In photorefractive keratectomy, the doctor uses an excimer laser to remove a thin layer of tissue from the center of the cornea. The laser produces a uniform, concentrated beam of high energy ultraviolet light that is precisely focused onto the cornea. During the procedure, the laser's light energy is converted into chemical energy which evaporates molecules of corneal tissue in very precise amounts.

By altering the curvature of the cornea in this way, PRK helps reduce or eliminate moderate nearsightedness and astigmatism.

Candidates for PRK should be at least 18 years old, have stable vision and no abnormalities of the cornea or external eye.

Back to Procedures and New Technologies for the Eye