PRK Surgery in
San Antonio

Schedule a Free PRK Consultation

What is PRK Eye Surgery?

Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is a refractive, vision correction procedure used to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. Approved by the FDA in the mid-1990s, PRK surgery shares many similarities with LASIK and ultimately produces identical results. The primary differences are that PRK does not create a corneal flap and has a longer recovery time. PRK surgery is an excellent alternative for patients who may not be good candidates for LASIK. Dr. Nader Iskander, a fellowship-trained refractive surgeon in the art of correcting refractive error, has performed thousands of PRK surgeries during the last 25 years. Many patients who believed they could not correct their vision are living proof after PRK surgery with Dr. Iskander.

Benefits of PRK

Save Money

The cost of glasses, contact lenses, and routine eye appointments can add up over time. PRK surgery can help patients save money in the long run.

Self-Confidence

With less time spent searching for the right glasses or stocking up on contact lenses, patients can focus on looking good and feeling their best!

Active Lifestyle

Patients who practice high-contact sports, such as martial arts, may benefit from PRK surgery because there is less risk of corneal flap displacement.

Schedule a Free PRK Consultation
Friendly SAES staff examining a patient's eyes through a machine

Who Is a Candidate for PRK Surgery?

PRK surgery is an excellent alternative for patients who may not be eligible for LASIK. Patients who have thin corneas, corneal irregularities, or strong refractive prescriptions may be good candidates for PRK.

Listed are the indications for patients better suited for PRK:

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    Corneal Thickness:
    Patients with thinner corneas may be better candidates for PRK because it does not require a corneal flap and leaves more residual tissue for a stronger cornea.
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    Corneal Anomalies:
    Patients with corneal scarring or irregularities from trauma or long-term contact lens wear may require PRK to correct the corneas and visual errors.
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    Vision Prescription:
    Patients with higher prescriptions may be better candidates for PRK because less corneal tissue is involved in surgery.
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    Lifestyle:
    PRK is often the preferred procedure for patients with jobs or hobbies where the corneal flap that is created in LASIK could become dislodged, such as construction, diving, martial arts, boxing or the military.

To find out whether LASIK or PRK surgery is the best procedure for you, contact our refractive specialists in San Antonio to schedule a free PRK consultation.

Machine examining a man's eyes

What to Expect From PRK Surgery

PRK surgery follows virtually the same procedure as LASIK, except that a corneal flap is not created. The entire PRK procedure takes about 5 minutes for both eyes and begins with Dr. Iskander using medicated eye drops to numb the patient’s eyes and placing a speculum to hold the eyes open. Next, he gently removes the outermost layer of cells, known as epithelial cells, from the eye using a special instrument. Once the cells are removed, Dr. Iskander uses an excimer laser to gently reshape the corneal surface to the targeted prescription, with no flap creation.

Once the laser treatment is completed, Dr. Iskander places a clear contact bandage lens on the eye, which the patient will wear for about a week. After surgery, patients may experience slight discomfort that will improve over the next 2 days. Dr. Iskander recommends taking pain medications or using eye drops and ice packs if the pain is severe. Patients who undergo PRK surgery can typically drive after a few days, and their vision will continue to improve during the week-long recovery period.

Our PRK Process

1. Schedule & Meet

Contact San Antonio Eye Specialists to schedule a free consultation and determine which refractive procedure is best for you and your lifestyle.

2. Plan & Procedure

If we determine you are a good candidate for PRK surgery, Dr. Iskander will walk you through a personalized treatment plan and be there for you every step of the way.

3. Enjoy Clear Vision

After a post-surgery appointment and a week-long recovery period, patients can return to living their life to the fullest, without the hassle of glasses or contacts holding them back.

Smiling Dr. Iskander

Why Choose San Antonio Eye Specialists?

Nader Iskander, MD, FACS, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained refractive surgeon who has been performing PRK surgeries for over 20 years! Dr. Iskander and the team of medical professionals at San Antonio Eye Specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for every patient that comes into their practice. They continually keep up with the latest laser technology and surgical techniques to give their patients the best of care and visual outcomes.

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"I had the PRK procedure performed recently and was treated with the utmost diligence, patience, and care. Never a long wait time in the waiting room, all staff are friendly and kind, and doctors are not rushed during appointments and genuinely care for my progress and recovery. Highly highly recommend it!"

- Simone P.

"I went to a couple of different eye specialists in San Antonio before I made my decision on PRK, but I chose Dr. Iskander because of the thoughtfulness of him and his staff. Right away I felt like they were looking out for my best interest and long term goals. I would highly recommend San Antonio Eye Specialists to all my friends and family."

- Francesca G.

"I had LASIK about a week ago and my husband had PRK a year ago. We have received nothing but excellent service and care at SAES. I highly recommend Dr. Iskander! The office staff was also very professional and I had minimal wait for all my appointments."

- Suzanne M.

"Dr. Iskander and his staff are amazing. He did my PRK 15 years ago and I came back to him again! I have never felt rushed or left without my questions being addressed professionally and completely. Best experience ever!!"

- Ana N.

Paying for PRK Surgery in San Antonio

At San Antonio Eye Specialists, our goal is to make better vision accessible to all. That’s why we proudly offer discounts and price-matching options for PRK surgery in San Antonio. We also partner with ALPHAEON Credit and Care Credit to offer financing options, and we accept FSAs and HSAs. To learn more about our payment options, visit our Financing page or contact our office.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRK Surgery

How much does PRK surgery cost?

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The cost of PRK surgery will vary from patient to patient. During your consultation, we will provide you with a quote for your specific treatment. San Antonio Eye Specialists offers low-interest financing options and accepts FSAs and HSAs to make PRK surgery more affordable for our patients.

Is PRK surgery painful?

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Dr. Iskander begins the PRK procedure by numbing the patient’s eyes with medicated eye drops. These eye drops help make the PRK surgery virtually pain-free. Patients may experience mild discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, but this can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, eye drops, or ice packs.

Have more questions about PRK? Contact our office to learn more!