Trans PRK Method
Transepithelial Photo Refractive Keratectomy
What exactly is the trans PRK method?
Trans PRK method (Transepithelial Photo Refractive Keratectomy), also known as no – touch photo – refractive keratectomy, utilizes excimer laser technology and has been successfully used in recent years in laser refractive procedures to correct common refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism).
Trans PRK technique in fact replaced traditional PRK, where surgeons used alcohol to remove the anterior corneal membrane (epithelium), through scraping and then performed refractive correction with the excimer laser.
Traditional PRK is also a very successful method in laser refractive procedures with the only notable drawback some postoperative discomfort until the epithelium regenerates (the human body has the ability to re – epithelialize within a few days). PRK method requires a longer recovery time and stabilization period for postoperative refractive results compared to the femto – LASIK technique. However, for some candidates, PRK or trans PRK method is the only option, as they may not have the desired corneal thickness (pachymetry) to allow the creation of a corneal flap during a Femto – LASIK procedure. Even those patients achieve excellent results after the procedure, though it requires a bit more cooperation and patience.
What are the basic steps of the trans PRK method in a laser refractive procedure?
In trans PRK method, the procedure is straightforward and easy intraoperatively. Without using any surgical tools or touching the eyes (also known as the no – touch method), the excimer laser technology will complete the removal of the epithelium (anterior corneal membrane) and the refractive correction in a single automated step, based on the patient’s refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) and according to the correction profile programmed into the excimer laser. At the end of the procedure, a therapeutic contact lens without prescription will be placed on each eye, obviously for protection, as the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) has been removed. The lens is removed a few days later by your ophthalmologist.
What are the advantages of the trans PRK method?
Today, millions of laser refractive procedures are performed by using the trans PRK method and excimer laser technology. The advent of trans PRK method represents a significant innovation in the field of laser correction for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The major advantages of trans PRK method include:
Reduced postoperative pain and discomfort compared to traditional PRK
High safety during surgery, as nothing touches the eyes (no – touch method).
Applicability of the method even in thin corneas (where there is insufficient thickness – pachymetry)
Combination of the technique with corneal cross linking (CXL) in cases with keratoconus
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