TransPRK
- UK-trained specialist with international fellowship experience
- Prize-winning internationally recognised consultant ophthalmologist
- Elite World College Refractive Surgery Fellow
- Boutique consultant-led service, not corporate volume
- Full spectrum vision correction procedures available
- Referred by fellow surgeons for complex laser surgery cases
What is TransPRK?
TransPRK is an all-laser surface procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. The key difference from LASIK is that TransPRK removes the outer epithelial layer and reshapes the cornea in a single continuous laser treatment, without creating a corneal flap. The epithelium naturally regenerates over 3-5 days, during which time a protective contact lens is worn for comfort.
Key Advantages of TransPRK
- Completely flapless—no risk of flap-related complications
- No surgical instruments touch your eye (touchless procedure)
- Preserves more corneal tissue and structural strength
- Ideal for contact sports and active lifestyles
- Suitable for thinner corneas
- Reduced risk of dry eye compared to LASIK
- Single-step, all-laser treatment
How Does TransPRK Differ from LASIK?
TransPRK:
- Flapless surface procedure
- Slightly longer initial recovery (3-5 days)
- No risk of flap displacement
- Better for contact sports and active lifestyles
- Suitable for thinner corneas
- Less disruption to corneal nerves
- Lower incidence of dry eye
LASIK:
- Creates a corneal flap
- Faster visual recovery (24-48 hours)
- Minimal discomfort immediately after surgery
- Not recommended for high-impact activities
- Requires adequate corneal thickness
- Potential for flap-related complications (rare)
Both procedures offer excellent long-term visual outcomes. Your suitability for each will be determined during your comprehensive consultation.
Am I Suitable for TransPRK?
You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Are over 18 years old with stable vision for 12+ months
- Have thin corneas unsuitable for LASIK
- Participate in contact sports (rugby, martial arts, boxing)
- Work in occupations with risk of eye trauma
- Have had previous LASIK enhancement and need further correction
- Prefer a flapless procedure for peace of mind
- Experience significant dry eye (TransPRK may be preferable)
Treatable Prescriptions:
- Myopia (short-sightedness): -0.50 to -8.00 dioptres
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness): +1.00 to +4.00 dioptres
- Astigmatism: up to 5.00 dioptres
The TransPRK Procedure - What to Expect
Before Surgery:
- Comprehensive eye examination and corneal topography
- Discussion of your lifestyle, occupation, and visual goals
- Stop wearing contact lenses (timeframe advised at consultation)
- Pre-operative measurements and surgical planning
During Surgery:
- Anaesthetic eye drops numb the eye completely
- Advanced excimer laser removes the epithelial layer
- Same laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue
- Entire treatment completed in one continuous process
- Protective contact lens placed on the eye for comfort
- Total procedure time: approximately 5-10 minutes per eye
After Surgery:
- Both eyes typically treated on the same day
- Protective contact lens worn for 3-5 days
- Mild to moderate discomfort for 2-3 days (managed with drops)
- Vision gradually improves as epithelium heals
- Contact lens removed at follow-up appointment
- Vision continues to sharpen over 1-2 weeks
Full visual stabilisation within 1-3 months
Why Choose TransPRK?
Enhanced Safety Profile TransPRK eliminates flap-related risks entirely, making it the safest option for patients with active lifestyles or those concerned about potential flap complications. The flapless approach also preserves corneal biomechanical strength.
Touchless Technology The entire procedure is performed without any surgical instruments touching your eye. The laser precisely removes and reshapes tissue in a computer-controlled sequence, ensuring maximum precision and hygiene.
Suitable for Thin Corneas Because TransPRK removes less overall tissue than LASIK (no flap creation required), it’s often suitable for patients with thinner corneas who wouldn’t qualify for LASIK.
Reduced Dry Eye Risk TransPRK causes less disruption to corneal nerves compared to LASIK, resulting in a lower incidence of post-operative dry eye symptoms.
Ideal for Active Lifestyles Without a permanent flap, there’s no risk of flap displacement from trauma. This makes TransPRK perfect for athletes, military personnel, police officers, and anyone in physically demanding occupations.
