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Patient Education Company
Your doctor has recommended that you undergo Photorefractive Keratectomy - or PRK Laser surgery - to correct a vision problem. But what does that actually mean?
The human eye is constructed like a camera ... with a clear lens in the front and light-sensitive tissue at the rear. This tissue makes up the retina which acts like photographic film.
In an eye that has perfect vision, light rays passing through the pupil are focused by the lens to fall precisely at the center of the retina. There are many common problems that can affect the eye and prevent light rays from focusing properly on the retina.
Three of these problems, myopia - or nearsightedness; hyperopia - or farsightedness; and astigmatism can often be corrected or reduced with the use of PRK laser surgery.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the shape of the eye is too long or the curve of the cornea is too extreme. In this case, light rays are focused on a point in front of the retina - instead of on the retina itself.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, occurs when the shape of the eye is too short. In this case, light rays are focused on a point behind the retina.
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is unevenly curved,
causing light rays to fall off center or not to focus properly at all.
In either case, PRK laser surgery can be used to flatten all or part of the cornea ... allowing your doctor to cause the focal point of light entering the eye to fall more closely to the center of the surface of the retina.
PRK is a simple and nonintrusive procedure that is designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. PRK laser surgery generally does not have any effect on a patient's overall health and there are no risks in choosing not to have the surgery.
Patient Education Company
Your doctor understands that all medical care benefits from close collaboration between physician and patient -- so be sure to review, with your doctor, all risks and alternatives and make sure you understand the reasons behind the recommendation for this particular procedure.
Now let's talk in detail about the procedure your doctor has recommended. That particular recommendation was based on a number of factors:
* the state of your health,
* the severity of your condition,
* an assessment of alternative treatments or procedures and finally,
* the risks associated with doing nothing at all.
And remember, the final decision is up to you. No one can force you to undergo a surgical procedure against your will.
When it comes to treating nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism ...
PRK surgery is a popular option for those who qualify.
The only alternative to surgery is to rely on glasses or contact lenses.
Now I'd like to introduce you to another important member of the medical team -- the nurse.
