PRK

Vision Correction Experts

PRK Vision Correction at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado

The LASIK Partners
of the
Denver Broncos

What Can What Can PRK Correct?

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) was actually the first type of vision correction procedure approved by the FDA in 1995 to reshape the cornea (even before LASIK). Since then millions of PRK procedures have been performed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, helping most patients see more clearly without glasses or contacts.

Patients who are not good candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or other conditions may be good candidates for PRK and end up with clear vision like most LASIK patients. At the heart of the procedures, both LASIK and PRK involve the use of an excimer laser to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue to create a more ideal shape and correct a refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism). This allows light to focus on the retina for clear vision.

What Are The Steps of PRK?

Prior to any PRK procedure, our team takes precise measurements of the individual curvature of your cornea and microscopic nuances of your eye anatomy. We use Wavescan 3D mapping to create a blueprint of your eye. This is used to guide your treatment to produce the best vision results.

Because your eyes need time to recover an intact outer layer on the cornea, expect to take several days off from work to recover from PRK. Your best vision results will probably take longer to achieve, but most patients are able to return to non-strenuous activities after 1-2 weeks. It is important to keep your follow-up visits so your doctor can monitor your progress.

LASIK Procedure Step 1 in Northern Colorado

Step 1

Anesthetic eye drops are administered to numb your eyes. A lid speculum is used to keep your eyes open.

LASIK Procedure Step 2 in Northern Colorado

Step 2

Your doctor gently removes your cornea’s outer (epithelial) layer to allow access to the underlying tissue.

LASIK Procedure Step 3 in Northern Colorado

Step 3

A laser is used to reshape your cornea according to your unique refractive error. Only miniscule amounts of corneal tissue need to be removed in most cases. We use the WaveLight EX500® laser for this step. The procedure takes only minutes to complete on both eyes and it is virtually painless.

Step 4

A contact lens is temporarily placed on the cornea to protect the eye as the epithelial cells regenerate.

How Different Is PRK From LASIK?

LASIK: your doctor creates a hinged corneal flap that is folded back for excimer laser treatment and then replaced on the cornea where it begins to heal immediately.

PRK: your doctor removes a thin layer of tissue on the cornea (the epithelium). After the excimer laser treatment is complete, the epithelium needs time to grow back, which typically takes 3-5 days.

Leading Vision Correction Technology

The Eye Center of Northern Colorado is the only vision correction provider in the region to offer multiple vision correction platforms on-site.

No two eyes are exactly the same. No singular vision correction technology can provide the very best outcomes for every unique set of eyes.

This gives our doctors the flexibility to select the right technology to correct your vision imperfections with greater accuracy and safety than ever before. The entire vision correction experience is customized from start to finish. We offer today’s most advanced, FDA-approved lasers for your procedure.

How Life Can Change After PRK?

Millions of people enjoy clearer, crisper vision than they ever imagined after having PRK. For those leading active lifestyles, the freedom of life without the hassle of contacts or glasses is greatly rewarding. Even waking up every morning with clear sight can be truly life-changing. Lastly, the ongoing expenses and hassles of buying contacts and new glasses may be eliminated by investing in the one-time cost of PRK.

Call us today to schedule a free Consultation to see if you are a candidate.

SMILE Vision Correction Procedure in Northern Colorado

Why Choose us for PRK Vision Correction?

The team at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado has performed over 50,000 refractive surgery procedures, helping thousands of people see more clearly. Our northern Colorado PRK doctors are board-certified and fellowship-trained, so you can rest assured that you will be placing your eye health in good hands. We take time to fully research new technologies and implement the very best options for our patients. In fact, we are the only vision correction provider in northern Colorado to offer multiple vision correction platforms on-site. This allows us to select the right technology to correct your vision imperfections with greater accuracy and safety than ever before.

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Meet Our Doctors

Ophthalmologists at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado are fellowship-trained and offer care in many areas of specialty, medical, and surgical care.

FAQs -  Laser Vision Correction

Modern Laser Vision Correction technologies can correct astigmatism for most patients. A complete Laser Vision Correction exam is required to let you know for sure if Laser Vision Correction will work for you.

Laser Vision Correction is virtually painless for most patients. Your eyes are numbed with anesthetic eye drops before the procedure. Some patients feel a pressure sensation during the procedure.

Not everyone is a good candidate for Laser Vision Correction, but there may be other procedures that can be performed to enhance your vision. Our team can discuss those options in depth so you can decide what procedure might meet your vision goals.

Risks of Laser Vision Correction surgery include but are not limited to glare, halos, dry eye, vision loss, under-correction, over-correction, need for glasses after surgery, and infection. During your consultation, your surgeon can talk in depth about the risks associated with laser vision correction.

Most people are able to resume their normal activities the next day following the procedure.
Laser Vision Correction is a permanent vision correction. However, you can still experience other changes in your vision over time. For example, presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) affects most people over age 40, regardless of how clear your vision has been in the past.

Patient Testimonials

If you have a baby with eye problems, this is the place to go and Dr. Patrick Arnold is the man to see. Our nine-month-old son has exotropia and today he had the surgery to help fix it. Everything went as perfectly as any parent sending their baby into surgery could possibly hope for. I’m mostly writing this review as a thank you to the nurses we worked with when we were in there.
Ashlie S.
Pediatrics Eye Care
I do a lot of outdoor activities in Colorado and with the dry air, my contact lenses were almost unbearable at times. That led me to looking in having LASIK surgery. The process was smooth and convenient. Now I can enjoy my activities with clear vision and pain free.
Dr. David Sehr
LASIK Surgery
Dr. Arnold has been our saving grace with our son. We were referred to him by our eye doctor in Cheyenne, WY when we could get to the bottom of why my son’s eye wasn’t healing from what we thought were scratches. He has taken such great care of our son. He is so patient and makes the young patients and their parents feel as ease. So thankful for him.
Jason R.
Pediatrics Eye Care
As a radiologist, my career depends on my vision. I had always wanted to rid myself of my glasses but was hesitant to take the plunge. After several of my partners had the procedure done and reported great results, I had my LASIK done with Dr. Robinson. After wearing glasses for 35 years, it is wonderful to be able to see the world without them.
Bruce Berkowitz, MD
LASIK Surgery
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