PRK2024-11-18T11:08:23-05:00

Say goodbye to glasses and contacts with PRK surgery in Indianapolis

PRK is a safe, surface-based laser treatment that reshapes your cornea, offering a permanent solution for clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts

Say goodbye to glasses and contacts with PRK surgery in Indianapolis

PRK is a safe, surface-based laser treatment that reshapes your cornea, offering a permanent solution for clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts

With PRK, patients can experience clear vision without glasses and contacts

Explore answers to common questions about PRK surgery and discover how this laser treatment can provide lasting freedom from glasses and contacts

PRK for Nearsightedness

  • When a person is nearsighted, the eye is anatomically too long for the shape of that person’s cornea; therefore, the rays of light fall short of the person’s retina. This results in blurry vision for the patient.
  • To correct this blurry vision a patient can wear corrective lenses or potentially have PRK. With PRK, the corneal surface is flattened with a cool laser beam to alter the path of the light rays. The results are that the rays of light now land in focus onto the retina giving a clear picture of the world to the patient.

PRK for Farsightedness

  • With PRK, the corneal surface is steepened with a cool laser beam to alter the path of the light rays. The results are that the rays of light now land in focus onto the retina giving a clear picture of the world to the patient.

PRK for Astigmatism

  • When a person has astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball, causing distortion to both distance and near vision. With PRK, the corneal surface is reshaped to be spherical so the light rays bend in the correct fashion to focus the light which results in a clear picture.

PRK is a very similar procedure to LASIK. The most significant difference between LASIK and PRK is the way the top surface of the cornea, called the epithelium, is removed. This type of removal prolongs the healing process by a few days, but the results are exactly the same as LASIK over time. PRK works by reshaping the front surface of the eye called the cornea so the light rays that enter the eye bend in the correct way to give good vision.

Advantages of PRK:

  • No corneal flap: PRK doesn’t involve creating a flap in the cornea, making it an excellent option for those with thin or irregular corneas.
  • Reduced risk of flap complications: Since PRK doesn’t require a corneal flap, there’s a lower risk of complications related to flap movement or dislocation.
  • Strong long-term stability: PRK provides lasting vision correction results with a reduced risk of corneal weakening over time.

Disadvantages of PRK:

  • Longer recovery time: PRK has a longer healing period compared to LASIK, with full vision clarity taking several weeks.
  • Initial discomfort: Patients may experience more discomfort and sensitivity in the first few days after the procedure as the corneal surface heals.
  • Slower vision improvement: Vision improvement with PRK can be gradual, requiring patience as clarity gradually enhances over time
  • PRK risks are temporary – typically subsiding over a 3 month period
  • After PRK, your best possible vision with glasses may be slightly less sharp than it was before.
  • At night, you might experience halos or glare around lights, or even occasional double vision.
  • Dryness is also common, and in some cases, it may persist for an extended period.
  • Additionally, as you age or if you’re naturally farsighted, the effectiveness of the surgery may diminish over time.

For those considering vision correction, alternatives to PRK include LASIK and SMILE.

LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea to reshape the inner tissue, allowing for a quicker recovery than PRK. However, LASIK may not be ideal for individuals with thin corneas.

SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that reshapes the cornea by removing a tiny disc-shaped piece, providing a gentler approach and faster healing with reduced impact on the corneal surface.

Each option offers distinct benefits depending on eye health, lifestyle, and vision needs, which can be explored in consultation with an eye specialist.

  1. Arrive on time
    Plan to arrive at your scheduled check-in time.
  2. Confirm payment
    Complete the financial arrangements for your procedure.
  3. Overview session
    Meet with our doctors and staff to review your procedure and the plans for your post-operative care.
  4. Meet the surgeon
    Meet with your surgeon to go over the detailed plan for your procedure.
  5. Prepare for the procedure
    Receive relaxation medication to reduce your anxiety and Aleve to decrease discomfort after your procedure. Please let our doctors and staff know if you would prefer not to take the relaxation medication.
  6. The procedure
    The procedure takes 5-10 minutes per eye. Only numbing eye drops are used as an anesthetic. Our team will make sure you are comfortable and will talk you through the entire process.
  7. After the procedure
    After a final check by one of our doctors, you will be on your way home to rest with your eyes closed for the first several hours. You may take the additional relaxation medication that is provided if necessary to help you relax or sleep.

