Trans-PRK (Touchless Laser)
In short
Trans-PRK is flapless, touch-free laser vision correction. The excimer laser removes the corneal surface layer and reshapes the cornea in a single step, with no flap and no instrument contacting the eye. It preserves more corneal structure than LASIK, so it often suits thinner corneas and contact sports.
TOUCHLESS, BLADELESS, FLAPLESS
VISION CORRECTION
Trans-PRK, powered by the innovative Schwind Amaris platform with Smart Pulse Technology (SPT), represents a revolutionary advancement in laser vision correction.
Unlike traditional methods, Trans-PRK ensures a bladeless, touch-free procedure that optimizes corneal smoothness for unparalleled clinical outcomes. This procedure redefines precision, safety, and patient comfort.
Procedure Overview
- Advanced Surface Ablation: Utilizes Smart Pulse Technology to create a remarkably smooth corneal surface, enhancing post-operative visual quality and expediting healing.
- No Incisions or Flaps: Eliminates the need for flap creation (as in LASIK), incisions, or lenticule removal (as in SMILE). It guarantees a stress-free, non-invasive experience.
- Gentle on the Eye: The Smart Surface procedure preserves corneal stability and ensures minimal impact on tear film production, making it excellent for dry eye patients.
- Ideal for Thin Corneas: Since no tissue is used for a flap, it preserves the maximum amount of corneal structural integrity.
Key Benefits
- Enhanced Safety: No risk of flap-related complications. Smart Pulse Technology promotes faster epithelial healing.
- One-Step Process: The laser removes the epithelium and corrects vision in a single step, minimizing treatment time and corneal dehydration.
- Touch-Free: The eye is never touched by any surgical instrument during the laser ablation.
- Rapid Recovery: High-quality vision is typically restored 2 to 4 days after the epithelium heals.
Who is it Suitable For?
- Active Lifestyles: Perfect for athletes, swimmers, and military personnel where flap dislocation is a risk.
- Thin Corneas: Patients who are not eligible for LASIK due to insufficient corneal thickness often qualify for Trans-PRK.
- Dry Eyes: Less disruption to corneal nerves means fewer dry eye symptoms post-surgery compared to LASIK.
- Note: UV eye protection glasses are advised for 4-6 months to ensure long-term stability.
Common Questions about Trans-PRK
The procedure itself is painless due to anesthetic drops. Post-procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or light sensitivity for 2-3 days as the surface layer (epithelium) heals. A bandage contact lens is used to minimize this.
The initial surface healing takes about 3-4 days. Visual clarity improves significantly after the first week and stabilizes over a few weeks. While slower than LASIK (which is 24 hours), it offers superior long-term structural stability.
Structurally, yes. Since there is no flap created, there are zero risks of flap dislocation, wrinkling, or infection underneath the flap. This makes it the safest option for long-term corneal integrity.
Ask us about Trans-PRK
OPD runs Mon - Sat 5 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (closed Sunday). Call or WhatsApp us and our front desk will help you. Cashless mediclaim and TPA empanelment available.
Sources and further reading
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) — American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Refractive Errors — National Eye Institute (NIH)
This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation. Your own examination findings determine what is right for your eyes.