When Is PRK a Good Option?

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Dr. Stein

Choosing the right vision correction surgery is a pivotal decision for anyone suffering from refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is one of the earliest forms of laser vision correction and remains a popular choice for many patients today. Dr. Stein and our team are here to guide you through understanding when PRK might be the best option for your ocular needs.

What Is PRK?

PRK is a type of laser eye surgery that involves reshaping the cornea without creating a flap, unlike LASIK. During the PRK procedure, the very outer layer of the cornea is removed, and the corneal tissue is then reshaped using an excimer laser. This correction allows light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina, potentially eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.

Advantages of PRK

  • Suitability for Thin Corneas: PRK is often recommended for patients who have thin corneas, where creating a LASIK flap might be risky.
  • Active Lifestyles: For those engaged in contact sports or occupations that pose a high risk of facial injury, PRK eliminates the risk of flap complications, which can be a concern with LASIK.
  • Long-term Stability: Patients who undergo PRK generally achieve stable vision correction, with many achieving 20/20 vision or better within a year post-surgery.

Ideal Candidates for PRK

  • Corneal Thickness: Patients with thinner corneas, which make them unsuitable for LASIK, are often good candidates for PRK.
  • Dry Eye Condition: Those suffering from dry eyes may benefit from PRK as it does not involve creating a flap, which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
  • Refractive Stability: Candidates should have a stable prescription for at least 12 months prior to surgery.

The PRK Procedure

The PRK surgery is quick and is performed on an outpatient basis. The steps involve numbing the eyes with drops, removing the outer corneal cells, reshaping the cornea with a laser, and applying a soft contact lens that acts as a bandage to promote healing.

Recovery and Aftercare

After surgery, initial vision might be blurry and gradually clears over several weeks. Patients might experience discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with medication. It is essential to follow post-operative care instructions meticulously to avoid complications.

Risks and Considerations

Like all surgeries, PRK has potential risks, including infection, changes in vision, corneal haze, and glare. However, these are rare and can often be managed effectively with proper post-operative care.

Speak to an Expert Today

If you’re considering PRK, a detailed consultation with Dr. Stein can help you determine if this is the right procedure for you, taking into account your personal health, lifestyle, and vision needs.

For more detailed information and to discuss if PRK is the right choice for you, please visit our clinic or contact us for a consultation. 

Posted in Laser Eye Surgery | Comments Off on When Is PRK a Good Option?

Effective Solutions to Combat Dry Eye this Winter

Posted on December 9, 2023 by Dr. Stein
Dry Eye Treatment in Unionville

If you notice that your eyes become dryer when the weather becomes cooler, you are not alone. It is common for patients to experience dry eye symptoms due to changes in temperature, wind, and moisture levels in the air. If you are ready for relief from your seasonal dry eye, it may be time to visit Dr. Stein, who provides effective treatment to help eliminate troubling symptoms. Learn more about your treatment options below.

Continue reading →
Posted in Dry Eye | Comments Off on Effective Solutions to Combat Dry Eye this Winter

Preserve Your Vision by Managing Diabetes

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Dr. Stein
Diabetes eye health Scarborough

Those with diabetes are likely aware of the toll that this serious medical condition can take on the body. It can be challenging to keep up with all of the health-related tasks associated with the condition, including sticking to a specific diet and regularly monitoring your blood sugar. Failing to manage your diabetes can jeopardize your body, from your nerves to your major organs. High blood sugar can also threaten your vision. Managing your diabetes is key to avoiding diabetes-related eye damage and vision loss. Below, Dr. Stein details how patients with diabetes can preserve their vision.

Continue reading →
Posted in Diabetes | Comments Off on Preserve Your Vision by Managing Diabetes

How Your Nutrition Plays a Role in Eye Health and Good Vision

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Dr. Stein

The eyes are complex organs that help us process the world. It is important to keep them healthy and functioning properly with regular exams, as well as good lifestyle choices. When it comes to eye health and vision, what you consume is vital. From vitamin B to certain proteins, our food choices can greatly impact our eyes.

Continue reading →
Posted in Eye Health | Comments Off on How Your Nutrition Plays a Role in Eye Health and Good Vision

Bring in the New Year With Better Vision and Laser Eye Surgery

Posted on December 2, 2022 by Dr. Stein
Laser eye surgery in Toronto, ON

It’s time to make New Year’s resolutions. Are you ready for a new you? How about getting rid of glasses and contact lenses after laser eye surgery? Dr. Raymond Stein of Toronto’s Bochner Eye Institute explains how laser eye surgery can improve your vision this coming year.

Continue reading →
Posted in Laser Eye Surgery | Comments Off on Bring in the New Year With Better Vision and Laser Eye Surgery

Implantable Contact Lenses Vs. Refractive Lens Exchange: Which One is Best for You?

