The following are the guidelines and preparation for PRK.

1. An anti-HIV blood test and the result is required on the day of the surgery (the name on the test result must match the name you provided to TRSC). If you do not bring a test result that has been obtained within three months of your surgery date, then TRSC has the right to refuse surgery.
            - The reason for the anti-HIV blood test is to ensure safety to the patients. The immune system needs to be healthy and function normally to decrease the risk of infection.
            - For our HIV-positive patients, we would consult with a trained internist to determine the patient’s immune status (CD-4 count, viral load, etc) and then decide candidacy for surgery on an individual basis. HIV positive patients who are determined to be a candidate will also have PRK performed one eye at a time as an added safety precaution for the patient.

2. Refrain from wearing contact lenses
Amount of time required to stay out of contact lenses:
            - Soft lenses: At least 3 days before the surgery
            - Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses or semi-hard lenses: At lease 14 days before the surgery

3. On the day of the surgery, you should wash your hair and refrain from wearing make-up. We recommend that you wear a button-down shirt for convenience since you will be wearing eye shields. Please do not bring any valuable belongings.

4. Do not take any medications prior to the surgery without consultation from your surgeon. If you take medications on a regular basis, you need to discuss this with the doctor on the day of your comprehensive preoperative eye examination.

5. Please do not consume any alcoholic drinks, do not wear perfume, use deodorant or scents of any kind before the surgery, as the vapor and odor may affect accuracy of the laser.

6. On the day of surgery, do not drive yourself. . After surgery your eyes will be covered with eye-shield(s) on the operated eye(s). Although you can see through the eye-shield, you will have decreased peripheral vision and some patients may experience irritation, a stinging sensation, watering, hazy vision, and may have difficulties opening the eye which could be obstacles for safe driving.

7. All minors under age 20 are required to have a guardian present to give permission. TRSC has the right to refuse service if there is no guardian present.

8. If you happen to schedule the surgery on a day that is more than 3 months after your preoperative eye examination, you will need to go through a repeat preoperative eye examination. This repeat of tests is essential because it ensures for consistent results, in case your eyes have changed or developed any type of problems during that time gap. This repeat exam will ensure you are ready for PRK surgery.

9. PRK planning

            - Unlike LASIK which treat the middle layer of the cornea, PRK uses the laser to treat the surface of the cornea directly, therefore patients may experience more irritation, tearing, sensitivity to light, and or fluctuation in vision.
            - PRK patients are required to be seen at the clinic for follow-up exams everyday for 4-5 days after surgery