photorefractive keratectomy

keratectomy /ker·a·tec·to·my/ (ker″ah-tek´to-me) excision of a portion of the cornea; kerectomy.

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photorefractive keratectomy  the correction of ametropia by using an excimer laser to remove a portion of the anterior corneal stroma in order to create a new radius of curvature.

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Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

A procedure that uses an excimer laser to make modifications to the cornea and permanently correct myopia.

Mentioned in: Myopia, Radial Keratotomy

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photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

[-refrak′tiv]

a surgical procedure in which an excimer laser is used to reshape the human cornea to improve the refractive properties of the eye and reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses. The excimer laser does not require that incisions be made in the cornea. Rather than cutting, the laser shaves off preprogrammed outer layers of corneal tissue. The excimer laser is programmed to emit a measured and concentrated light beam to reshape a small part of the central cornea. It allows for correction of myopia of up to -10.0 diopters. See also refractive keratotomy. Compare radial keratotomy.

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keratectomy, photorefractive

A surgical procedure on the cornea aimed at correcting ametropia. The epithelium is completely removed over a central diameter of about 7 mm and excimer laser ablation is then carried out on the stroma. A bandage soft contact lens is usually worn afterwards for a few days while the epithelium regenerates. Complications are more common than with either LASEK or LASIK. Useful vision recovers more slowly and pain lasts longer than with the latter procedures. Syn. keratorefractive surgery; laser refractive keratoplasty (LRK); refractive keratoplasty. See corneal ectasia; radial keratotomy.

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photorefractive keratectomy

Ophthalmology A refractive surgery that corrects myopia by changing corneal conformation Results 78% vision improvement; 3-7% complications–eg, painful healing of cornea, glare. See Refractive surgery. Cf LASIK, Radial keratectomy.