PRK

PRK is a laser vision correction procedure performed on the surface of the cornea. First, your eye is numbed with drops. The surgeon gently removes the thin, protective outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium). This is done either with a gentle scraping tool, a brush, or a dilute alcohol solution. Once this layer is removed, the excimer laser is applied to precisely reshape the underlying corneal tissue to correct your prescription. A soft bandage contact lens is then placed on the eye to protect it as the surface heals. The entire procedure for one eye takes only a few minutes.

Surgery

Before procedure

Stop wearing contact lenses as directed by your surgeon (often 1 week for soft lenses, longer for hard/RGP lenses). Arrange for transportation to and from the surgery center. Avoid using eye makeup, creams, or perfumes on the day of surgery. You will be prescribed antibiotic drops to start before surgery.

After procedure

Discomfort is common for the first 2-4 days as the outer layer heals. You will be given pain medication. You must use all prescribed eye drops (antibiotic, anti-inflammatory) as directed to prevent infection and control healing. The bandage contact lens will be removed by your doctor once the surface has healed, usually in 3-5 days. Vision recovery is gradual: it will be blurry initially, improving significantly within a week, but full stabilization can take 4-6 weeks.

Complication and alarm signs

Common side effects include temporary discomfort, glare/halos at night, and dry eye. The main risks are infection (rare) and corneal haze (cloudiness), which is usually managed with drops. Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience: Severe or worsening pain (not relieved by medication), a sudden decrease in vision, or increasing redness or discharge (signs of infection).

More to read

Laser

Retinal PDT

PDT is a two-step treatment primarily used for certain types of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). First, a light-activated drug called verteporfin is infused into a vein in your arm over about 10 minutes. Second, about 15 minutes after the infusion starts, your doctor will shine a non-thermal ("cold") red laser directly onto the leaky blood vessels in your macula for some seconds. The laser activates the drug only in that precise area, causing the abnormal vessels to seal without damaging the overlying retina. The laser itself is not hot and is not felt by the patient.

Laser

Retinal BL

A Barrier Laser is used to treat retinal tears, holes, or areas of significant thinning to prevent retinal detachment. After dilating and numbing your eye, your doctor will place a contact lens. The laser is applied in a pattern of small burns that surround the tear or weak area. These burns create gentle scar tissue that "spot-welds" or "fences off" the problem area, sealing it to the back wall of the eye and preventing fluid from getting underneath to cause a detachment. The procedure typically takes 5-15 minutes. You will see bright flashes and may feel a slight pulsing sensation.

Surgery

Silicone Oil Removal

Silicone oil is a substance injected into the eye at the end of certain complex vitrectomy surgeries (usually for difficult retinal detachments) to hold the retina in place for an extended period. After the retina has fully stabilized (typically several months to a year later), this oil must be removed in a second surgery because over time it can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataract, or corneal opacity.

Surgery

Ptosis Surgery

Ptosis refers to drooping of the upper eyelid, which can be congenital or acquired (e.g., due to aging, eyelid trauma, or neuromuscular disorders). In severe cases, this drooping can restrict the superior visual field, cause eye fatigue, or be cosmetically bothersome. Surgery aims to elevate the eyelid to an appropriate level and achieve symmetry with the contralateral eye.

Surgery

Strabismus Surgery

This surgery is performed to correct strabismus (misalignment of the eyes). In strabismus, due to an imbalance in the function of the extraocular muscles, the visual axes of the two eyes are not aligned. This can cause diplopia (double vision), amblyopia (lazy eye), and cosmetic and social problems. The surgery aims to restore eye coordination and alignment by strengthening, weakening, or repositioning one or more of the eye muscles.

Surgery

Phaco with PCIOL

This is the standard treatment method for cataract. In cataract, the eye's natural clear lens gradually becomes cloudy, like a fogged-up window, blurring vision, fading colors, and making night vision difficult. Phaco surgery involves making a small incision in the cornea, breaking up and removing the clouded lens using ultrasound waves, and replacing it with a clear artificial lens (IOL).