Eye Doctor in Lebanon, Oregon

What is PRK Surgery?

PRK Surgery (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of laser eye surgery that is used to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. PRK is an alternative to LASIK eye surgery and is particularly suitable for individuals who may not be candidates for LASIK due to certain corneal characteristics.

Overview of the PRK surgery process:

1. Corneal Epithelium Removal:
   • In PRK, the surgeon begins by removing the thin outer layer of the cornea called the epithelium. This can be done using an alcohol solution, a special brush, or a laser.
2. Laser Reshaping of the Cornea:
   • Once the epithelium is removed, a laser is used to precisely reshape the cornea. The laser ablates or removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue based on the patient’s refractive error. The goal is to correct the curvature of the cornea and improve the focus of light on the retina.
3. Healing Process:
   • Unlike LASIK, where a corneal flap is created, PRK does not involve creating a flap. Instead, the corneal surface is allowed to regenerate naturally. The healing process involves the growth of new epithelial cells over the treated area.
4. Post-operative Care:
   • Following PRK surgery, patients are given medicated eye drops to aid in the healing process and prevent infection. Recovery may take a bit longer compared to LASIK, and patients may experience temporary discomfort during the initial days.

Key considerations for PRK surgery include:

• Corneal Thickness: PRK may be a suitable option for individuals with thinner corneas who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK.
• Occupational Considerations: PRK may be recommended for individuals with occupations or lifestyles that carry a risk of corneal injury, as it eliminates the creation of a corneal flap.
• Healing Time: The initial visual recovery may take longer with PRK compared to LASIK. Patients typically experience optimal vision several weeks after the procedure.

PRK is a well-established and effective procedure for vision correction, and its suitability depends on individual factors. It’s important to consult with an experienced refractive surgeon or eye care professional to determine the most appropriate laser eye surgery option based on your eye health and lifestyle.

Keratoconus is a progressive disease of the cornea. With collagen cross-linking (CXL), you can halt the progression of keratoconus by strengthening your cornea.

Dry eye is an irritating, painful, and common condition in which the eye fails to properly produce quality tears. When left untreated, it may lead to ulcers and scars on the cornea.

Depending on the severity of your condition, there are a variety of treatments to relieve dry eyes.

The surgical implantation of intracorneal ring segments or Intacs® is a minimally invasive surgical option to improve the corneal shape in patients with keratoconus.

Intacs® are surgically inserted into a thin channel created by a femtosecond laser in the periphery of the cornea. Intacs® is also known as surgical implantation of intracorneal ring segments.

Pterygium surgery is performed under topical anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

When irreversible damage to the cornea is caused, from either infection or trauma, corneal transplant or Keratoplasty may be the ideal option

A full check of how well you see and how your eyes are working together, ending with an accurate prescription for glasses or contacts. It’s also the visit where we catch early signs of problems you can’t feel yet, which is why we recommend it annually even when nothing seems wrong.

More than a vision check, a medical eye exam looks for disease and infection — glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic changes, and conditions that show no symptoms until they’ve already done damage. Whether we’re investigating something new or monitoring a diagnosis you already have, we track what’s changing and treat it early.

Metal shavings, wood, glass, grit — when something gets embedded in the eye or under the lid, it needs to come out promptly to prevent scarring and infection. We remove foreign bodies in-office, usually the same day you call.

A contact lens prescription isn’t the same as a glasses prescription; it requires measuring the curve and surface of your eye so the lens sits correctly and stays comfortable all day. We fit standard soft lenses as well as specialty options for astigmatism, presbyopia, and eyes that have struggled with contacts before.