TransPRK Eye Surgery in Malaysia: Cost, Recovery & Suitability

Key Takeaways

The TransPRK eye surgery procedure uses no instruments which include blades or flaps or any other tools to touch your eye. It requires a single laser operation which continuously operates to reshape the cornea while removing the epithelial layer.

TransPRK eye surgery provides treatment for people with active lifestyles who have thin corneas and dry eyes when LASIK is not feasible. The procedure maintains greater corneal tissue than all other laser treatment options.

While the epithelium recovers under a bandage lens, expect 4–5 days of discomfort. Vision stabilises completely in 3–6 months.

Although the recovery is the slowest of the three primary procedures, the long-term results are just as good.

Clinic, surgeon, and prescription complexity all affect pricing. Patients believe that TransPRK is a beneficial choice for their long-term needs because it costs less than buying contact lenses and glasses over several years.

Introduction

People who have worn glasses or contact lenses for extended periods tend to explore laser eye surgery as an option. The name LASIK is commonly known by most people but it does not work for all patients. That’s where TransPRK comes in, and for a growing number of Malaysians, it’s the best answer.

There are 30% of the world that are currently myopic by 2050, and the effects are huge. TransPRK stands for transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy. It uses a single laser operation to eliminate the outer epithelial layer of the cornea while reshaping it to correct your vision without using any flap or blade instruments which would touch your eye.

The medical team uses a protective contact lens which serves as a bandage to shield the eye until it has fully recovered from the operation.

Who Should Consider TransPRK?

This is where TransPRK really comes into its own. As it does not involve a flap, it can help those people who have previously been told that LASIK is not an option for them.

You are likely to be suitable for TransPRK if:

You are 18 years of age or older with a stable prescription for at least 1 year.
You have thin or irregular corneas.
You are involved in contact sports or have a job that increases your risk of eye damage.
You have suffered from mild to moderate dry eyes.
You have previously been considered unsuitable for LASIK or SMILE.

The range of refractive error that can be corrected is -10D of myopia, +3D of hyperopia, and -6D of astigmatism. However, this is subject to your suitability being determined during your pre-operative consultation, which will take approximately 2 hours.

This includes both corneal thickness verification and your doctor needs to consult with the ophthalmic surgeon who will perform your eye surgery.

You would most likely not qualify for this procedure if you have an eye infection, keratoconus, or an autoimmune disease which would hinder your body’s healing abilities or if your prescription changes every year.

Also Read: Is LASIK Safe? Exploring the Latest Advances and Trusted Outcomes in Vision Correction

What Happens on the Day of Surgery?

The process requires less time to complete than most people expect. The process involves the following steps::

You need to refrain from wearing your soft lenses for 7 days, your hard lenses for 2 weeks, and your orthokeratology lenses for 4 weeks before the procedure begins.

The procedure commences on the appointed day, where numbing drops are placed in the eye, followed by the use of a speculum to gently open the eye.

The Schwind AMARIS laser then does all the work in a single session, without any instruments, cutting, or suction.

This laser session, as a whole, takes approximately 30-60 seconds for each eye. The patient may feel a light pressure and, in some cases, a light smell.

A bandage contact lens, however, is then placed on both eyes. It is necessary that someone accompanies you and drives you home.

This time of 4-5 days, as a whole, is the most uncomfortable part of the entire surgery. Once this lens is removed, however, your vision begins to improve.

What to Expect Week by Week?

Most often, people are hesitant because TransPRK requires a lengthier recuperation than LASIK. Instead of being taken aback by what you’re signing up for, it helps to know what you’re really getting into.

Timeframe:

Day 1–4: Bandage lens in place, hazy vision, runny eyes, and light sensitivity. Take a nap at home.

Day 4-5: Remove the bandage and lens. The vision starts to become evident.

Weeks 1-2: Vision is getting better, but it’s still unstable. Steer clear of dusty locations, swimming pools, and rubbing your eyes.

Month 1: Most patients have returned to their jobs. Vision keeps getting sharper.

Months 3–6 : Most patients’ vision completely stabilises.

In order to provide you with support during your whole recuperation period, follow-up sessions are usually planned at 5 days, 12 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.

Also Read: LASIK or ZEISS SMILE? Choosing the Right Laser Eye Surgery for Your Needs

What Should You Ask Your Clinic About Risks, & Costs?

TransPRK is US FDA approved and cleared by Malaysia’s Medical Device Authority (MDA). Severe complications are unlikely in properly screened eyes.

The expected and anticipated side effects include sensitivity to light and glare in the first few weeks, changes in vision as it heals, and in some cases with higher prescriptions, mild corneal haze. This is something that is controllable with steroid drops and proper post-op care.

With regard to cost, in Malaysia, it is around RM 1,400 to RM 5,000 per eye for TransPRK. