Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) in Turkey is a refractive surgery procedure that uses the excimer laser to modify the shape of the cornea to improve vision.
The excimer laser is used to remove microscopic fractions of corneal tissue from the surface of the cornea with exceptional precision and reproducibility that cannot be achieved by any other means.
- Patients with myopia
- Patients who prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses
- Dry eye
- Visual blurs
- About 20 minutes for both eyes
- Clear vision after 6 months
- 95%
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Costs in Turkey
The ability to improve vision and get rid of glasses and contact lenses makes PRK desirable for many patients. The cost of the operation varies according to the severity of the visual defect to be treated, and the technology used by the surgeon.
Factors that influence the prices are:
- The degree of visual angle to be corrected: The cost of PRK surgery is generally more expensive for those with severe visual problems
- The type of laser technology used: The latest technologies are generally more expensive than the older ones. Before deciding, you should research the price of the various procedures available in Turkey to understand exactly what to expect.
- The experience of the surgeon and his professional reputation: the cost of the operation in Istanbul clinics may depend on the skills of the ophthalmologist. More experienced surgeons working in renowned clinics and hospitals usually have more expensive rates.
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What is photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)?
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is one of the most advanced refractive surgery techniques available for mild to moderate nearsightedness.
During the procedure, an excimer laser is used to remove a small amount of tissue from the front surface of the central cornea. The laser allows extremely precise reshaping of the corneal surface after mechanically removing a thin layer of tissue. This layer, called the epithelium, regenerates naturally within 24 to 48 hours and conforms to the new, flatter surface created by the laser.
PRK is performed under local anesthesia using eye drops.
Photorefractive keratectomy: In which cases?
Among the various refractive surgery techniques available in Turkey, PRK stands out as an effective solution for correcting various vision disorders.
This technique can be used to correct a wide range of vision disorders, including
- Myopia: PRK can effectively correct myopia up to 5 to 6 diopters. However, beyond these values, the technique begins to lose its precision.
- Astigmatism: This vision disorder distorts vision and blurs images. PRK can be used to treat significant astigmatism with optimal results.
- Hyperopia: PRK can correct mild to moderate hyperopia. For more severe cases, other surgical techniques may be more appropriate.
Advantages of the PRK technique
PRK is recommended for mild to moderate vision defects.
The photorefractive keratectomy procedure offers several advantages:
- Minimally invasive, painless procedure: performed under local anesthesia, the procedure takes only a few minutes per eye.
- High precision of the excimer laser.
- Rapid recovery: Most patients return to their daily activities the next day.
- Excellent visual results: KPR offers high patient satisfaction rates, with significant vision improvement in most cases.
- No corneal flap: Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap, reducing the risk of postoperative complications associated with flap manipulation.
- Alternative to LASIK: PRK is an excellent option for patients whose corneas are too thin for LASIK.
Take the first step to clearer vision! Contact Turquie Santé today for a free teleconsultation and find out if PRK in Turkey is the right solution for you.
PRK operation process in Turkey
The PRK procedure begins by removing the epithelium, a thin protective layer that covers the cornea. This step, performed with a transepithelial technique using the Visx Star S4 IR excimer laser, exposes the cornea without the use of mechanical instruments.
The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea with controlled pulses to correct visual defects.
In the post-operative phase, a therapeutic contact lens is placed over the eye for a few days to protect it during the healing process. This lens is removed a few days later.
Unlike LASIK, PRK can cause more eye pain due to the removal of the epithelium. The cornea heals fairly quickly, usually in three to four days. However, visual recovery is more gradual, taking about two weeks. You'll need to wait a few months for your vision to stabilize completely.
Results of PRK
In the vast majority of cases, the desired results are achieved with photorefractive keratectomy and no additional vision correction is required.
A very small percentage of patients (about 5%) do not achieve the desired results, or there is a regression in vision corrections achieved with PRK. Therefore, it is always necessary to use glasses or contact lenses even if they are less effective.
The reasons why not all patients get the desired result are related to the fact that not all people respond the same way to laser treatment.
However, you can re-treat after 90 days.
Side effects of photorefractive keratectomy
Photorefractive keratectomy is considered to be a very safe procedure. However, even in the case of simple operations, there is no absolute certainty that no complications will occur.
In the case of PRK, complications are very rare. There is a risk of infections. Other problems can result from a delay in epithelialization.
Besides, the corneal epithelium regrows in a few days, but in some cases, it may take more time. It is not a complicated problem, but it is certainly annoying. The patient must extend the period of suspension from normal work and recreational activities.
Corneal opacities may occur in some cases, especially when significant myopia has been treated.
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