Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery procedure that is carried out with the key intent to correct a patient's vision. PRK permanently changes the shape of the frontal corneal tissue using an excimer laser, which is a high-precision ultraviolet chemical laser. The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and then a small amount of the corneal tissue is burnt off using the laser. Such an ablation renders the desired shape to the cornea and allows for optimal refraction.

PRK is a technologically advanced surgical procedure. For instance, a computer system tracks the eye position around 4,000 times per second, redirecting laser pulses for precise ablation. As mentioned above, the epithelium is removed prior to ablation. This does not hamper the patient's vision, since the epithelium is a soft and regenerating layer, which is capable of completely replacing itself within a matter of days. However, the deeper layers, once burnt off, will remain that way because they possess limited regenerative capability. This theory is the cornerstone of the Photorefractive keratectomy surgical procedure.

PRK differs from LASIK in a way that the epithelium is removed in PRK and allowed to regenerate. On the other hand, LASIK does not involve epithelium removal. Instead it consists of cutting a flap in the cornea in order to make the desired incisions. Compared to LASIK, a patient who has undergone PRK experiences more pain and recovery is slow. However, both procedures are similar in the respect that they make use of a laser.

Photorefractive keratectomy is a viable procedure, but it does have possible complications. Apart from slow recovery and pain, the patient may experience glares and halos. As in any refractive surgery, there is a possibility of over- or under-correction. Eye surgeons typically perform PRK on one eye at a time, in order to gauge the results of the procedure and ensure its efficacy.

In a majority of cases, PRK has proven to be a safe and efficacious procedure to correct myopia. However, since the procedure is irreversible, it is recommended that the patient consults an eye doctor instead of jumping on a conclusion.

Millions of people are free to enjoy an active lifestyle they never could have imagined before undergoing the Lasik laser vision correction procedure. The very name of Lasik laser vision correction lets most people know that it corrects poor vision through the use of laser technology, but most individuals are confused when it comes to the finer details.
Exactly what is Lasik laser vision correction? Lasik is short for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, and it helps eliminate or reduce the need for contacts or glasses for many people that are dependent on corrective lenses. Astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness are common refractive errors that can be minimized with the use of the Lasik procedure.

In a procedure that is customized for each person, a cold laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to repair imperfections that cause refractive errors. Imperfections in the cornea's shape are responsible for the different types of errors in refraction. By smoothing out the imperfections and reshaping the eye, the Lasik laser vision correction results in clear vision.
In order to give the laser access to the tissue needing repair, a small flap is cut at the front of the eye, leaving a portion of […]

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Eye wear may be a fashion accessory, but when you depend on it for seeing the world, it's a lot more. Today, many people are turning to refractive laser eye surgery, such as Lasik surgery, to improve their vision. However, this high-cost surgery is normally not paid for by insurance because it fails to meet the conservative therapy test and is classified as cosmetic. This trend is shifting.

We are seeing an increasing number of circumstances where refractive eye surgery is determined to be medically necessary and, therefore, payable by the insurance provider. For example, if conservative therapy treatments fail or if a patient is intolerant of contact lenses and cannot wear glasses because they might pose a risk in their job (e.g. police or firefighters), refractive eye surgery may be the most medically viable treatment option.

Conservative Therapy Options:

Examples of conservative therapy treatments include the following:

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) - a refractive laser surgical procedure that is often done (and covered) for a patient that suffers from recurrent corneal erosion (e.g. diabetics). With PRK, a laser is used to remove corneal tissue to correct vision problems.

Patching, epithelial debridement (mechanical removal of faulty tissue), and bandaged contact lens placement - treatments that often don't work. Stromal puncturing - a procedure involving the physician puncturing the anterior corneal stroma - can also be used but can fail or result in permanent vision loss. In such cases, PRK is the best alternative for removing the damaged cells (or membranes) and possibly correcting the vision problems.

Physicians can help patients who are in medical need of laser eye surgery make a stronger case by initiating the following:

Document a full medical history of the patient's eye complaints Show proof that the patient has not responded to conservative treatments and that the purpose of the surgery is for medical reasons other than simply improved eyesight.

Still, even when the physician does this, each decision is taken on a case-by-case basis and is subject to the extenuating circumstances clearly noted in the patient's medical record.

For more information about medical necessity reviews on cases like this, visit our website or call us at 1-800-400-9916.