Recovery & Aftercare
First 3-5 Days (Epithelial Healing Phase):
- Wear protective contact lens continuously
- Moderate discomfort, light sensitivity, and watery eyes are normal
- Vision will be blurry initially—this is expected
- Use prescribed eye drops as directed
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Rest when possible and avoid screens when uncomfortable
- Sunglasses helpful for light sensitivity
Days 5-7:
- Contact lens removed at follow-up appointment
- Vision begins to clear significantly
- Discomfort subsides substantially
- Continue prescribed eye drops
Weeks 2-4:
- Vision continues to sharpen and stabilise
- Most patients can return to all normal activities
- Some patients may experience slight vision fluctuations (normal)
- Continue with lubricating drops as needed
Long-term:
- Vision typically stabilises within 1-3 months
- Regular eye examinations remain important
- UV protection recommended
- Excellent long-term visual stability
Pricing
TransPRK Surgery: from £1,400 per eye
Investment includes:
- Comprehensive pre-operative consultation and testing
- Advanced TransPRK procedure
- Protective contact lenses
- Post-operative medications and eye drops
- All follow-up appointments for the first year
- 24/7 emergency contact
Payment plans available through third-party providers to make treatment more accessible.
Risks & Considerations
Whilst TransPRK is extremely safe, it’s important to understand potential risks:
- Longer initial recovery: Vision takes 3-5 days to begin clearing, compared to 24-48 hours with LASIK
- Post-operative discomfort: Moderate discomfort for 2-3 days (well-managed with medication)
- Haze risk: Minimal risk of corneal haze during healing (less than 1% with modern protocols)
- Under or over-correction: Enhancement procedures available if needed
- Delayed visual stabilisation: Final results take slightly longer than LASIK
- Infection risk: Extremely rare (less than 0.1%)
The advantages of a flapless procedure often outweigh these considerations, particularly for suitable candidates. We’ll discuss all risks specific to your case during consultation.
TransPRK vs PRK vs LASEK
TransPRK (Transepithelial PRK):
- Fully automated, touchless procedure
- No alcohol or instruments touch the eye
- Most precise epithelial removal
- Fastest procedure time
- Our recommended surface treatment
Traditional PRK:
- Manual epithelial removal with instrument
- Slightly longer procedure time
- More operator-dependent
- Proven track record
LASEK:
- Uses alcohol solution to loosen epithelium
- Epithelium preserved and replaced
- Less commonly performed today
TransPRK represents the evolution of surface laser surgery, combining the benefits of PRK with enhanced precision and comfort.
Who is TransPRK Particularly Suited For?
Athletes & Active Individuals:
- Rugby, football, martial arts, boxing participants
- Runners, cyclists, swimmers
- Anyone engaged in contact or high-impact sports
Professional Requirements:
- Military and law enforcement personnel
- Firefighters and emergency services
- Construction workers
- Anyone in physically demanding occupations
Medical Considerations:
- Patients with thin corneas
- Those with chronic dry eye
- Patients requiring future corneal procedures
- Individuals concerned about flap complications
Meet Mr. Mukherjee
MBChB(hons) FRCOphth CertLRS
Mr. Mukherjee is one of the UK’s most qualified eye surgeons, offering exceptional care in Colchester. His unique credentials include:
- Prize winning Consultant Ophthalmologist & Clinical Lead – Colchester Eye Centre, ESNEFT
- Specialist in Cornea, Refractive Surgery, and Glaucoma
- Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
- Elected Fellow World College Refractive Surgery (FWCRS)
- Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) – Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Triple Post-CCT Fellowships:
- Cornea & External Disease –Cambridge University Hospital & University Hospital of Wales
- Glaucoma & Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – King’s College Hospital, London
- Laser eye Surgery & Keratoconus –Emmetropia Eye Institute, Greece
Ready to Transform Your Vision?
Ready to transform your vision? Take the first step towards improving your sight with a comprehensive consultation with Mr. Mukherjee. Discover which procedure is right for you and start your journey to visual independence.