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Trans-PRK
If you desire a life without glasses or contact lenses, laser vision correction may be a good option to restore full vision. Trans-PRK is a further development of the surface treatments LASEK and PRK. It is referred to as "no-touch PRK" because it is a surface procedure that does not require an incision into the cornea. This method is particularly gentle on the tissue and is suitable for patients with a thin cornea, among others.
What is Trans-PRK surgery?
The term Trans-PRK stands for "Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy". Trans-PRK surgery is suitable for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Thus, the scope of application largely corresponds to that of Lasik surgery.
Trans-PRK is a further development of the older PRK and LASEK methods. It is the first eye laser procedure that is performed only with the excimer laser, i.e. without direct contact with the eye. The refractive - and superficial corneal laser treatment is performed within only a few seconds. The so-called flap, which is used in Lasik surgery, is also dispensed with. Due to the gentle and even corneal ablation, the healing phase is faster and less painful compared to the PRK or LASEK method.
Here, pain is to be expected in the first 2 days after the operation. The build-up of visual performance also takes a few days longer than with the Femto-LASIK procedure.
For whom is the trans-PRK procedure suitable?
We recommend the "flap-free" trans-PRK method primarily for patients with a thin cornea. However, it is also suitable for patients who may be exposed to direct damage to the eye due to work or sports. Furthermore, trans-PRK can be performed if the patient wishes to have a non-contact laser surgery.
The treatment spectrum includes the following refractive errors:
- Near-sightedness up to approx. -6 diopters
- Long-sightedness up to approx. +3 diopters
- astigmatism up to approx. 3 diopters
Before laser treatment, we perform comprehensive preliminary examinations. Afterwards, your ophthalmologist will discuss with you whether Trans-PRK surgery or another procedure is best for you. It is important that your dioptric values have remained largely stable over a period of at least one year and that no eye diseases are present.
What is the procedure of the Trans-PRK surgery?
Before the Trans-PRK surgery, various preliminary examinations are necessary, on the basis of which your suitability for the surgery is assessed. Your ophthalmologist will provide you with detailed information about the surgery procedure, possible risks and side effects, and proper aftercare. If you have any questions about your surgery, these will also be discussed with you at your leisure.
The Trans-PRK operation usually takes only a few seconds, since only the excimer laser is used here. After anesthetizing the eyes with eye drops, an eyelid holder is inserted. In only one step, the refractive corneal ablation is performed first in the deeper corneal layers, followed by the surface treatment. After the treatment, a therapeutic contact lens is inserted to protect the eye for the next few days, under which the cornea can regenerate.
Following the trans-PRK surgery, you will be allowed to recover from the laser treatment in our modern facilities. As soon as you feel fit enough, you can leave the eye clinic accompanied. A first follow-up check-up will take place the very next day.
When will I be able to see sharply again after the trans-PRK operation?
After the laser treatment, it takes a few weeks for the eyes to heal completely. However, one week after the operation, vision is usually already largely restored. We perform the final examination about 2 - 3 months after the trans-PRK surgery. The visual acuity result after 2-3 months is comparable to that of Femto-LASIK.
What should be considered after the trans-PRK surgery?
After trans-PRK surgery, you should rest for a few days and not touch your eyes unnecessarily. You should be especially careful when showering and washing. If shower gel or shampoo gets into the eye, you should rinse it with the prescribed wetting drops. Make-up and cosmetics may be used again in the eye area after about a week.
Following the operation, you should temporarily refrain from visiting the sauna and swimming pool. Sports activities may be resumed after about 1 - 3 weeks, depending on the intensity of the stress. During the first few days, you may experience moderate soreness, for which your ophthalmologist will prescribe a medication.
Does trans- PRK surgery have any risks?
Trans-PRK surgery is a safe procedure that involves working only on the surface of the cornea. This allows us to significantly reduce the risk of complications. Wound pain is usually more severe immediately after surgery than with the Lasik procedure, but can be treated well with medication. There is a rare risk of traumatic displacement of the corneal flap with LASIK surgery, but not with the flap-free Trans-PRK procedure.
As with any laser correction of the eyes, undercorrection or overcorrection can occur if too much or too little corneal tissue is removed. Corrective surgery may then be required.