The idea of laser eye surgery can feel more intimidating than the procedure itself—I know it was for me. When you don’t know what to expect, your mind fills in the blanks with worst-case scenarios. Understanding the process makes it far less scary. That’s exactly what this article is here to do. We’ll walk through the entire TransPRK experience together, step by step, so that by the time you arrive for your procedure, you’ll know exactly what’s coming.
Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that specific steps can vary slightly from surgery to surgery and between different clinics. However, this guide will walk you through the typical TransPRK experience from the moment you arrive until you walk out with clearer vision.
Don’t have time to read everything right now? That’s okay! Watch our 30-second explainer video.
Arriving at the Clinic
Your TransPRK journey begins at the front desk. After checking in, you’ll hand in your signed consent forms and receive a recovery handout with important post-operative instructions. Before heading to the surgical area, you’ll put on personal protective equipment including surgical hats and booties.
Preparing Your Eyes
Once you’re ready, the surgical team will administer numbing drops to ensure you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. You’ll receive the freezing drops multiple times to make sure the procedure is 100% painless. They’ll also gently clean the area around your eyes.
Understanding the Eye Speculum
During the treatment, an eye speculum will be used to gently hold your eyelids open. Because your eyes are fully numbed, it won’t hurt but it may feel a bit unusual. The speculum is one of only two points during the entire procedure where any objects actually touch your eyes.
The Treatment Itself
Here’s where the magic happens. The actual laser treatment lasts no more than sixty seconds. Your job is simple: just focus on the green fixation light. The Schwind Amaris 750s system handles the rest. If you’d like to learn more about the technology behind TransPRK, visit our FAQ page. You can also watch the full procedure to see exactly what happens. The treatment itself is completely painless thanks to those numbing drops.
Post-Laser Application
Immediately after the laser treatment, your surgeon will apply three important medications to your eye. First is Mitomycin C, which significantly reduces the post-operative chances of corneal haze. This is followed by a sterile water rinse and an antibiotic solution to prevent infection.
Bandage Contact Lens
The final step for your first eye is the application of a temporary bandage contact lens. This protective lens will remain in place until your day 5 follow-up appointment, when it will be removed by your eye care team. This is the second and final point where any object touches your eye during the procedure. Afterwards, the eye speculum is removed, and the face is gently wiped.
Treating the Second Eye
Once the first eye is done, the exact same process is repeated on the second eye: numbing drops, laser treatment, medications, and finally the bandage contact lens.
You’re All Done!
That’s it! You’ll be in and out of the operating room in about 15 minutes. Now it’s time to put on your cool new sunglasses and begin your healing journey. If you’re curious about what the recovery process looks like, you can read our previous article to learn what to expect in the days and weeks following your TransPRK procedure.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re considering TransPRK and want to learn whether you’re a good candidate, we invite you to book a complimentary consultation appointment. During this no-obligation visit, we’ll assess your vision, answer all your questions, and help you determine if TransPRK is the right choice for you.
Book your free consultation