What is PRK?
You’ve probably heard of LASIK. PRK or photorefractive keratectomy is another safe laser eye surgery option, especially if you have thin corneas. PRK patients generally take longer to heal and require a slightly longer recovery period than LASIK or SMILE. However, just like LASIK, or SMILE, your PRK laser eye surgery results at Envue Eye & Laser Center will be exceptional. Envue Eye & Laser Center is located at the National Harbor.
Top reasons to choose PRK laser eye surgery at Envue
1. Experience counts. Dr. Rivers is a military-trained refractive surgeon. He retired after a 30-year-military career as an Army Colonel and the Director of the Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program and Research Center at Fort Belvoir, VA. PRK is the most commonly performed vision correction procedure in the U.S. Army. Dr. Rivers has not only performed thousands of PRK procedures, but he also underwent the PRK procedure himself over 15 years ago and continues to be happy with his results.
2. There is no charge for your PRK consultation. At your consultation, you will meet with Dr. Rivers to discuss your personalized vision plan taking into account not only your eye health but also your goals and lifestyle. You will undergo a comprehensive diagnostic examination and a vision plan tailored specifically for you. If we determine that you are not a PRK candidate, you may be eligible for other vision correction options.
3. Envue’s PRK pricing is all-inclusive. With upfront pricing, there are no additional charges – not even for astigmatism, high prescriptions, or enhancements.
4. Your Envue PRK procedure is $2500 per eye and we offer 24-months interest-free financing.
5. The most important thing is to ensure you are a good candidate for PRK.
6. Envue offers genetic testing to identify the risk or presence of keratoconus and other corneal genetic disorders caused by gene variants.
7. Your comfort and exceptional vision correction results are our main focus. We love making people happy.
How is PRK at Envue different?
Many laser vision correction centers focus on getting a high daily volume of patients in the door. At Envue, we focus on the patient. PRK may not be the best option for everyone. Your safety is our priority. We’ll map out the best vision correction options for you using advanced diagnostics and technology. With his years of surgical experience and research in the latest vision correction advancements, Dr. Rivers ensures that each patient receives personalized care to optimize their outcomes.
Can I get PRK laser eye surgery if I’m nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism?
We often hear patients say, “I would get PRK, but I have astigmatism” or “I’m too far sighted” or “I’m too nearsighted.” You can finally get rid of these vision conditions in minutes with PRK. All these conditions – myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism can be corrected with PRK at Envue. After the procedure, you’ll see the change immediately. Get ready for better vision and say goodbye to glasses and contact lenses.
Is PRK worth the cost?
The cost of PRK is less than what the average person spends in a lifetime on glasses, exams, and contact lenses and solutions. This does not include non-monetary costs, such as time spent on finding lost glasses, worrying if you have an adequate supply of contact lenses, or modifying your life to deal with infections related to contact lens use. Don’t lease your vision with glasses and contact lenses. Own your vision with PRK at Envue. Use the Envue Vision Calculator to decide for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is an ideal PRK candidate?
PRK is a safe and effective procedure, especially if you have thin corneas and nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Is PRK safer than LASIK or SMILE?
All the procedures are safe. PRK may be indicated for conditions that may not be addressed by LASIK or SMILE. PRK may also be a better option for those who have thinner corneas or irregular scarring from prior issues with contact lenses.
Does PRK hurt?
No. We will take the time to make you comfortable and ensure that you receive the safest care for your PRK at Envue. After the procedure, we gently rinse your eyes with cool sterile water and place a soft contact lens on your eye. This helps your eye’s natural healing process, which usually takes about three to five days. You will have discomfort after the procedure and we will prescribe pain medication in addition to eye drops to ensure comfort during recovery.
How long does PRK take?
We will take the time to make you comfortable and ensure that you receive the safest care for your PRK at Envue. The procedure itself generally takes 10 minutes.
What if I blink during PRK?
Although this is among the top concerns from PRK patients, rest assured that the Envue laser technology adapts to the body’s natural movements. Your safety is always the priority. The laser is programmed to track eye movement and will automatically pause for any sudden movement.
What is recovery like after PRK?
Your vision is clearer within the next day and continues to become clearer over the next several weeks. You can expect sensitivity to light and vision fluctuation during recovery. Every patient heals differently which is why we monitor you closely during your follow up. Patients do tend to experience more discomfort during the recovery period compared to LASIK, SMILE or ICL. For this reason, Dr. Rivers may prescribe a stronger medication for PRK recovery. Most of our PRK patients are back to work within several days.
When can I resume normal activities after PRK?
Generally, we recommend that patients, at a minimum, take a few days off from work after their procedure. Depending on your comfort level and job requirements, we may recommend a longer recovery period. You can resume many of your normal activities within several days after PRK.
What should I avoid doing immediately after PRK?
It is important to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise immediately after surgery. We recommend you avoid rubbing your eye. It is safe to shower but avoid getting water directly into your eyes.
Do PRK results wear off?
No. However, whether you’ve had PRK or not, vision change is a natural part of the aging process for everyone. We factor in your age when determining which vision correction options – besides PRK – is best for you. Around age 42, seeing things up close will get difficult (presbyopia) for everyone.
Can anyone without perfect vision get PRK?
PRK can be an excellent vision correction procedure for the following patient populations: those who are at least 18 years old with a stable prescription; those with a healthy cornea; and those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, or astigmatism. We make the time to tailor a vision correction plan that is best for your needs because every patient is different.
If I don’t qualify for PRK what are my other options?
If our comprehensive diagnostics reveal that you cannot safely get PRK, you have several options that may work for you. We can tell you more about other vision correction procedures such as SMILE, LASIK, ICL, or Refractive Lens Exchange during your consultation. If no correction procedure is right for you, we may recommend a vision care plan as a guide to maintaining your vision health.
Does insurance cover PRK?
No. However, as part of the Envue consultation process we provide you with upfront costs and financing options to invest in your vision correction – including interest free financing. If your employer offers a health or flexible spending account, this could be an option to manage the cost of your PRK investment.
Is PRK more affordable than glasses or contacts?
Yes. Use the Envue Vision Calculator to see how affordable it really is. By the time most people get PRK, they’ve already spent more money on glasses, contacts lenses, exam costs, and treatments for eye infections than the one-time cost of PRK. Breaking the dependence on glasses and contact lenses may improve your quality of life.
Who should not have PRK?
If you are pregnant or currently nursing, you should not have PRK. It is recommended to wait to have PRK until you’ve completed nursing for at least three to six months. Vision can fluctuate during this time period. Waiting allows your eyes time to adjust and go back to normal. Hormonal therapies may also prevent you from being a PRK candidate. However, the Envue team can provide you with other possible vison correction options.
What can I expect with PRK at Envue?
At Envue, the focus is on you. As part of your premier customized patient experience in Maryland, you’ll find from your first contact with Envue, to your consultation and vision correction procedure with Dr. Rivers, and your follow-up care, we take the time to listen to and answer your vision correction concerns. We want you to entrust us with your care. Find out what other patients say about their experience with Dr. Rivers and the Envue team.
Content Reviewed and Approved by Dr. Rivers.
Dr. Bruce Rivers is a military-trained ophthalmologist and one of the foremost experts in the field of laser vision correction surgery. He began his ophthalmology career as an eye technician and medic in the U.S. Navy and later obtained his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine on an Army scholarship.
