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PRK Surgery in Tijuana: step by step, and who it's best for

By Dra. Ned Davila Avila — Cornea and Refractive Surgery

PRK Surgery in Tijuana: step by step, and who it's best for

When someone asks me if LASIK is "the best" refractive surgery, my answer is always the same: it depends on your cornea. PRK was the precursor of laser refractive surgery and, for many patients —especially those with thinner corneas— it remains the safest option, with long-term results comparable to LASIK.

Why this matters to me: before recommending any technique, I perform a complete corneal evaluation to confirm which option is safest for you —not just the fastest one to offer. If your cornea is a candidate for PRK and not LASIK, I'd rather tell you clearly from the first consultation.

Here's the PRK process, step by step

1
Consultation and candidacy evaluation. Corneal topography to confirm PRK is the safest technique for your cornea.
2
Complete eye exam. Includes pupil dilation, and I personally explain what to expect in your case.
3
Written quote and instructions. Costs and pre-surgery instructions, with no surprises.
4
Surgery day. Outpatient, with anesthetic drops: the corneal surface is reshaped with an excimer laser, with no flap as in LASIK.
5
Temporary bandage contact lens. Protects the cornea while the epithelium regenerates; it's removed 4 to 7 days later.
6
No-cost post-surgical kit. Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops from day one.
7
One month of follow-up visits at no cost. Always with me, the same surgeon who performed your procedure.

PRK's visual recovery is a bit more gradual than LASIK's —some discomfort and light sensitivity in the first days is normal— but long-term results are just as predictable. If your evaluation shows PRK is your best option, I'd be glad to walk with you through every step of the process.

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