Excimer laser prk: a new and promising technique in ophthalmic surgery

The Excimer laser, in prk surgical procedures, is the priciple instrument used today. PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of laser surgery used to correct moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The two commonly performed surgical procedures utilizing the Excimer laser are photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

The Excimer laser, in PRK procedures, has met with FDA approval since 1995. Certain Excimer lasers have been FDA approved for LASIK. The laser itself is a cold (non-heat generating) laser, which allows precise removal of tissue (for reshaping the corneal surface) without thermal damaging effects to adjacent tissue.

In addition to the excimer laser Excimer laser for PRK treatment, Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) utilises the laser for therapeutic, not refractive purposes. For example, the treatment of recurrent erosion syndrome or of classified anterior corneal dystrophies.

The Excimer laser also plays a very important role when it comes to keratoconus because it allows a final finishing touch for any residual refractive defect in the operated patient. The excimer laser is frequently used by Dr. Lombardi, who heads the Lombardi Eye Clinic. Dr. Lombardi made a breakthrough in the early 80s, by applying the same principles used in Radial Keratotomy, strategically located incisions in the cornea to correct myopia disorders, to treat keratoconus. He developed a new technique, Asymmetric Radial Keratotomy and mini-A.R.K to treat keratoconus.

Read more about the Dr. Lombardi's views on excimer laser for use in an Update on Keratoconus Microsurgery.