A Safe Alternative to LASIK PRK Boston

Happy looking elderly couple smiling and huggingThough LASIK has become a popular, well-known procedure since its success in the field of laser vision correction, photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, was the first laser eye surgery to find widespread application. Like to LASIK, PRK can be used to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism, yet offers a unique set of advantages and may be suitable for patients who have been deemed unfit for other types of refractive surgery. 

The specialists at Sheth-Horsley Eye Center, Drs. Nilesh M. Sheth and Robert Kupsc, provide a comprehensive range of general eye care, including PRK and additional refractive surgeries, to Boston-area patients. Our practice's strict adherence to providing only the highest quality of care brings patients from neighboring communities and states, including New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Connecticut. We urge you to contact our practice to learn more about what PRK can do for you, and schedule a consultation to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. 

What Is PRK?

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a vision correction surgery similar to LASIK. However, unlike LASIK, PRK surgery uses a laser to reshape the surface of the cornea without creating a corneal flap. Dr. Sheth especially recommends this less-invasive option to patients who do not qualify for LASIK due to thin or irregular corneas, as well as those with active lifestyles.

How Does PRK Work?

Similar to LASIK, the success of PRK lies in the implementation of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, refocusing light entering the eye to provide vision correction at a range of distances. However, instead of creating the corneal flap that needed during LASIK procedures, PRK involves the complete removal of the outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelial layer. Using an alcohol solution and blunt surgical instrument, a surgeon gently rubs off the corneal epithelium, allowing access to the deeper tissue that is then systematically re-contoured. After the procedure is complete, roughly 15 minutes for both eyes, a soft contact lens is placed to act as a bandage. The lens is removed after new epithelial cells have grown back, around five days post surgery. 

Benefits of PRK

Because of its unique approach, PRK offers a number of advantages over LASIK. 

Benefits of PRK include:

  • Lowered risk of compromised corneal thickness post surgery
  • Suitable for patients who have been deemed unfit candidate for LASIK due to a thin cornea
  • Risk of corneal flap complications is negated

Similar to any type of refractive surgery, PRK is not without its own set of risks. Compared to LASIK, final vision correction is more slowly achieved since the healing time slightly is longer, a slightly increased level eye discomfort has been reported in the early stages of recovery, and increased inflammation, hazy vision and rates of infection have been observed.

Schedule an Appointment

A thorough examination with a board-certified surgeon trained in PRK is needed to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. The thickness of your cornea, moistness of your eyes and size of your pupils, among other factors, will be evaluated to determine your candidacy. At Sheth-Horsley Eye Center, our experience PRK ensures patients are receiving an unparalleled level of care. 

To undergo an examination to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this type of refractive surgery, please take the time to complete our online contact form. Residents of Massachusetts and neighboring states including New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Connecticut are encouraged to contact our practice and learn more about how we can provide them with lasting vision correction. 

ophthalmologists

Sheth Horsley Eye Center

The ophthalmologists at Sheth Horsley Eye Center have been serving the community's eye care needs for over 50 years. Our doctors are members of various prestigious organizations, including:

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin

To schedule a consultation at one of our three office locations, request an appointment online or call us at (781) 979-0960.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite
Google map image of our location in 3 Woodland Rd Ste 120 Stoneham, MA

Stoneham Office

3 Woodland Rd
Ste 120
Stoneham, MA 02180

Open Today

Google map image of our location in 300 Trade Center Ste 7690 Woburn, MA

Avant LASIK Spa

300 Trade Center
Ste 7690
Woburn, MA 01801

Closed Today

Open one Saturday per month between 9am-1pm.

Google map image of our location in 369 Revolution Drive  Somerville, MA

Parrelli Optical Assembly

369 Revolution Drive
Somerville, MA 02145

Open Today 10:00am - 6:00pm

Inside Parrelli Optical Assembly

Google map image of our location in 1300 Middlesex Turnpike  Burlington, MA

Lenscrafters in Macy's Burlington Mall

1300 Middlesex Turnpike
Burlington, MA 01803

Closed Today

Inside Lenscrafters in Macy's Burlington Mall

Tell us a bit about yourself...

(781) 979-0960 Send a message