PRK

Photorefractive Keratectomy

For many people, PRK is an excellent alternative to LASIK, especially for those who may not be ideal candidates for a flap-based procedure. Dr. Shah has extensive experience performing this advanced surface-level laser vision correction. Like LASIK, PRK is designed to permanently correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

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Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

DMEK

DMEK is a highly advanced corneal transplant that Dr. Shah performs for patients with vision loss from a damaged inner cell layer. This layer, called the endothelium, acts like a pump to keep your cornea clear. When these cells fail, often with a condition like Fuchs' Dystrophy, the cornea swells and becomes cloudy.

Dr. Shah performs this procedure by replacing only the faulty cell layer with a new, healthy one, leaving all other healthy corneal tissue untouched. It’s like replacing a tiny, worn-out part to get a larger machine running perfectly again.

This precise approach offers significant advantages. Your vision typically returns much faster, the final quality of sight is superb, and the risk of your body rejecting the new tissue is remarkably low.

Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty

DSEK

DSEK is a partial corneal transplant that Dr. Shah uses to address vision loss from a failing endothelial cell layer. This delicate layer of cells on the back surface of your cornea is crucial for keeping your vision clear. When it stops working properly, your cornea can swell and become cloudy.

The DSEK procedure involves placing a thin, healthy layer of donor tissue onto the back of your cornea. Unlike a full corneal transplant, Dr. Shah's approach with DSEK targets and replaces only the damaged part.

This targeted method uses a much smaller incision, which leads to a more stable eye after surgery. This means the wound heals quickly and is far more stable. DSEK also significantly reduces the risk of serious complications like bleeding or tissue rejection, which helps protect your sight.

How the PRK Procedure Works

PRK is a "flap-free" procedure.

Instead of creating a flap in the cornea, Dr. Shah first gently removes the outermost layer of cells, known as the epithelium. These cells will grow back naturally over a few days.

Once this surface layer is gone, a highly advanced excimer laser is used to precisely reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This is the same type of laser used in LASIK and it is customized to your unique prescription. After the laser reshapes the cornea, Dr. Shah places a special "bandage" contact lens on your eye. This lens stays in place for about a week, acting as a protective shield while your new surface cells regenerate and heal.

Recovery and Benefits

The recovery process for PRK is different from LASIK because the surface of the eye needs time to heal.

While your vision will begin to improve over the first week, full visual clarity can take a few weeks to stabilize. Patients can expect some mild discomfort, but this is managed with prescribed eye drops and medication.

PRK is often the preferred choice for people with thinner corneas or those with active lifestyles, such as athletes or military personnel, as it eliminates any risk of a corneal flap being dislodged. Under Dr. Shah's care, PRK can be a safe and effective path to achieving clear, lasting vision.

Photorefractive Keratectomy

DMEK

DSEK

PRK is a "flap-free" procedure.

The recovery process for PRK is different from LASIK because the surface of the eye needs time to heal.

Your Vision is Dr. Shah’s Priority