Dr Moïse Tourabaly · Refractive surgery

Trans-PRK: the surface, all with the laser

Enlarged cross-section of the cornea during the three steps of PRK. Enlarged cross-section of the cornea, surface facing up, with the epithelium at the surface and the stroma underneath. In Trans-PRK, everything is done with the laser, without contact. Step 1, the excimer laser itself removes the surface epithelium, without any instrument. Step 2, the same laser reshapes the stroma at the surface. Step 3, the epithelium re-forms under a bandage contact lens. Trans-PRK does not create a flap, unlike LASIK. limbus limbus anterior chamber stroma cornea, cross-section in profile epithelium the laser removes the epithelium, without contact the same laser reshapes the stroma bandage contact lens · healing

1. Laser removal: in Trans-PRK, the excimer laser itself removes the surface epithelium, without any instrument or alcohol.

2. Reshaping: at the same time, the laser reshapes the stroma at the surface, without cutting a flap.

3. Healing: the epithelium re-forms within a few days, protected by a bandage contact lens.

Treated zone Surface epithelium

No corneal flap as in LASIK. In Trans-PRK, the epithelium is removed by the laser itself, in a single step, without contact.

Diagram for educational purposes. It does not replace an ophthalmological examination. Results vary from one patient to another.