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# PRK In San Diego, CA
## What Is PRK?
Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct mild to moderate conditions of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It is the second most common type of laser eye surgery after LASIK. While during LASIK a flap is created to access the cornea, during PRK the entire epithelial layer of the cornea is removed and later allowed to grow back. During both processes, the cornea is reshaped to provide vision correction.
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At American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates, we offer a wide range of cutting-edge treatments, expert surgical techniques, and the latest diagnostic services that will help you live your most healthy and comfortable life. We are happy to offer ophthalmology services to men and women in San Diego, Chula Vista, and the surrounding areas of Imperial County, California. Contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with one of our expert ophthalmologists today.
## Frequently Asked Questions
# What Are The Advantages Of PRK?
Compared to LASIK, PRK provides the surgeon with greater control over the location and amount of tissue being removed, which permits more precise results. PRK gently sculpts the cornea rather than cuts, maintaining corneal strength while providing impressive vision correction.
Other advantages of the PRK procedure include:
* Less depth of laser treatment
* No corneal flap complications
* Ability to be performed on thin corneas
The PRK procedure offers distinct benefits to individuals whose activities put them at elevated risk of eye injury (boxers, for example) and for patients whose corneas are too thin, or whose pupils are too large, to permit LASIK. PRK also avoids not only the complications from corneal flaps, but a serious complication of LASIK known as corneal ectasia, which can result in distorted vision and even permanent vision loss.
# What Are The Disadvantages Of PRK?
While PRK may be a preferable to LASIK surgery for some patients, there may be disadvantages to the procedure as well, including:
* More discomfort for the first few days after surgery
* Longer recovery period
* Greater risk of postsurgical eye infection
* Greater risk of temporary or permanent haziness of the cornea
Both LASIK and PRK have comparable rates of vision improvement and carry some of the same risks, so a consultation with the ophthalmologist is necessary to determine which surgery will be most beneficial to the individual patient.
# What Is The PRK Procedure Like?
Before the PRK procedure begins, the eyes are numbed with anesthetic eye drops. The surgeon then uses an excimer laser, with targeted laser energy, to reshape the cornea. The surgeon has complete control over the laser throughout the procedure, for a highly precise and customized result, designed to give each patient the best vision possible.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. Because of the potential for blurred vision for a time after PRK, the surgery is often performed on only one eye at a time, with the surgeon waiting to schedule the second eye until the vision in the first has adequately cleared.
After the procedure, the eyes are bandaged with a soft contact lens to protect the cornea. New cells will grow back over the next few days to replace the cells that were removed. The contact lens will be removed by the surgeon in a follow-up examination.
# What Is The Recovery Like After The PRK Procedure?
After the PRK procedure is completed, patients are instructed to rest before returning home. Patients maybe required to wear eyeglasses until their vision has stabilized.
While vision may improve immediately after the PRK procedure, full results may take several days or weeks to become apparent. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week because this can interfere with the healing process. Patients will likely be able to see well enough to drive a car after 2 to 3 weeks.
# What Are The Results After The PRK Procedure?
The results of PRK are considered comparable to those of LASIK. Some patients may experience only 20/40 vision and may still need glasses or contact lenses after their procedure. PRK does not correct presbyopia, a natural change in the eyes that affects people over the age of 40. Patients who require glasses for reading will continue to need them after surgery. It is important for patients to maintain realistic expectations of the results of any laser surgery if they are to be satisfied with the results.
# What Are The Risk Of PRK?
As with any type of surgery, there are certain risks associated with the PRK procedure, including:
* Postsurgical infection
* Adverse reaction to anesthesia
* Inaccurate vision correction
* Sensitivity to light
* Problems with night vision, such as halos
* Hazy vision
* Dry eyes
Many of the complications that may arise after PRK are similar to those that may occur after any type of refractive surgery.
