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PRK Eye Surgery London

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The Leading PRK Surgery Clinic in London

If you’re considering laser eye surgery for issues such as dry eyes, blurry vision or refractive errors like short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about which procedure is right for you. With several options available — including Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), often referred to simply as PRK surgery, as well as LASIK, SMILE and LASEK — each one is designed for different corneal shapes and eye conditions, which can make the choice feel overwhelming.

Choosing the wrong type of laser eye surgery isn’t just inconvenient; it can affect your visual outcome and increase the risk of problems such as worsening dry eyes, a slower recovery or visual disturbances. That’s why this decision should be based on a detailed clinical assessment rather than guesswork.

At Eye Clinic London, we use advanced diagnostics and corneal imaging to assess your eye health, including factors like corneal thickness, dryness and refractive stability, before recommending PRK surgery (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or an alternative treatment. Our goal is to match you with the safest and most effective procedure for your specific condition, ensuring minimal risk and the best long-term clarity possible.

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When it comes to your vision, there’s no room for error. Whether you’re considering PRK, LASIK, LASEK, SMILE, or another type of refractive eye surgery, selecting the right procedure is critical to achieving long-term visual clarity. At Eye Clinic London, our experienced eye surgeon, Mr. Hamada, takes the time to thoroughly evaluate your eyes, using state-of-the-art diagnostics to recommend the procedure that will provide the most effective and safe outcome for your specific needs.

So, if you are you considering laser eye surgery but unsure whether LASIK, LASEK, SMILE or PRK is the best option for you, you are not alone – many patients face this decision. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), however, is one of the earliest forms of laser eye surgery and continues to be the preferred choice for those with thinner corneas and a highly effective choice for those with specific eye conditions. If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for other laser eye surgeries like LASIK, PRK offers a flap-free alternative, providing long-term vision correction with impressive results.

What Makes PRK Eye Surgery

Developed in the 1980s, PRK was the first FDA-approved form of laser eye surgery, setting the standard for modern vision correction techniques. While LASIK remains popular, PRK is often the preferred choice for patients who need laser eye surgery without the creation of a corneal flap. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those with thinner corneas or dry eyes. PRK is an excellent solution where precision and safety are key.

At Eye Clinic London, PRK is one of our primary laser eye surgery options, ensuring that patients receive the best care under the guidance of Mr. Hamada, an experienced eye surgeon with over 25 years of expertise in the field. Whether you need PRK, LASIK, or another form of laser eye surgery, we provide a thorough diagnostic process to determine the most suitable treatment.

Why Do Patients Choose PRK Eye Surgery?

PRK is a versatile procedure, commonly chosen by patients to treat various refractive errors. The majority of people undergoing PRK laser eye surgery do so to correct myopia, which accounts for about 70-80% of PRK treatments. Around 15-20% of PRK procedures are performed to correct astigmatism, while 5-10% of patients seek PRK to treat hyperopia (farsightedness). These figures demonstrate how PRK can successfully address a wide range of visual impairments, making it a flexible and effective option for many patients.

How Does PRK Compare to Other Eye Surgeries?

Wondering how PRK stands out against LASIK or SMILE? While LASIK is often the go-to choice for quick recovery, PRK provides the same long-term visual results without the need for a corneal flap. PRK also tends to have fewer issues related to dry eye post-surgery, making it a better option for certain patients. At Eye Clinic London, we ensure that you’re treated by an experienced eye surgeon who can explain all the options and recommend the best course of laser eye surgery for your individual case.

Benefits of PRK Eye Surgery

Safe and effective for individuals with thinner corneas.
No corneal flap, reducing the risk of flap-related complications.
Suitable for patients with dry eyes, as PRK has a lower impact on tear production compared to LASIK.

Long-term visual outcomes similar to other forms of laser eye surgery.
A trusted procedure used for decades, with millions of successful surgeries performed globally.

When considering laser eye surgery, it’s important to work with an experienced eye surgeon who understands your unique needs. At Eye Clinic London, we provide personalised care that’s focused on ensuring the best possible results for your eye surgery.

Are You Suitable for PRK Eye Surgery?

PRK eye surgery can correct a variety of refractive errors, making it suitable for many patients. It is particularly effective in treating:

Myopia (nearsightedness): PRK can correct mild to moderate myopia, typically up to around -8.00 diopters.
Hyperopia (farsightedness): PRK is also suitable for treating mild hyperopia, generally up to +3.00 diopters.
Astigmatism: PRK can correct mild to moderate astigmatism, up to about 4.00 diopters.

However, PRK may not be the best option for patients with very high prescriptions, especially those with severe myopia exceeding -8.00 diopters or extreme astigmatism beyond 4.00 diopters. In such cases, alternatives like Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or implantable contact lenses (ICL) might be more appropriate.

If you’ve been told that you’re not a suitable candidate for LASIK due to thin corneas, PRK may be the ideal eye surgery for you. It’s also a great option for patients with dry eyes, as the procedure tends to have fewer effects on tear production. Our eye surgeon will assess your specific case during your consultation to determine whether PRK is the right eye surgery for you.

What to Expect: PRK Eye Surgery Step-by-Step

One of the biggest advantages of LASIK eye surgery is its simplicity. The procedure itself is quick—typically lasting only about 15 minutes for both eyes—and the recovery time is impressively short. Here’s what happens during a typical LASIK surgery:

01.

Preparation:

Your eye surgeon will administer numbing drops to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

02.

