Achieve clear, precise vision with PRK in Minneapolis at Chu Vision Institute. Restore your sight and enjoy freedom from glasses and contacts under the care of one of the nation’s leading ophthalmologists, Dr. Ralph Chu, in Minneapolis.
Why Chu Vision for Your PRK Procedure?
- Dr. Chu has decades of experience as a world-class surgeon.
- Unlike many practices, you’ll have an appointment with Dr. Chu before the surgery day.
- Chu Vision has been selected to participate in over 100 trials by the FDA.
- Featured on CBS, ABC, The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, Channel 4 Morning News, and more.
- Chu Vision offers the broadest spectrum of vision correction technologies in Minnesota to help you see and be your best.
- Dr. Chu is a “surgeon’s surgeon,” providing training across the country.
PRK Can Effectively Treat Various Refractive Vision Problems What can PRK Fix?
About PRK
A Proven Approach to Clear Vision
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was the first groundbreaking approach to laser refractive surgery and has granted 20/20 eyesight to millions of men and women across the globe without their having to wear glasses or contact lenses. PRK was performed safely and dependably for around ten years before the development of LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) laser vision correction. Ophthalmologists still perform PRK procedures all the time, primarily for people without the amount of corneal tissue needed (thin corneas) to have a successful LASIK surgery.
How PRK Compares to Other Laser Vision Options
PRK and other laser eye surgery methods are all done to correct or improve refractive errors and vision problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), though PRK surgery is performed a bit differently and requires a longer healing time. The good news is that photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery provides outcomes that equal or even outdo those of other types of laser vision correction surgery. If you or your primary eye care provider thinks you may be a good candidate for PRK, contact our team at Chu Vision Institute in Minneapolis for a thorough assessment.
Candidates for PRK
In most cases, PRK laser eye surgery is reserved for people with a refractive error who would like to get laser vision surgery but don’t have sufficient corneal tissue for LASIK. PRK could also be a more suitable surgery for patients with certain eye conditions or for those who have a higher chance of eye injury due to a very active lifestyle, hazardous working environments, or taking part in aggressive sports.
Laser eye surgery candidates must be at least 18 years old to ensure their eyes are completely mature and have had a stable corrective lens prescription for one year. Your expert eye surgeon will conduct a thorough eye assessment and consider any recent or existing medical issues to establish whether PRK is an ideal solution for every patient.
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Results After PRK
After PRK, patients will need to return to our office in the Twin Cities for 2-3 follow-ups. The first follow-up will be the day following your photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), the second will be about a week after, and the third will be about two months post-surgery. These appointments are crucial when it comes to keeping an eye on each patient’s healing process, looking for any unanticipated reactions, and dealing with any possible discomfort.
Dependable Vision Correction PRK in Twin Cities, Bloomington, and Minneapolis, MN
Photorefractive keratectomy has allowed patients to achieve great vision for many decades. For individuals who have been disappointed that they weren’t ideal candidates for LASIK, a PRK procedure may be the perfect answer. At Chu Vision Institute, our fantastic team has proudly delivered great vision to numerous patients in Minnesota. Call us to schedule an appointment so we can tell you whether PRK in the Minneapolis, Twin Cities, & Bloomington area at Chu Vision Institute is the ideal choice for you to get rid of your glasses and contacts.
"I got eye surgery before my wedding. I didn’t want to worry about glasses or contacts for my special day. Just go in and get a consultation!
Getting eye surgery is not something you want to use a coupon on. You want someone who has done these procedures 1000s of times. During my consultation, they did a very comprehensive exam. They took the time to answer all my questions."
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PRK All Your Questions Answered
Does PRK hurt?
The majority of patients may anticipate experiencing some discomfort or minor pain for up to three days after their PRK laser eye surgery. Most of the time, frequent dosages of over-the-counter pain medication may be used to treat this. In some instances, your refractive surgeon may prescribe eye drops for pain relief. While some discomfort may be experienced, on the whole, it is quite tolerable and, most patients agree, well worth the improved vision afterward.
Does PRK wear off?
Your PRK continues to provide the same results permanently and does not diminish with time. Your vision correction is permanent after your eyes have stabilized, which often takes three to six months. However, this does not mean that your eyesight won’t change. Age-related reading vision loss, called presbyopia, is common, and PRK doesn’t stop it. Additionally, more than simply the cornea, other elements of the eye contribute to vision. Your eyesight may alter as a result of changes to the eye’s other structures, such as the early development of a cataract. However, we often discover that eyesight remains great for many years or even decades following PRK. When you get older, it’s possible to undergo an enhancement surgery to restore your superb eyesight without using glasses.
How long does the PRK take?
From start to finish, the PRK procedure takes only about 10 to 15 minutes. You should plan to be at the eye center for 2-3 hours the day of your photorefractive keratectomy procedure to complete any paperwork before the surgery and allow time for recovery afterward.
What if I blink or move during PRK?
The team at Chu Vision Institute will deliver numbing eye drops prior to starting your PRK laser procedure. This not only prevents discomfort, but it also restricts the urge to blink. Additionally, a small device is used to hold the eyelid open so the surgeon may reach the treatment area and prevent the possibility of any blinking. We’ll keep your eyes moisturized so they don’t dry out as your refractive surgeon works. When the surgery starts, a light appears. Throughout the course of the treatment, patients are asked to fixate on this light. Throughout the whole surgery, your eye doctor keeps a careful check on the eye’s movement. Additionally, a built-in eye tracker follows each little eye movement. The device immediately turns off in the very rare case that a patient looks away, coughs, or sneezes. These factors make the danger of blinking or moving the eye during LASIK or PRK almost nonexistent. Even if you do move, safety precautions are in place to ensure your safety and avoid problems.
Does insurance cover PRK?
Since PRK is seen as an optional or elective procedure, insurance may not cover it. Similar to LASIK, your vision insurance may partly cover some of the preliminary scans or examinations leading up to PRK, but the price of the procedure itself is probably not going to be covered. However, you should still get in touch with your insurance provider to find out what aspects of PRK could be covered.
Can I Use My HSA or FSA for PRK?
Yes, you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for the cost of PRK. A PRK procedure is an FSA- or HSA-eligible medical expense. You may utilize a health or flexible spending account provided by your employer to pay for PRK.
Who is a good candidate for PRK?
People with refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) who want to attain excellent vision without the need for contact lenses or corrective glasses are the best candidates for PRK. They should be generally in excellent health and over the age of 18. Patients who are interested in LASIK but aren’t ideal candidates because of thin corneas or shape may be better candidates for PRK in certain circumstances. PRK is very similar to LASIK and is a good option for laser vision correction for many people. Call our office to schedule your consultation and see if PRK is right for you.
When can I return to work after PRK?
The majority of our PRK patients have a reasonably fast recovery period and return to work within a few days following surgery. Your eyesight will normally become clear the next day, and over the following weeks, blurry vision becomes progressively clearer. Your eye surgeon will let you know at your follow-up appointment when it is safe for you to return to work.