Posted on August 4, 2022 by Dr. Stein

The path to visual freedom looks different for many people. Some circumstances disqualify men and women from LASIK or PRK, but they still want to get rid of their glasses and contact lenses if possible. Implantable contact lenses and refractive lens exchange are two alternative options for improving vision using different methods. Our Toronto ophthalmologist will discuss your vision correction options during your eye exam and recommend the procedure that will provide the best eyesight possible safely and effectively.

Continue reading →
Posted in Refractive Lens Exchange | Comments Off on Implantable Contact Lenses Vs. Refractive Lens Exchange: Which One is Best for You?

Growing Up with Keratoconus: How to Slow Disease Progression

Posted on June 4, 2022 by Dr. Stein

Keratoconus can be a scary diagnosis for a teenager, but you may also welcome it after struggling to understand what’s causing your vision changes. This eye condition is genetic, and you may have other family members who can help guide you through treatments and living with keratoconus. Our ophthalmologist can help you manage keratoconus with corneal cross-linking that slows or halts the disease progression. 

Continue reading →
Posted in Keratoconus | Comments Off on Growing Up with Keratoconus: How to Slow Disease Progression

How to Improve Winter Dry Eyes

Posted on February 4, 2022 by Dr. Stein

Winter affects your body in many ways. The frigid temperatures and dry air coupled with the heat inside our homes and offices often lead to dry eyes. For those who already experience moderate to severe dry eye symptoms, winter can be a miserable experience. Our ophthalmologist offers several treatments to ease dry eye disease and has a few tips on reducing symptoms in the winter. 

Pages: 1 2
Posted in Dry Eye Disease | Comments Off on How to Improve Winter Dry Eyes

Eye Diseases That Lead to Vision Loss or Blindness

Posted on November 6, 2021 by Dr. Stein

Good eyesight is a gift many people don’t acknowledge until they reach the age when their vision starts to fail. Most Canadians will experience one of the four primary eye diseases that cause blindness in their life. Cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are leading causes of vision loss.

Some of these eye problems are highly treatable, while others cause permanent damage and require management to avoid further loss of eyesight. Regular eye exams with Dr. Raymond Stein and the doctors at Bochner Eye Institute are the best way to fight vision loss.

Pages: 1 2
Posted in Eye Health | Comments Off on Eye Diseases That Lead to Vision Loss or Blindness

Eye Care Tips When Traveling

Posted on August 8, 2021 by Dr. Stein
Top Choice in Toronto for Eye Health

Traveling can be a fun and exciting experience. But when you’re away from your normal routine, it’s easy to neglect taking care of your health. Proper eye care is one important thing that many people forget about during their travels.

We have a few suggestions that will help you keep your eyes healthy while you travel.

Get Your Eyes Checked

Getting an annual eye exam is important whether you are traveling or not — but it’s especially important to get your family’s eyes checked out before a long trip so that you can be sure that everyone is beginning the journey with healthy eyes and updated prescriptions.

Protect Your Eyes From the Sun

Remember to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Wear UV-rated sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV or UV400 protection along with a hat to protect your eyes. Even if the sky is cloudy, the sun’s rays can pass through and damage your eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, overexposure to the sun can lead to cataracts, eye cancers and other eye diseases.

Stay Hydrated

Many people experience dry eyes when they travel. Being on airplanes, long travel days and changes in climate can all result in dry, irritated eyes. Prevent this from happening by drinking plenty of water. Aim for seven to eight glasses a day. You should also limit your caffeine intake and eat water-rich foods such as watermelon, oranges and grapes. You can replenish lost moisture in your eyes with lubricating eye drops.

Come Prepared

Always bring a backup pair of eyeglasses and extra pairs of contact lenses when you travel. Losing your glasses or ripping a contact lens when you are away from home can be extremely frustrating. Don’t waste your precious vacation time in a doctor’s office trying to get a replacement prescription when you could have easily brought a backup! If you wear contacts, remember to bring a lens case and enough cleaning solution. Remember to never clean your contacts with water — it is not sterile!

Don’t Ignore Changes in Vision

If you are experiencing changes in your vision, see a local ophthalmologist immediately. Things like floaters, flashes and blurred vision can be a sign of a serious condition, such as a retinal detachment, diabetes or even a stroke. Waiting to be treated until you get home from your trip can make such problems much worse. Go to a local eye care center as soon as possible and get your vision checked.

If you’re looking for a premier Toronto area ophthalmologist, schedule an appointment with Dr. Raymond Stein by calling or emailing Bochner Eye Institute today.

Posted in Eye Health | Comments Off on Eye Care Tips When Traveling