Epithelium Removal:

The eye surgeon will carefully remove the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) to expose the underlying tissue.

03.

Laser Reshaping:

Using an excimer laser, the eye surgeon reshapes the cornea to correct your vision. This is the same type of laser used in LASIK.

04.

Healing:

A protective contact lens is placed on the eye to aid in the healing process as the epithelium regenerates over a few days.

Understanding the Risks and Complications of PRK Eye Surgery

While PRK is one of the safest forms of eye surgery, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:

Initial discomfort or blurred vision as the eye heals.
Increased light sensitivity in the days following surgery.
A longer recovery time compared to LASIK, with full visual recovery taking several weeks or even months.

At Eye Clinic London, your eye surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize risks. With our expertise and modern technology, we take every measure to ensure your PRK eye surgery results in the best possible outcome.

How Will PRK Change Your Life?

After PRK eye surgery, many patients experience life-changing improvements in their vision, allowing them to reduce or completely eliminate their need for glasses or contact lenses. With the expertise of our eye surgeon and the latest technology, you can trust that you’re receiving the highest standard of care.

Why Choose Eye Clinic London for Your PRK Eye Surgery?

At Eye Clinic London, we don’t just perform eye surgery—we ensure that you receive the most appropriate procedure based on your specific eye condition. Our advanced diagnostics and thorough assessments guarantee that you’ll only undergo the procedure that is truly suited to you, whether it’s PRK, LASIK, or another type of eye surgery. Mr. Hamada, our highly skilled eye surgeon, has over 25 years of experience in performing complex eye surgeries and will be with you every step of the way.

Our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, combined with the expertise of our eye surgeon, ensure that you receive a tailored treatment plan designed to give you the best visual outcome. We’ll never recommend a procedure just because it’s popular—we only recommend what’s right for you.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re ready to explore clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses, get in touch with us at Eye Clinic London to arrange your PRK consultation. We’ll help you understand whether PRK surgery is the right choice for your eyes and guide you through the first steps towards long-lasting visual clarity.

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Frequently Asked Questions About PRK Surgery in London

Proper preparation is essential to ensure the best outcomes from Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get ready:

1. How does PRK differ from LASIK in terms of long-term results?

Both PRK and LASIK provide excellent long-term visual outcomes, but PRK avoids creating a corneal flap, making it more suitable for patients with thinner or irregular corneas. This gives some people safer long-term stability, particularly those with higher dry eye risk or who engage in contact sports.

2. Can PRK be performed if I’ve previously worn contact lenses for many years?

Yes, long-term contact lens wear is not a barrier to PRK, but you may need to stop wearing lenses for a period before your assessment. This allows the cornea to return to its natural shape so that all diagnostic measurements are accurate.

3. Is PRK surgery safer for people with dry eye symptoms?

PRK is often preferred for patients with mild to moderate dry eyes because it does not involve creating a flap, which can disrupt corneal nerves. This can result in fewer dryness-related issues after surgery compared to some other laser procedures.

4. How soon after PRK can I return to working on a computer?

Most patients can resume light screen use within a few days, but comfort varies. Your surgeon will give you personalised guidance based on your healing progress and dryness levels.

5. Does PRK surgery permanently correct vision, or can results change later in life?

PRK permanently reshapes the cornea, but natural age-related changes such as presbyopia or cataracts can still occur in later life. These are unrelated to the PRK procedure itself.

6. Can PRK be combined with other treatments if I have higher-than-average prescription levels?

In certain cases, PRK can be paired with additional treatments such as cross-linking or staged corrections to safely manage higher prescriptions. Your surgeon will advise if this is appropriate for your eyes.

7. Is PRK suitable for people in high-impact professions or athletics?

Yes. Because PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap, it is often recommended for athletes, military personnel, or anyone at risk of facial trauma.

8. What type of imaging and diagnostics are used before PRK at Eye Clinic London?

We use high-resolution corneal topography, tomography, wavefront analysis and tear-film assessment to ensure complete accuracy in determining whether PRK is the safest option for your corneas.

9. How does PRK affect night-time vision in the long term?

Temporary night-time glare or halos can occur during early healing, but these typically settle as the cornea stabilises. Long-term night vision quality is excellent for the vast majority of patients.

10. Can PRK be performed if I have slight corneal irregularities?

Yes, PRK is often the safer choice for patients with mild corneal irregularities where flap-based procedures may pose added risks.

Finance & Insurance

Eye Clinic London stands for easily obtainable, superior eye care, supported by variety of payment methods and insurance choices. Contact us for a more complete picture.

Our Location

Strategically located in Devonshire Street, Harley Medical District, Marylebone, in the heart of London, our clinic is easily accessible, ensuring that your journey to exceptional eye care is as convenient as possible. Our central position ensures that you can easily reach us from various parts of the city.

Devonshire street in Marylebone is not just an address; it’s a hub of convenience and accessibility. With excellent transport links and a wealth of amenities nearby, your visit to Eye Clinic London will be convenient and hassle-free experience.

Whether you are a local resident or visiting form other parts of UK or abroad, our location will provide you with seamless connection to the private eye doctor in London.

When choosing to travel by public transport please alight at Bond Street Station and walk for 7 mins, alternatively exit at Oxford Circus station or Baker Street Station and walk for 10 mins.

Street parking is available.

Eye Clinic London 7 Devonshire Street
London, W1W 5DY

The McIndoe Centre Holtye Road East
Grinstead RH19 3EB