Return to Main Menu

Clinical trial may revive PRK procedure In the last several years, a refractive surgery technique called photorefractive keratectomy, also known as PRK, has lost favor in the general public to laser in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK.  However, a newly-formulated medication may mean the revival of the once-popular and successful vision correction procedure, a procedure that could prove superior to the highly-popular LASIK surgery now being performed.  PRK once held center stage as a promising procedure employing laser technology to correct poor vision by reshaping the eye’s cornea.  Nevertheless, one particular flaw, temporary pain and discomfort, has kept its otherwise stellar performance from receiving top billing as a way to lure people out from behind their glasses and contact lenses.  But a special preparation, similar to a liquid form of ibuprofen, if successful in clinical trials to be opened initially with a preference to MUSC faculty, students and employees, may mean the revival of this once-preferred procedure. Eight laser vision centers throughout the country are participating in this trial sponsored by Allergan, Inc. of Irvine California, a large pharmaceutical company.  PRK and LASIK are very similar procedures in that they both use the same excimer laser to reshape the cornea, the outermost structure of the eye which is responsible for two thirds of the eyes light refraction.  “PRK avoids one major risk factor,” said Kerry Solomon, M.D., medical director of MUSCs Magill Laser Center, explaining the difference between it and LASIK.  A layer of tissue, the thickness of a single cell, covers the cornea. In the LASIK procedure, an incision is made through this layer and into the stromal layer below, to pull back a delicate layer in a flap. The laser is then applied to the inner layer of the stroma and the flap is replaced with the result usually being little discomfort, he continued.  In the PRK procedure, this outermost layer, the corneal epithelium, is removed and must then grow back after the laser treatment is completed.  It is during this two or three day period that the form of liquid ibuprofen may prove effective in reducing or eliminating the discomfort associated with the absence of the cornea’s protective layer.  “So with PRK, we eliminate the inherent risk factors of LASIK associated with the cutting, handling and possible postoperative dislodging of the thin corneal flap,” Solomon said.  So who’s eligible for the study?  “We’re looking for people 18 years and older who want to be less dependent on their glasses,” Solomon said. “They can be far-sighted or near-sighted, with or without astigmatism.”  He added that those participating in the study would receive compensation as well as have their medications, including an FDA-approved break-through discomfort medication, and preoperative and follow-up exams provided at no cost.  “We would like to offer this to the MUSC family first,” Solomon said. “The number of subjects is limited and, personally, I think it is a great opportunity for better vision using a highly-reliable and proven technique.”  Those interested in participating can call the Magill Laser Center for Vision Correction at 216-2020.