TransPRK: What You Need To Know About This Advanced Refractive Surgery

Introduction

Without a doubt, having a clear vision is an essential aspect of a person’s daily life since it allows them to properly see and navigate the world around them. This is why people with refractive errors, like astigmatism, farsightedness (hyperopia), and nearsightedness (myopia), sometimes encounter challenges when performing day-to-day activities.

Traditional vision correction methods, like wearing glasses and contact lenses, can help. However, they can also be restrictive. Luckily, there are modern ways available today that can help people with refractive errors correct their vision. Advancements in medical technology paved the way for procedures like transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) surgery.

Asian Eye Institute is among the eye care facilities that can perform TransPRK surgery in the Philippines. We have the capacity to provide you with a high level of treatment thanks to our state-of-the-art equipment and skilled doctors. However, if you want to be more informed about the procedure first, reading this article can help. We compiled here all the necessary information you need to know about TransPRK surgery.

LASIK vs. TransPRK

Laser in-situ keratomileusis, more popularly known as LASIK, is a popular procedure that people can get to correct their refractive error. Learning about both TransPRK and LASIK is crucial for those who are looking for ways to manage their astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. Here is how both procedures differ from each other:
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Corneal Treatment – LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea to access the tissue underneath it. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap will be put back in its place. In TransPRK, the laser is used to remove the epithelium (the outer layer of the cornea) and reshape the cornea. The ablated surface will regenerate itself after a few days.
Possible Restrictions – TransPRK can be done for people with thin corneas and chonic dry eyes. However, these individuals might not be pass a LASIK screening.
Surgical Pain – Both procedures are painless since the patient will be administered anesthesia prior to the surgery.
Recovery Time – LASIK has a faster recovery time compared to TransPRK. However, patients of both procedures are advised to follow their doctor’s post-operative care instructions to avoid complications.
Costs of the Procedure – The cost of TransPRK and LASIK in the Philippines depends on plenty of factors. It is best to get the price range of the procedure directly from your preferred eye clinic.

What Happens During TransPRK Surgery?

Prior to surgery, your doctor will perform the necessary tests to determine if you are eligible to undergo the procedure. If there are no problems with your eyes, you will be scheduled for the operation at a time and day convenient for you and your doctor.

During the procedure, your epithelium will be removed using an excimer laser. This gives the doctor access to the inner parts of your cornea, which will then be reshaped with another type of laser. Once this is done, a soft contact lens will be used to temporarily replace the ablated epithelium while it is healing.

The epithelium typically regenerates in less than a week. During this time, the patient is advised to use the prescribed eye drops and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Once the epithelium is fully healed, the soft contact lenses will then be removed by the doctor. Your doctor will also be the one to tell you if the lenses can already be removed.

TransPRK surgery takes just about five minutes per eye, depending on several factors. It is an outpatient procedure, so the patient can go home on the same day as long as they have someone to accompany them.

Possible Side Effects of TransPRK

The surgery is generally safe, but patients might experience some side effects, such as:

Dry Eyes – It is pretty common for TransPRK patients to experience dry eyes while they are recovering from the procedure. This can be remedied by using lubricating eye drops prescribed by the surgeon.
Haze – Also known as corneal haze, this refers to the cloudy or seemingly opaque appearance of the cornea after the surgery, and it often causes blurry vision. This can happen to TransPRK patients if their epithelium does not heal properly, and patients who experience this side effect after the procedure are advised to consult their doctor right away.
Night Vision Problems – Some patients also report seeing glares and halos at night after getting TransPRK surgery. There are also others who have difficulty seeing in low light. All of these night vision problems typically go away in a few months once the patient is fully recovered.

Speak With a TransPRK Specialist Today

Before deciding to get TransPRK surgery in the Philippines, it is crucial for you to speak with specialists who can inform you more about the procedure. You can schedule a consultation with our ophthalmologists here at Asian Eye Institute. Rest assured that our team of experts all have the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you arrive at a better decision about whether or not you should undergo TransPRK eye surgery.

To schedule a consultation, all you have to do is reach out to us through our online channels. You can fill out this form on our website with the necessary details and submit it virtually. Remember to wait for the confirmation of your schedule, which will be sent to you via email within a few business days.

Alternatively, you can call your preferred branch to visit and speak directly with our staff members. Trust that they will help you find the right schedule and doctor based on your available time.

Conclusion

TransPRK surgery can correct the vision of patients with refractive errors. It is an advanced procedure that involves the use of laser beams to reshape the cornea and help manage nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Many people undergo this procedure to have better eyesight and possibly improve their day-to-day lives.

However, like any other medical procedure, you need to consult a specialist before getting TransPRK surgery in the Philippines. An ophthalmologist can walk you through the entire process and inform you about possible side effects of the procedure. They can also perform the necessary exams to ensure that you are an eligible candidate.

Asian Eye Institute is here to help you if you are looking for TransPRK specialists. If you have questions about the procedure, you can ask our team of experts directly by scheduling a consultation with them. Use our online channels or call our hotlines today to book an appointment with an Asian Eye doctor today!

Asian Eye’s Dr. Robert Ang Wins Gold Medal at Cataract Olympics

At the recent American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting on April 8, 2024, Dr. Robert Ang of Asian Eye was awarded a prestigious Gold medal in the Cataract Olympics for his video presentation titled “Cataract Technology Hurdles.”

