An experienced specialist in PRK surgery in Melbourne

Dr Anton van Heerden has been performing high precision PRK surgery in Melbourne for years. Despite being an older technique, PRK for our Melbourne patients is still a safe and effective method of offering you a chance to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Call Dr van Heerden and his team at Eye Laser Specialists today to book your initial consultation.

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What is the Benefit of PRK?

Our Melbourne laser clinic at Eye Laser Specialists is fully equipped with the latest in refractive surgery technology, including a high precision excimer laser.

PRK is short for photorefractive keratectomy. Alongside newer procedures such as LASIK and SMILE, PRK surgery in our Melbourne clinic has achieved great success in offering our valued patients freedom from the inconvenience of glasses and contacts.

PRK is most suitable for patients with thinner corneal thicknesses who may be ineligible for other refractive procedures such as LASIK.

The PRK Procedure

PRK surgery with our Melbourne team of highly trained clinicians and experienced eye surgeon, Dr van Heerden, is always preceded by a comprehensive initial consultation. This consultation is designed to assess your eligibility for laser eye surgery, including PRK. Melbourne patients and those travelling from further afield are invited to make an appointment for this initial examination where we can discuss your options for glasses and contact lens-free vision. Patients whose eyes are found to be unsuitable for PRK eye surgery will be counselled towards another solution.

PRK is an excellent option for thinner corneas. Unlike LASIK, which requires the creation of a corneal flap, PRK involves the removal of only the superficial corneal epithelium. This means there is more corneal tissue available for reshaping by the excimer laser. The modified shape of the cornea adjusts how light passes through it, resulting in clear, crisp vision without glasses or contacts.

PRK surgery in our Melbourne clinic is performed under topical anaesthesia. After your procedure, a soft contact lens will be placed over your eyes as a protective bandage. You will also be given a set of post-operative instructions to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is my prescription suitable for PRK?

As a general rule of thumb, prescriptions of -1.00 to -10.00D of short-sightedness (myopia), up to +4.00D of long-sightedness (hyperopia), and up to -4.00D of astigmatism can be treated with PRK. However, your corneal thickness must also be factored into determining your suitability, even if your prescription falls within these ranges.

Can I get rid of my glasses and contacts completely if I have PRK?

Our Melbourne patients benefit from significantly increased freedom from glasses and contact lenses after their procedure. However, due to the natural changes in the focusing ability of the ageing eye, you will still need to wear reading glasses for near vision as you get older.

What can I expect during my recovery?

After your PRK operation, Dr van Heerden and his clinical team will ensure you understand all the post-operative guidelines. These include activities to avoid, such as strenuous work or being exposed to dusty environments, and how often to use your eye drop medications. After your procedure, your eye may feel gritty and your vision may be slightly blurry. Your vision will usually be clear enough to return to work or driving within the week.

What’s the difference between LASIK and PRK?

PRK is an older technique compared to LASIK, though both laser eye surgery procedures are capable of achieving excellent visual results. The LASIK technique forms a flap of corneal tissue while the PRK method removes only the top layer of cells. This makes PRK more suitable for patients with thinner corneas, and also those whose hobbies or work may put them at risk of flap-related complications if they were to undergo LASIK. An example of this may be a boxer having the corneal flap dislodged during a spar or a construction worker getting dirt particles caught under the flap.

How much does PRK cost with Dr van Heerden?

The costs of your procedure are most accurately quoted after you have attended your initial consultation. To make laser eye surgery accessible for everyone, we accept multiple forms of payment, including payment plans, and accept all private health funds.

Book your initial consultation with Dr van Heerden now.

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Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.