Total office time is approximately 1.5-2 hours.

PRK delivers excellent, long-lasting vision correction results, often eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. While the healing process takes longer than LASIK, most patients achieve clear, stable vision within a few weeks. PRK is ideal for individuals with thin or irregular corneas, offering dependable clarity and improved quality of life.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

  1. Decrease caffeine intake
    On the day of your procedure, please consume only a minimal amount of caffeine prior to your procedure. It is best that you are able to sleep after your procedure to help in the healing process.
  2. Minimize your morning routine
    Do not wear any makeup, hair products, perfume, aftershave or lotion on the day of your procedure.
  3. Follow your normal meal schedule
    Do not change your eating habits prior to the procedure. Please discuss any medications you are currently taking with your doctor prior to the day of your procedure.
  4. Bring a friend
    It will be necessary to arrange for someone to bring you in for the procedure and pick you up once the procedure is completed. Your guest is more than welcome to accompany you through your procedure. If they wish, they may watch your procedure live from our “friends and family viewing area.” If your guest chooses not to view the procedure, they may wait in our comfortable lounge or simply return to the center one hour after your arrival time.
  5. Review the informed consent document
    Take the time to read the Informed Consent document prior to the day of your procedure. Please do not sign the document until you are with your surgeon on the day of your procedure. Additionally, if you happen to develop a cold sore the week of your surgery, please call us to let us know. For your safety, it may be best to reschedule your procedure if you have a cold sore.

Am I a candidate for PRK?

If you wear glasses or contacts but otherwise have healthy eyes, the majority – over 90% – of patients interested in PRK are candidates.

At Elite LASIK & Cataract, however, we have specific technologies that are used to make sure the cornea qualifies and is safe for procedure. These are technologies that not readily available in most primary care eye doctor offices. In addition, Elite LASIK & Cataract is dedicated to following the patient qualification standards set out by the American Academy of Ophthalmology for the PRK procedure.

How does PRK work?

PRK works by reshaping the cornea (front surface of the eye). The top layer of cells on the eye are dissolved with an alcohol solution, then the surgeon reshapes the cornea with a laser, and places a bandage contact lens (which will be removed in a week) on the cornea.

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3 simple steps to clear, unaided vision

LASIK surgery doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve made the journey clear, comfortable, and tailored just for you

Step 1: GET IN TOUCH

Ready to see if laser vision correction is right for you? Start by contacting our dedicated team. Call us at (463) 276-6137 or schedule a free face-to-face consultation or virtual consultation through our online calendar to begin your journey toward exceptional vision care.

Step 2: WE’LL MEET

During your consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough eye assessment, discuss your vision goals, and address any questions. You’ll receive a personalized recommendation for the most advanced treatment option, designed to fit your lifestyle and vision needs with premium care every step of the way.

Step 3: ENJOY FREEDOM

Following your treatment, enjoy the freedom of clear vision without glasses or contacts. Many patients are delighted by the immediate impact on their daily life, experiencing a brighter, more seamless way to see the world. Welcome to the ease and luxury of living without vision barriers!

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Thousands of delighted patients have freed themselves from glasses and contacts

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Our Partnerships & Community Services

As a company who is dedicated to providing the best refractive vision correction for our community, we are passionate about partnering with local organizations who share our values.

Diana Fisher

Board-Certified Optometrist, Dry Eye Specialist

“I have over 15 years of experience treating dry eye, focusing on personalized care to enhance patients’ eye health, comfort, and prevent related conditions.”

Padma Ponugoti, MD

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Cataract & Glaucoma Specialist

“My goal is to provide patients with the best possible vision through personalized surgical care.”

Amelia Huang, MD

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Refractive Surgery Specialist

“Eye surgery is a precise skill that combines expertise with cutting-edge technology. I’m committed to providing a personalized approach that fits your unique needs and vision goals.”

Scott Wentz, MD

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Refractive Surgery Specialist

“I offer advanced vision correction like LASIK and SMILE, using my medical and chemistry background to provide a detail-oriented approach for optimal patient results.

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