Streamlight Trans-PRK
Trans-PRK stands for “transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy”. This is a further development of the surface treatments LASEK and PRK.
Trans-PRK is a good alternative if you have a rather thin cornea and a Femto LASIK must therefore be ruled out. The procedure is particularly recommendable for the correction of short-sightedness and astigmatism. Long-sightedness on the other hand can only be remedied in case of minor dioptre values.
Treatment with Streamlight Trans-PRK
The Streamlight Trans-PRK method which is often also referred to as the “No Touch PRK” method, removes the surface of the cornea using the latest laser technology. This removal can be carried out highly precisely with the excimer laser, allowing the wound to heal more quickly. Following the removal of the uppermost layer of the cornea, the visual defect will be corrected with a laser. To optimally protect the eye during the healing process, you will be provided with a special contact lens for the first days after the operation, under which the cornea can regenerate as soon as possible.
The Streamlight Trans-PRK method is considered extremely safe and reliable and comes with only few side effects, as the epithelium will have regenerated after only three days. Full eyesight will therefore be regained considerably faster than with a normal PRK. Nevertheless, you will not have your full eyesight during the first weeks after the surgery. In some cases, patients may experience a slight pain during the healing process. In extremely rare cases, the cornea may be affected by a haze which is considered as irritating. The haze formation is however not permanent and can be treated with eye drops. This makes it all the more important to always attend all check-ups after eye surgery.
Prerequisites for a Trans-PRK
The prerequisites for a Trans-PRK largely coincide with those of the LASEK and PRK method. Your visual defect may do have changed for at least one year prior to the surgery. Also, your eyes must be healthy and not suffer from any retinal diseases or cataract. In general, a Trans-PRK can be performed for the following values:
- Short-sightedness: up to max. -8 dioptres
- Long-sightedness: up to max. +3 dioptres
- Astigmatism: up to max. 6 dioptres
The exact assessment of which method is best suited for your case, will however take place at our practice and depends not only on your dioptre values but also on other eye-related factors.