Photorefractive Keratectomy - PRK Eligibility

PRK Eligibility

Up to 80% of the myopic population may physically qualify as potential PRK candidates. There are a number of basic criteria which a potential candidate should satisfy:

• Normal ocular health
• Age 18 years or older
• Stable refraction error (no noticeable change in the last year) correctable to 20/40 or better
• Between −1.00 to −12.00 diopters of Myopia
• Not pregnant at the time of surgery
• Realistic expectations of the final results (with a complete understanding of the benefits, as well as the possible risks)
• Pupil size 6 mm or less in a dark room is ideal (but some newer lasers may be acceptable for larger pupils)
• Assessment of allergies, (e.g., pollen) where allergy may complicate the eyelid margins following surgery leading to dry eye.

There are also some pre-existing conditions that may complicate or preclude the treatment.

• Collagen vascular disease (e.g., corneal ulceration or melting)
• Ocular disease (e.g., dry eye, keratoconus, glaucoma)
• Systemic disorders (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis)
• History of side effects from steroids
• Granular corneal dystrophy type II