Dr. Whitley Shares Epi-Clear Results with “PRK: The Comeback Kid” in Review of Optometry

In “PRK: The Comeback Kid,” Dr. Andrew Whitley from Tulsa Eye Specialty revisits photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a laser vision correction procedure once overshadowed by LASIK due to discomfort and slower healing. The article explains how PRK has returned as a viable and patient-friendly refractive option largely because of modern refinements — chief among them the Epi-Clear for epithelial removal.

🔍 Why Epi-Clear Matters

• Alcohol-free epithelial removal: The Epi-Clear device gently removes the corneal epithelium without alcohol and without disrupting Bowman’s layer, creating a smoother, more controlled surface for the excimer laser.
• Improved comfort & outcomes: With Epi-Clear, patients in the Dr. Whitley’s practice report minimal pain (2–3/10) and often achieve 20/20 vision by day three, compared with the significant discomfort historically seen with alcohol or mechanical scraping methods.
• Faster healing: Studies cited in the article show about 95% epithelial closure by 48 hours with EBK compared with ~40 % with alcohol methods, supporting quicker recovery and lower discomfort.
• PRK resurgence: With these technique upgrades — led by Epi-Clear’s precise, soft epithelial removal — PRK now offers LASIK-like visual recovery without flap-related risks, fewer dry eye issues, and a flatter learning curve for surgeons considering surface ablation.

💡 The article underscores that evolving tools like Epi-Clear are helping reshape perceptions of surface ablation — not just by reducing pain, but by delivering predictable healing and excellent refractive outcomes, making PRK a stronger option in refractive practice discussions.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/prk-the-comeback-kid