Due to the latest developments excimer laser vision correction is performed with high precision
and the results are excellent and predictable.
Laser treatment types:
There are two types of laser vision correction that we offer: surface ablation, more commonly
known as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and under flap corrections - FemtoLasik. The
excimer laser that alters the refractive power of the cornea, is carried out for each method. The
industry gold standard, FemtoLasik, is the preferred refractive laser treatment of choice
worldwide accounting for over 70% of all refractive procedures carried out, however some
patients are not eligible for this procedure and are offered the best alternative which is the
PRK.
Advantages of PRK include:
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Safe method
Patients with thinner corneas can still have their eye sight corrected
Provides a safe alternative to those who are not eligible for FemtoLasik
Eligibility Test
You are eligible* if:
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you are over 18
Myopic from -1.0D up to -10.0D
Hyperopic from +1.0 up to + 2.5D
Astigmatic from +2.5D up to -4.0D
Have not had significant change in refraction for one year prior to the procedure date
Your eyes no longer tolerate wearing contact lenses
Want to see clearly without your glasses or contact lenses
* This table is intended to serve only as guidance and is not a substitute for a professional eye
examination
Patient Information – PRK SJHB-07 doc 9 V2
Authors: Tanya Costa / Dr Edit Kelemen / Dr Andrea Kovacs
Date: March 2014
Saint James Hospital - Budapest
Contraindications for laser treatment:
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Diabetes
Autoimmune disease
Wound recovery problems, keloid susceptibility
Amblyopia, lazy eye
Cataract/Glaucoma
Pregnancy planned within six months
Nursing mothers
Keratoconus (irregular shaped cornea)
Previous Herpes infection in the eye
Severe dry eye syndrome
Wearing reading-glasses only
PRK – The Procedure
You may be given a mild sedative tablet before surgery, a few anesthetic eye drops will be
applied and the eyelids and area around the eye will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
The surgery is completely painless. You will hear the noise of the laser machine during the
treatment which lasts just a few seconds.
The surgery consists of 2 steps:
1. First we remove the top layer of the cornea (the epithelium) by means of a special
instrument, followed by a few seconds of laser treatment.
2. Subsequently, a therapeutic soft contact lens is placed around the eye and has to be left
there for approximately 3 days.
Mild pain and foreign body sensation may be experienced for 24-72 hours after the surgery.
This discomfort can be improved by pain-relieving drugs. The epithelialization is usually
complete in 3 to 5 days, and then the symptoms disappear. Vision improves gradually following
the treatment, and may be unstable depending on the diopters corrected. Best visual acuity is
restored usually within 1-4 weeks however there are some cases that may take longer to
recover. After surgery, eye drops must be used for a few months and check- ups with the
doctor need to be scheduled. It is advisable to wear sunglasses for UV protection for 2 to 3
months following the surgery. Some eyelid swelling might be present after the surgery and this
will resolve within a few days.
What to prepare before the surgery:
Patient Information – PRK SJHB-07 doc 9 V2
Authors: Tanya Costa / Dr Edit Kelemen / Dr Andrea Kovacs
Date: March 2014
Saint James Hospital - Budapest
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Do not wear any eye make-up
Do not put any face or eye cream
Do not put any perfumes or aftershave
Have someone to accompany you
What to do after PRK:
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You can use eye make-up after 1 week
Protect the eye from water for a week whilst showering
You can swim after two weeks
Do not perform contact sports for 4 weeks
After a week you are allowed to run, ride a bike, do aerobics
Do not rub your eyes for 2 weeks
Sauna after 1 month
Avoid solarium for six months
Put the eye drops as advices by the doctor
Risks and Complications:
Like any other surgery, there may be risks and complications associated with this procedure.
We always do our utmost to ensure that no complications arise and from past studies, we can
say that PRK is considered as a safe and effective procedure.
Dry eyes
Dry eye is a common side effect in post- operative stage. For this reason, it is recommended
that lubricating eye drops are applied to the operated eyes for a three- to six-month period.
Most patients report, however, that they no longer need these eye drops for more than a
month or two after surgery. Very few patients will need to put these drops for a longer period
of time.
Decreased night vision
Risk of decreased night vision is extremely small and nowadays it is rarely documented to
advancement in technology.
Over or Under correction
Over or under correction means that the final outcome will be slightly on the plus or minus
side, which usually evens out with time.
Regression of Refraction
Patient Information – PRK SJHB-07 doc 9 V2
Authors: Tanya Costa / Dr Edit Kelemen / Dr Andrea Kovacs
Date: March 2014
Saint James Hospital - Budapest
This rare condition can occur due to the unpredictable healing that comes with PRK and if it
has to happen, usually it happens with high miopes
Sensitivity to light
There might be an initial sensitivity to light that usually resolves within a few hours.
Haze
Haze is a rare complication but can happen to patients with higher corrections that undergo
PRK. It can be treated by steroid eye drops, but in very rare cases, it does not respond to the
treatment
Infections
Infections are extremely rare and can be prevented by putting the eye drops as advised by our
team and to perform correct hand hygiene.
The bandage lens
Rarely the lens can fall down, if this happens throw it away and do not put it back. You might
experience some more discomfort, but this does not affect the healing time or the vision.
Patient Safety:
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Laser Technician present on site to assist during the procedure
Patient identity checks according to WHO Safe Surgery Checklists
Professional and well trained team with longstanding experience in refractive surgery
Patient Information – PRK SJHB-07 doc 9 V2
Authors: Tanya Costa / Dr Edit Kelemen / Dr Andrea Kovacs
Date: March 2014
Saint James Hospital - Budapest
Patient Information – PRK SJHB-07 doc 9 V2
Authors: Tanya Costa / Dr Edit Kelemen / Dr Andrea Kovacs
Date: March 2014
Saint James Hospital - Budapest