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PRK and LASEK for Farsightedness

PRK and LASEK for Farsightedness

Surgery Overview

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for farsightedness, Opens dialog use a laser to reshape the cornea, Opens dialog so that light is refocused on the retina, Opens dialog. The laser reshapes the cornea accurately without damaging nearby tissues. No surgical cut is needed. Either procedure may be used to correct farsightedness and astigmatism, Opens dialog at the same time.

These procedures can be done on an outpatient basis in a surgeon's office or same-day surgery center.

With PRK, surface skin cells of the cornea are removed, and a laser is used to reshape the cornea. The whole procedure, including preparation and surgery, takes about 20 minutes.

With LASEK, the surface layer of the cornea is loosened and pushed to the side. After the laser reshapes the cornea, the surface layer is placed back over the cornea.

PRK and LASEK are sometimes called surface ablation.

Information about PRK and LASEK for Farsightedness

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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