great, my results are super, and I’m so grateful that I finally did it!”

Becky

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During your free consultation visit, you will meet with an experienced refractive surgeon who will discuss your results along with a custom recommendation for treatment.

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From The Experts At Durrie Vision