PRK Eye Surgery in Istanbul

PRK eye surgery in Istanbul is a flap-free laser vision correction option for people with thin corneas and active lifestyles who want to get rid of glasses safely.

If you’re tired of glasses and contact lenses but were told you’re “not a good candidate for LASIK” because of thin corneas or your job/activities, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) may be the right solution for you.

This guide explains, in clear and honest language:

• What PRK is and how it works

• Who is a good candidate for PRK

• How PRK compares to LASIK / Femto LASIK

• Benefits, risks, and recovery timeline

• Why many eye doctors still choose PRK in specific cases

What Is PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of laser refractive surgery used to correct vision problems caused by refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

Like LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser so light can focus correctly on the retina. The key difference:

• LASIK: A thin corneal flap is created, the laser works underneath, and the flap is repositioned.

• PRK: No flap is created. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed, the laser reshapes the surface, and then the epithelium grows back naturally over a few days.

PRK can effectively correct:

• Myopia (short-sightedness)

• Hyperopia (long-sightedness)

• Astigmatism

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRK?

According to major eye-care organizations, PRK is often recommended in cases where LASIK is not ideal, especially for:

• Thin corneas where creating a LASIK flap would remove too much tissue

• People in contact sports or high-impact professions (military, fighters, some athletes) where eye trauma is more likely – because PRK is flap-free

• Patients with certain superficial corneal irregularities or scars

• People with refractive errors within a safe correction range, after full testing

When PRK Might Not Be Recommended

PRK may not be suitable if you have:

• Keratoconus or significantly irregular corneas

• Active eye infections or severe dry eye disease that cannot be controlled

• Autoimmune conditions that impair healing

• Unstable vision or uncontrolled systemic diseases

The final decision is always made by your refractive surgeon after detailed tests (corneal thickness, topography, tear film, retinal exam, etc.).

How PRK Is Performed – Step by Step

Based on trusted sources such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and major eye hospitals:

1. Topical anesthesia
   Numbing eye drops are applied so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. A mild sedative may be offered if needed.

2. Removing the epithelium
   The surgeon gently removes the thin surface layer of the cornea (epithelium), either with a special instrument or an alcohol solution.

3. Laser reshaping
   An excimer laser precisely reshapes the corneal tissue based on your prescription. This usually takes seconds per eye.

4. Bandage contact lens
   A soft “bandage” contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the surface and reduce discomfort while the epithelium grows back.

5. Post-operative medications
   You’ll use antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, lubricating drops, and pain medication as prescribed.

The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes per eye.

PRK Recovery Timeline – What to Expect

Days 1–5: Early Healing

• Blurry or hazy vision

• Light sensitivity

• Gritty or burning sensation in the eye
  These symptoms usually improve as the epithelium regenerates over 3–5 days.

Weeks 1–4: Functional Vision

• Vision becomes good enough for most daily activities

• Many patients can return to office-type work within about 5–7 days, once their doctor clears them

• Light halos or fluctuating clarity may still appear, especially at night

1–3 Months: Final Stabilization

• The cornea continues to smooth and stabilize

• Visual acuity continues to sharpen

• Studies show that long-term visual outcomes of PRK and LASIK are very similar when patients are properly selected and follow instructions.

So the main difference is not the final result, but speed of recovery and early comfort.

PRK vs. LASIK / Femto LASIK – Key Differences

Technique

• LASIK / Femto LASIK:

  • A flap is created in the cornea (with a microkeratome or femtosecond laser)

  • Laser reshaping is done under the flap

  • Flap is repositioned

• PRK:

  • No flap

  • Epithelium is removed, laser reshapes the surface, epithelium regrows

Recovery Speed & Comfort

• LASIK:

  • Fast visual recovery (often within 24–48 hours)

  • Less early discomfort

• PRK:

  • Slower recovery (days to weeks for vision to feel “normal”)

  • More discomfort in the first 2–4 days

  • But with similar long-term vision outcomes

Safety in Trauma-Prone Eyes

Because PRK does not create a flap, it avoids very rare flap-related issues if the eye is hit or injured later in life. This is why PRK is often preferred for:

• Contact sports athletes

• Military personnel

• People in high-risk jobs for eye trauma

Benefits of PRK

From clinical studies and expert guidelines:

• Flap-free procedure – no risk of flap displacement

• Excellent long-term visual results comparable to LASIK

• Ideal option for patients with thin corneas or certain corneal surface issues

• Suitable for people with higher risk of eye trauma

• Proven technology with more than 25+ years of clinical use

Risks and Possible Side Effects

All surgeries have risks. With PRK, potential issues include:

• Pain or discomfort in the first few days

• Temporary blurred / fluctuating vision

• Light sensitivity, halos, or glare – especially at night during early healing

• Dry eye symptoms

• Corneal haze (cloudiness) in a minority of cases – risk reduced with modern protocols

• Under-correction or over-correction (may occasionally require enhancement)

Choosing an experienced refractive surgeon and following all aftercare instructions significantly reduces these risks.

How to Prepare for PRK – And What to Do After

Before Surgery

• Stop contact lenses for a period recommended by your doctor (varies by lens type)

• Tell your doctor about all medications and any medical conditions (especially autoimmune disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, uncontrolled diabetes)

• Use any pre-operative drops exactly as prescribed

After Surgery

• Use all eye drops (antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, lubricating) on schedule

• Avoid rubbing your eyes

• Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce light sensitivity

• Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and eye makeup for the period your doctor recommends

• Attend all follow-up visits – especially within the first week and first month

Long-term success is a combination of good surgery + good aftercare + realistic expectations.

PRK at Nano Smart Clinic – Istanbul

Flap-Free Vision Correction with Complete Medical Support

At Nano Smart Clinic – Istanbul, we treat vision correction as a full journey, not just a quick procedure:

• Comprehensive pre-operative assessment with advanced diagnostic imaging

• Honest recommendation between PRK, Femto LASIK, Smart Lens, or other options based on your corneal thickness, prescription, and lifestyle

• Clear explanation of benefits, risks, and recovery in language you can actually understand

• Continuous follow-up after surgery to ensure safe healing and stable results

Conversion-Focused CTA for PRK – Nano Smart Clinic

Still not sure whether you’re a candidate for LASIK or PRK?
Let our eye specialists at Nano Smart Clinic evaluate your eyes and design a tailored vision correction plan for you

Start your journey to clearer vision without glasses – with a flap-free PRK solution and expert care at Nano Smart Clinic, Istanbul.

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