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835 3rd Ave, Ste. A
 Chula Vista, CA 91911
231 W. Main St.
El Cajon, CA 92020
1452 S. La Brucherie Rd.
 El Centro, CA 92243
1498 S. La Brucherie Rd.
1520 E. Plaza Blvd.
 National City, CA 91950
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1118 W Valley Pkwy
Escondido, CA 92025
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(619) 425-7755
## FINANCING AVAILABLE
## American Eye Associates
##### American Eye Associates, formerly known as California Retina Associates, is one of a select number of practices that truly emphasize the treatment of conditions affecting the cornea, retina, and vitreous. Our expert team of medical professionals is dedicated to your eye health care. We work hand-in-hand with your general physicians to explore options for the most advanced, FDA-approved treatment for your eye disease.
 or call (858) 366-7958
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# EVO ICL In San Diego, CA
## What Is the EVO ICL Lens?
EVO ICL is an Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) designed to correct nearsightedness with and without astigmatism. The small flexible lens is placed behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and in front of the natural crystalline lens in order to improve vision. It's like having your doctor implant a lens similar to a contact lens into your eye so you can live without the daily hassles and maintenance of typical contact lenses.
## What to Expect During the EVO ICL Procedure
EVO ICL lens is made of biocompatible Collamer material that works in harmony with your eye. Your eye doctor will create a small opening in your cornea that will be used to insert and position the EVO ICL. For most patients, the procedure is virtually painless with numbing eye drops and it typically takes less than 20 - 30 minutes. Patients typically experience improved vision right away and a quick recovery time.
## The EVO ICL Procedure
# EVO ICL Testimonial
### *"EVO ICL lens has helped me to live life to the fullest with no more hesitation. I simply wake up and go about my day."*
### **- Joe Jonas**
## Benefits of EVO ICL
* Provides clear, sharp vision
* 20 to 30-minute procedure
* Quick recovery time
* Removable by your doctor
* Offers UV protection
* Not visible once in place
* Can treat nearsightedness with or without astigmatism
* For patients who may not be candidates for LASIK or other vision correction procedures due to thin corneas,
* Does not cause dry eye syndrome
* Excellent vision both day and night
* Over 2 million ICLs distributed worldwide
* 99.4% of patients surveyed would have the EVO Lens procedure again
# What is the EVO Visian ICL Lens?
EVO Visian ICL is an Implantable Collamer™ Lens that corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Collamer is a biocompatible material that works in harmony with the eye. The lens, which is slightly smaller than a typical contact lens, is implanted in the eye during a 20 to 30 minute procedure. Unlike laser vision correction surgeries that permanently change the shape of your cornea, the EVO Visian ICL procedure is additive, meaning that no corneal tissue is removed. Worldwide, more than 1 million EVO Visian ICL lenses have been implanted.
# What are the Benefits of EVO Visian ICL?
EVO Visian ICL offers many benefits for patients who are candidates for the ICL procedure and are seeking a vision solution that allows them the freedom of less dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The advantages of EVO Visian ICL include:
* Sharp, clear vision
* Excellent night vision
* Quick procedure and recovery
* No removal of corneal tissue
* Protection from UV rays
# Who is a Candidate for Vision Correction with EVO Visian ICL?
People who want a flexible and biocompatible vision correction option, as well as many patients who are not candidates for laser vision correction, find that Visian EVO ICL is the right procedure for them.
Ideal candidates for EVO Visian ICL:
* Are between the ages of 21 and 45
* Are seeking a vision correction solution for moderate to severe nearsightedness (with or without astigmatism)
* Have a stable prescription that has not changed within the last year
* Have good ocular health with no history of glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic eye disease
# How is the EVO Visian ICL Lens Procedure Performed?
Vision correction with the EVO Visian ICL is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. After an initial exam with your ophthalmologist to determine that the EVO ICL is right for you, you will schedule your procedure. On the day of the procedure, your eyes will be numbed with an anesthetic eye drop and your refractive surgeon will implant the ICL between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the natural lens. Your surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up appointment the same day as the procedure.
# Can the EVO Visian ICL Lens be Removed?
Yes; the EVO Visian ICL is intended to provide permanent vision correction, but it can be removed or upgraded by your surgeon.
# Will I be able to feel the EVO Visian ICL Lens?
No, patients should not feel the lens as it does not adhere to any structures within the eye and does not move once in place.
# Will other people be able to see the EVO Visian ICL Lens?
No, the Visian EVO lens is placed behind your iris where only your eye doctor will be able to detect it.
# Are there any risks with the EVO Visian ICL Procedure?
Any medical procedure has certain risks associated with it. Potential complications of the EVO ICL procedure, although rare, include inflammation, an increase in eye pressure, or the need for an additional procedure, like an ICL exchange. While these potential risks are mitigated as much as possible, they can all typically be addressed early and without long-term side effects.