Freedom from spectacles with PRK laser treatment

Speaking with media persons, laser treatment experts Dr. Sanjay Sawarkar and Dr. Madhuri Chandorkar who have been trained at the Optimax Eye Clinic, London, said that even very high numbers can be treated with this Excimer laser treatment which involves no painful injections or cuts to the cornea. "PRK can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses permanently without weakening your eyes," the experts stressed.

PRK is reshaping of the front surface (cornea) of the eye by the laser beam with very high precision. Also termed as photo ablation, the PRK method gives wider scope for peripheral vision than glasses provide and it is safer for eye health than wearing contact lenses for an extended period of time, according to the experts.

"I can’t believe I won’t be able to use spectacles or contact lenses any more," says Dhamankar who points out that for a day after the operation there is a sensation of some foreign body in your eye. She underwent the operation a fortnight ago. Her life has completely changed as she quips, "I don’t need to grope for my glasses or lenses anymore."

The Rs 1.10 crore machine has been imported from Japan while the operation cost is an approximate Rs. 16,000. There are few medical procedures which guarantee 100 per cent safety on a permanent basis and nothing will happen to your eyesight, insist the experts while demonstrating the technology on their 100th patient Deepali Kadam who underwent laser treatment for myopia in one eye.

The treatment for vision correction through laser could be done by a person above 18 years with a stable spectacle number for two years and whose eyes are free of complicating injuries and diseases, Chandorkar said. He however lamenting however that lack of awareness, prevalent misconceptions and fear of the new technology prevented people to avail of the treatment which can now also provide expanded career opportunities for pilots, police officers, firefighters and better vision for sportspersons where spectacles or contact lenses are impractical to use.