What Does PRK Mean

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Definition Of PRK

Photorefractive or  Keratectomy is the medical term for PRK Laser surgery. So what exactly does all this mean?

The eyes are constructed like a camera with a clear lens in the front and light sensitive tissues at the rear. It is this tissue that is called the Retina which actually can be compared to film in a camera. 
Here's what happens with people who have 20/20 vision. The light rays that pass through the pupil are focused by the eye lense and the rays land perfectly in the center of the Retina.

There are many problems that can occur which effect the eye so that the light rays do not focus correctly on the retna.

Three of the most common problems are:

Myopia - Nearsightedness
Hyperopia - Farsightedness
Astigmatism -Cornea is unevenly curved

The effects that all three of these have on our vision  can often be corrected or reduced by having PRK or Laser surgery.  What happens in all of the named situations is the light rays do not hit the center of the Retina. All of these problems are related to the shape of the eye and  the Cornea. The Laser is used to flatten the Cornea helping to return it to it's natural state.