Held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from April 05 to 08, 2024, the annual meeting featured the participation of outstanding ophthalmologists and eye care professionals from across the globe. The Cataract Olympics symposium provided a platform for teams from leading organizations such as ASCRS, APACRS, ESCRS, and LASCRS to showcase their expertise and compete in various cataract categories making Dr. Ang’s achievement even more remarkable.

Dr. Ang’s award-winning video focused on the critical aspect of astigmatism correction during cataract surgery and offered valuable insights into using Toric (astigmatism) IOLs. His impressive win coincides with Cataract Awareness Month this June, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cataracts and educating the public about available treatment options.

This video competition not only showcases the expertise and skills of specialists like Dr. Ang but also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas with doctors worldwide regarding new technologies and surgical techniques. By leveraging the power of visual media, these educational resources help advance the field of cataract surgery and benefit patients globally.

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition, where the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Sometimes, it feels like looking at a fogged-up glass. If not treated, it can lead to blindness. Fortunately, surgery can be done to remove it. The ophthalmologist will remove the lens with cataract and replace it with an IOL. There are different kinds of IOLs available, all designed to improve vision.

Asian Eye takes great pride in the exceptional skills and expertise of their esteemed medical team, exemplified by the contributions of Dr. Robert Ang. Dedicated to providing patients with the highest standard of care, patients can have peace of mind when it comes to cataract surgery and other vision-related procedures at Asian Eye.

For more information about Dr. Robert Ang and the advanced ophthalmological services offered at Asian Eye, please visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

Cataract Awareness Month: Reclaim Your Freedom, Restore Your Sight

June is Cataract Awareness Month, and as a leading eye center in the Philippines, Asian Eye aims to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of cataract screenings and drive more individuals to seek timely treatment for cataracts. Cataracts are a common concern among older Filipinos and one of the major causes of visual impairment. According to the Philippine Eye Research Institute, there are 1.18 million people suffering from cataracts, with roughly 400,000 needing surgery.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to glare. It can lead to blindness if left untreated, so it’s essential to have them removed when they begin to interfere with your daily activities, such as driving, watching TV, or cooking.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. Laser cataract surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgery, and Asian Eye is proud to offer patients with cutting-edge solutions for their eye care needs.

Asian Eye utilizes VICTUS Femtolaser technology from the renowned German brand Bausch + Lomb. This advanced technology is able to break up and remove the cloudy lens using significantly less energy, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and promoting quicker healing.

Regular visits to your eye doctor are paramount, as they can advise you on the timing of the surgery and explain the benefits and risks involved. If you have an elderly loved one who complains of cloudy or blurry vision, consider giving them the gift of sight with the following Cataract Screening and Surgery deals:

40% off for one (1) cataract screening

50% off for two (2) or more cataract screenings

20% off on cataract surgery

*if scheduled within one (1) week after the screening or deposit is given within (2) weeks

It’s important to make informed decisions with a trusted eye care specialist and to book an appointment with Asian Eye to take proactive steps towards better vision and eye health.

Asian Eye Institute is located at Phinma Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati with satellite offices located in TriNoma, Quezon City, and Mall of Asia, Pasay City. For inquiries and appointments, you may call 8898- 2020 or send an email to [email protected].

Dr. Robert Ang Recognized as one of the Top 100 in “The Power List 2024” by The Ophthalmologist

Dr. Robert Edward Ang, a distinguished specialist in Cataract, Glaucoma, and Cornea and Refractive Surgery (LASIK) at the Asian Eye Institute, has been honored once again by The Ophthalmologist Magazine in its prestigious 2024 Power List as one of the top 100 most influential eye care professionals in the world. Dr. Ang, notably the only Filipino listed, reaffirms his status with this second recognition. The first time he was listed in the top 100 was in 2018, highlighting his sustained contributions and leadership in the global ophthalmology community.

About Dr. Robert Edward Ang

As the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at the Asian Eye Institute, Dr. Ang is celebrated for his expertise in LASIK surgery and his pioneering research on technologies that enhance the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions. As the Director for Research and Training, his collaborative work with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies has led to innovations in cataract intraocular lenses, presbyopic laser treatments, and minimally invasive glaucoma devices.

His accolades include multiple Best Paper of Session Awards from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the Certified Educator Award from the Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (APACRS), the Presidential Recognition Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), the Geminiano de Ocampo Outstanding Researcher in Ophthalmology Award from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Senior Achievement Award from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO).

Dr. Ang’s consistent recognition on such a significant global platform not only underscores his dedication and skill but also serves as an inspiration to current and aspiring ophthalmologists worldwide. His achievements continue to showcase the excellence and innovation present in Philippine medical practices.

Explore and Connect

Dr. Robert Ang has ongoing research projects on cataract, glaucoma, refractive lenses and laser eye surgery. To learn more about Dr. Ang’s impactful work and explore if, as a patient, you would like to be part of the pioneering research and eye care services at the Asian Eye Institute, please visit our website at asianeyeinstitute.com. For appointments, please refer to the contact details below:

ROCKWELL (Main Clinic)

8th, 9th, and 10th Floors, PHINMA Plaza

Rockwell Center, Makati City

LANDLINE (02) 8-898-2020

MOBILE 0918-898-2020

EMAIL [email protected]

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