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We also read, re-assuringly: "R.K. & P.R.K. methods are well understood because they have been and continue to be the subject of intense scrutiny and research."¹ Quite right. So, it's perfectly safe then? Well...

"P.R.K is effected by lasers which emit ultra violet radiation which removes microscopic portions of tissue from the front of the cornea, altering its shape, and yield a very precise change in its focusing power."'

Ultra Violet radiation? Isn't that the stuff that causes cataracts and skin cancer? The one that's so dangerous we mustn't go out in the sun without our expensive sunglasses, and as for that sunning that the Bates people talk about???! Ah yes: but it's been the subject of all that intense scrutiny...

"Clinical treatment of sighted eyes was introduced in 1988"' ... for all of five years.

As a candidate for PRK you have to read this document¹ which also includes the following items, before signing a declaration that you have read it, understood it, and waive all claims that might arise:

· "Certain side effects are possible.. (including) cloudiness, irritation. subsequent long sight, persistent short sight.."

· "It is understood that the list of complications is not complete" (i.e., the practitioners bear no responsibility for anything that may happen as a consequence, whether or not you were warned, whether or not the surgeon knew about it).

This last point in effect precludes the possibility of any claim for damages for any condition whatsoever that may arise as a result of the procedure. But you've been assured that it's safe, so that's all right.

Anyway, at least it's quick and easy, isn't it? Look, this brochure says:

"15 seconds...." Laser correction of sight ²

Yes indeed:

"The Laser application only lasts from 15 - 90 seconds".

That's the laser application - what else is there? Well, before you get to the laser there is:

"Surgical removal of the corneal surface will take from 1 - 3 minutes."

That's right, before you get to the high tech laser the front of your eyeball is scraped off with a low-tech scalpel. Ouch: still at least you go home able to see, right?

Well... no, actually, in fact someone will have to take you home because you won't be able to see out of the operated eye at all.

"A period of 2 - 4 days off work is necessary. Immediate post-operative pain is severe, but is moderated by the application of lubricant and soothing antibiotic ointment and an eye pad."

(That's ordinary severe pain, assuming that the ointment works and the scraped eyeball doesn't become infected, in which case you get the special severe pain).

OK, so it hurts for a couple of days, but then you go back to work and you can see, surely?

"Vision may be blurred for the first few days or even weeks as the healing processes invariably produce an over-correction (towards long sight) following which normal sight should ¹ develop."

"An interim period of blurred vision may last from 3 to 6 months."

"The healing process varies from patient to patient and it may take many weeks or even months before the healing process is complete and the second eye can be treated."

"A difference in focus between the two eyes (anisometropia) will result from treatment of the first eye but its effects may be minimised by contact lens wear in the un-operated eye."'

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