Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a form of laser surgery aimed at correcting vision problems. If you are planning to get your vision corrected in the near future, you may benefit from reading this article about PRK cost.
Vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are very common. These problems are often corrected with the help of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eye glasses do not offer you a clear peripheral vision and also hinder your physical appearance. Wearing contact lenses all the time can be extremely uncomfortable, and you may also have to cope with several contact lens-induced eye infections. These problems become even more pronounced in people with higher prescriptions. For such people, corrective eye surgery could be an option to permanently get rid of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Although, LASIK is the most popular laser eye surgery these days, PRK has been around for quite some time. Before we find out the average PRK cost, let us understand in detail about the surgery.
Mechanism
This surgery involves laser technique, and it was invented in 1980s. However, FDA approved it much later, in 1995. But before that, you could get this surgery done in many other countries, including Canada.
- This surgery makes use of a cool ultraviolet laser beam to remove parts of tissues, in order to reshape the cornea.
- In farsighted people, this laser beam is used to flatten the too steep cornea, whereas the same laser beam can be used in nearsighted people to steepen the flat cornea.
- In people with astigmatism, this laser beam is used to smooth out the corneal irregularities.
This method is often preferred over LASIK, for people with thin cornea and large pupils. It is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning, you can walk home after the surgery. The entire surgery needs only a few seconds to complete. The eye surgeon studies your cornea during the pre-surgery sessions to find out the tissues to be removed. During the surgery you may be given oral sedatives, and a retainer is placed to keep your eye open. You are asked to hold a steady gaze at a target light, while the surgeon controls the beam of laser. Wetting drops are continuously applied to keep the eyes moist. The target light removes the tissues in less than a minute, even in people with high prescription.
Surgery Costs
Just like any other surgery, the cost in this case is also dependent upon several factors. The type of correction required, fees of the surgeon, and location of the eye hospital are some of the prime factors, which determine the cost. It is pretty much equal to LASIK eye surgery cost. It is calculated separately for each eye, even though you might get the surgery done on both eyes on the same day. Typically, this procedure costs around $2000 to $4000 for a single eye. However, in some states you can get it for as low as $1300, while some expensive hospitals may charge you around $3500 for the same surgery. The cost also varies extensively depending the technology implemented and the expertise of the surgeon. Thus, on an average you should expect to spend a little over $3000 for getting the surgery on both the eyes.
This process often gives successful results, with minimal post surgery complications. However, a risk factor is indeed involved as for any other surgery. Proper post surgery care can help minimize the possibility of infections or any other complication. It takes about 2 – 3 weeks to acquire a clear, perfect vision.
If this surgery is performed as an elective surgery, your insurance company is least likely to cover the cost. Nonetheless, it is wise to invest in this surgery to get a perfect vision, without the weight of eyeglasses on your nose or enduring the discomfort of contact lenses.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
