Be free from glasses and contacts with PRK in Harrisburg
A LASIK alternative for people with high prescriptions or who participate in physically demanding activities
AS SEEN IN
PRK eliminates your need for glasses and contacts
In this video, we explain what PRK laser eye surgery is, how it works and how it compares to LASIK
Break free from the hassle of glasses
YOU CAN FULLY EMBRACE LIFE WHEN YOU’RE NO LONGER HELD BACK BY POOR VISION AND GLASSES
Feel invincible with self-reliant vision
Feel confident and ready for whatever life brings, without anxiety around your glasses and contact lenses getting in the way.
Relish every moment
Everyday feels like a new exciting adventure. Whether you enjoy swimming at Mt Gretna Lake & Beach, skiing Roundtop Mountain or attending a tasting event at Mellow Mink Brewing, poor vision and the hassle of glasses and contact lenses will never spoil your fun again.
Ditch the barriers that separate you from the world
After PRK laser eye surgery, you’ll see the world through clear eyes without the barrier of glasses and contact lenses.
Feel invincible with self-reliant vision
Feel confident and ready for whatever life brings, without anxiety around your glasses and contact lenses getting in the way.
Relish every moment
Everyday feels like a new exciting adventure. Whether you enjoy swimming at Mt Gretna Lake & Beach, skiing Roundtop Mountain or attending a tasting event at Mellow Mink Brewing, poor vision and the hassle of glasses and contact lenses will never spoil your fun again.
Be glasses-free in 3 easy steps
TRUST US TO EXPERTLY GUIDE YOU TO A LIFE FREE FROM GLASSES AND CONTACTS
Contact us
The first step is to find out if LASIK is right for you. That’s why we offer a free first appointment. Give us a call on (717) 657-2020 or use our easy online calendar to book a free appointment.
We’ll meet
Visit our laser eye surgery center in Harrisburg for a free assessment. We’ll give you a comprehensive eye examination and discuss your lifestyle needs. You’ll leave with a clear answer about the best treatment option for your eyes.
Be free!
In no time at all, you’ll be free to enjoy the world with brand new eyes – without the hassle of glasses and contact lenses. Our patients tell us that every day is better and they can’t wait what’s next.
Be free from glasses and contacts even if you’re unsuitable for LASIK
DISCOVER HOW PRK FREES YOU FROM GLASSES AND CONTACT LENSES
PRK is for those who:
- Want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
- Are over 18 years of age
- Have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
- Have no health issues affecting their eyes
- Have corneas too thin for LASIK
- Have a high prescription
- Participate in physically demanding activities
The difference between LASIK and PRK is that with LASIK, we create a corneal flap and apply the laser to the inner tissue of the cornea. With PRK, we remove the epithelium (or outer skin of the cornea) and apply a laser to the surface of the cornea.
As with LASIK, PRK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. However, the healing process is significantly longer than with LASIK.
While the vast majority of patients will qualify for and choose LASIK, PRK is an alternative for some patients who are not LASIK candidates.
To treat nearsightedness, we make the steep cornea flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from in front of the retina to directly on the retina.
To treat farsightedness, we make the flat cornea steeper by removing tissue outside of the central optical zone of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from behind the retina to directly on the retina.
To treat astigmatism, we make the cornea more spherical – like a basketball instead of a football. This eliminates multiple focusing points within the eye and creates one point of focus on the retina. we can treat astigmatism at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Advantages
- PRK can treat patients with thinner corneas
- PRK can treat patients with unusual corneal shapes
- PRK can be used for LASIK retreatments
Disadvantages
- Longer healing time
- More discomfort
- Increased risk of infection
PRK risks include:
- Under or overcorrections
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Temporary ocular discomfort
PRK is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. After PRK, some patients experience some visual side effects, including light sensitivity, glare and halos. These visual side effects are usually temporary. Serious complications to PRK are extremely rare.
Since everyone heals somewhat differently, some patients may overreact to the procedure, and some may underreact, resulting in overcorrections and under corrections. Once the eye has stabilized (3 to 6 months) you and your doctor can discuss whether a re-treatment could help fine-tune your vision.
After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if PRK is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.
PRK is not the only surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Depending on your suitability, options and alternatives include:
- Glasses and contact lenses
- LASIK
- Implantable contact lenses
- Refractive lens exchange
What to expect on surgery day
Step one: You will need to arrive at the laser center about an hour prior to your procedure. Once we have checked you in, we may offer you a sedative to help you relax. We will then prepare you for surgery.
Step two: We will clean and sterilise the area around your eyes and apply a drape.
Step three: We will use anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes; we will not use injections or needles.
Step four: When your eye is completely numb, we will place an eyelid holder between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.
Step five: Next, your doctor will remove the epithelium, a thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea. You will be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam.
The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed.
Step six: We then place a bandage contact lens on the eye for comfort and to facilitate the healing process.
Step seven: Following your procedure, we will examine your eye(s) with a slit lamp microscope.
Your vision may be blurry or hazy for one to five days. You will experience some discomfort as the epithelium heals and covers the treated area. We will prescribe you with eye drops and pain medication.
Most patients resume normal activities within three to five days. Excellent vision usually occurs within several weeks.
The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses.
The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their vision after PRK; they see 20/20 or better and can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.
Thousands of happy patients in Central PA
we help PEOPLE IN AND AROUND THE HARRISBURG COMMUNITY LIVE IT UP WITH BETTER VISION
We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Free yourself from glasses, contacts and cataracts
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What if you’re scared or anxious about surgery?
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Does LASIK hurt? Is LASIK painful?
Dr Bennett Chotiner explains what steps are taken to ensure LASIK is a painless procedure for patients. Find out more...
Academic resources on PRK
FOLLOW THE LINKS BELOW TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT PRK FROM AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of refractive surgery. This kind of surgery uses a laser to treat vision problems caused by refractive errors. You have a refractive error when your eye does not refract (bend) light properly. Click here to read more.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) are both laser surgery techniques used to help improve eyesight. PRK has been around longer, but both are still widely used today. Click here to read more.
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of laser refractive surgery to correct myopia (short sightedness), hyperopia (long sightedness) and astigmatism.
PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction and has been performed longer than LASIK, which has surpassed PRK in popularity.
Affiliations and memberships
We’re honored to be members of these prestigious professional organisations
Recognized leaders in Harrisburg eye surgery
CHOOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED CATARACT AND LASIK SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA
Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, LASIK SURGERY, CATARACT SURGERY, GENERAL AND PAEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …
Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.
GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY
Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …
