PRK / Trans-PRK
This meant that I couldn’t go anywhere without my glasses; I woke up with glasses and went to sleep with glasses, wore my glasses in the army, on the beach, while exercising, or when hopping over to the grocery store.
Today I can see life without frames”.
Moti B., 25 years old.
Jerusalem | Tel Aviv | Haifa | Be’er Sheva
This meant that I couldn’t go anywhere without my glasses; I woke up with glasses and went to sleep with glasses, wore my glasses in the army, on the beach, while exercising, or when hopping over to the grocery store.
Today I can see life without frames”.
Moti B., 25 years old.
כל המידע על PRK / Trans-PRK
What is a PRK / Trans-PRK surgery?
The PRK / Trans-PRK technology is the first method in laser vision correction surgeries, providing an effective solution for patients with thin corneas and high prescriptions alongside a particularly high safety profile.
PRK – Photo Refractive Keratectomy, or in Hebrew, changing corneal refraction with laser, is a surgery in which the corneal surface is ablated using a precise, fast, and safe laser beam, to the desired extent according to the eye’s data.
At Dr. Levinger Eyes, the vision improvement surgery is performed with particularly high levels of precision. Thanks to the use of iris recognition and eye movement tracking technologies, the surgery has a particularly high safety profile.
For whom is PRK / Trans-PRK surgery suitable?
In general, laser surgery is suitable for individuals ages 18 and above, whose prescription has been stable for half a year before the suitability test, and who are near-sighted, far-sighted and/or suffer from astigmatism.
PRK / Trans-PRK surgery is particularly suitable for patients with thin corneas and high prescriptions.
Additionally, the surgery is suitable for professional athletes, combat soldiers, pre-military recruits, and anyone whose lifestyle involves strenuous physical activity.
How is the suitability test for PRK / Trans-PRK surgery conducted?
Comprehensive and meticulous suitability testing of the eyes is vital to the success of the operation, and it examines data such as: corneal thickness, prescription (optical condition), corneal topography, intra-ocular pressure, eye diseases, and physiological issues such as dryness of the eyes, etc.
The suitability test at the Dr. Levinger Eyes medical centers includes a comprehensive diagnosis of the eye and takes more than 3 hours, including wait times.
For some candidates deemed unsuitable for laser vision correction surgery, vision can be improved through intraocular lens implantation. Read more
About the Treatment
PRK / Trans-PRK laser vision correction surgery is performed under local anaesthesia using anaesthetic eye drops and is completely painless.
What are the advantages of vision correction with PRK / Trans-PRK?
The corneal incision is made only in the epithelial layer, thus preserving the biomechanical stability of the cornea.
- This method allows surgery to be performed even on relatively thin corneas.
- The surgery is short and lasts an average of about 10 minutes for both eyes.
- High safety
- Improved visual acuity
How is PRK / Trans-PRK surgery performed?
PRK / Trans-PRK surgery has three stages:
- Removal of the outer cell layer of the cornea
The outer cell layer of the cornea is the epithelium. These cells are constantly regenerating, and the layer is regularly replaced every few days.
In the first stage of the procedure, the epithelial layer is removed to allow surgical access to the inner layer of the cornea, the stroma.
The epithelium can be removed using a laser device or mechanically.
- Corneal surface ablation
The stromal layer of the cornea is ablated according to refraction data. The ablation is done by an excimer laser beam using the Schwind Amaris device, the world-leading device for corneal ablation. The device includes advanced software that enables the surgeon to monitor and control the degree of corneal ablation in the most precise manner throughout the entire surgery.
- Placement of a therapeutic contact lens without prescription on the eye
At the end of the surgery, a therapeutic lens is placed on the eye, serving as a bandage. The lens remains in the eyes for several days until the epithelial cell layer regenerates, and is then removed by the surgeon.
The results of the surgery are excellent, similar to the results of IntraLASIK surgery, but achieving the optimal result requires a longer recovery period.
When do you see well after PRK surgery?
After PRK surgery, vision improves gradually and over time. During the first week after surgery, many patients experience temporary blurring of vision. Most report significant improvement within one to two weeks, with full stabilization of vision potentially taking up to three months, and sometimes even longer, depending on the complexity of the treatment. It’s important to remember that the healing process is influenced by personal factors such as age and general health. Following the doctor’s instructions during recovery and regular check-ups with the ophthalmologist are essential to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
Q&A
In general, laser surgery is suitable for individuals ages 18 and above, whose prescription has been stable for half a year before the suitability test, and who are near-sighted, far-sighted and/or suffer from astigmatism.
PRK / Trans-PRK surgery may be suitable for people with thin corneas and high prescriptions.
Additionally, the surgery is generally suitable for professional athletes, combat soldiers, pre-military recruits, and anyone whose lifestyle involves intensive physical activity.
The Dr. Levinger Eyes chain has particularly worthwhile arrangements for Clalit Platinum, Meuhedet Si, Leumit Gold, and Maccabi Sheli members in the Be’er Sheva and South region. Details may be found in the HMOs’ websites and at the information center at: *3122
All of our physicians at the Dr. Levinger Eyes chain, who perform vision correction surgeries, are corneal specialists. They are all trained, skilled, and have accumulated extensive experience over many years due to their work as managers of departments and units in hospitals currently or in the past.
The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia using anaesthetic eye drops, and thus the patient does not feel pain during the surgery. Some patients may experience mild pain after the surgery that will pass within a few days.
The treatment is completed after about 10-15 minutes.
Recovery time and vision stabilization last up to three weeks.
In the past, surgeries were performed on each eye separately. However, it was found that separation has no advantage.
The Dr. Levinger Eyes chain provides a customer service center available 24 hours a day. It is important for us to be available for you at any time and for any question.
Treatment instructions
What needs to be done before PRK / Trans-PRK surgery?
Laser vision correction surgeries are considered a short and safe procedure. Nevertheless, the patient’s adherence to safety rules and the surgeon’s instructions is a necessary component in maintaining eye health before and after surgery and in expediting recovery.
- For contact lens wearers, do not wear soft lenses for at least 72 hours before treatment, hard lenses for two weeks before treatment, and do not wear Ortho-K lenses – 3 months before treatment.
- Do not wear make-up in the eye area and on the eyes for about three days before treatment.
- It is recommended to wash your hair and shave before surgery, as you cannot do so in the first week after surgery.
- Bring clear protective glasses, provided free of charge at the chain’s optical stores, which will be used during the first days of recovery after surgery.
- Bring eye drops and medical adhesive according to the
- prescription from your treating physician given at the clinic.
What needs to be done on the day of PRK / Trans-PRK surgery?
- Do not use perfume or aftershave.
- Do not wear any make-up on the eyes and face, including foundation.
- It is recommended to eat only a light meal, but fasting is not necessary.
- Arrive at the clinic on the day of surgery with the drops, medical adhesive, and protective glasses.
- Come to the treatment with an adult escort aged 18 and above.
- Be sure to sleep with transparent eye shields on the first night.
What needs to be done during the recovery period after PRK / Trans-PRK surgery?
- Come for a follow-up visit the day after treatment. Until then, do not remove the eye shields.
- Come for a second follow-up to remove the therapeutic lens several days after surgery. Afterwards, come for follow-ups as needed and according to the physician’s instructions.
- Be sure to wear sunglasses outside the house.
- Use protective glasses in the first days after surgery inside the house or in the office.
- Use eye drops according to the physician’s instructions.
- Sleep with the transparent eye shield until the day the therapeutic lenses are removed and according to the physician’s instructions.
- Do not wash your hair and do not get your eyes wet with tap water until the therapeutic lens is removed.
- Do not engage in strenuous physical activity for a week.
- Do not wear make-up, apply eye cream and make-up in the eye area for two weeks after treatment.
- Do not rub your eyes for two weeks.
- Avoid staying in a dusty environment.
- Do not bathe in the sea, swimming pools, or immerse in a Mikveh for a month.
- You can read, watch television, and use a computer, but it is recommended to take breaks to restore moisture to the eye.
Q&A
Following the surgery, the main sensations include: mild pain, discomfort, dryness in the eye, sensitivity to light. Night glare and auras are common effects in the first days. These effects resolve within a few days to a few weeks.
The surgery succeeds in 95%-98% of patients. Approximately 3% of patients will require complementary treatment. It is important to note the vast experience accumulated in over 35 years since laser vision correction surgeries were invented.
Glares and auras are common effects in the first days.
Following the surgery, there may be pain accompanied by a burning sensation, a foreign body sensation, tearing, dryness, and discomfort in the eyes. Additionally, painkillers may be required for several days. These effects resolve, at most within a few days to a few weeks. The complications of this surgery are exceptionally rare, provided you follow the physician’s instructions before and after surgery.
In a comprehensive manner, everyone gets 7 sick days, no matter the type of surgery. If additional sick days are needed, you can request them from reception at the relevant branch.
Do not wash your hair or get your eyes wet with tap water until the therapeutic lens is removed.
You can wear make-up once two weeks have passed since the surgery.
Do not engage in physical activity for a week.
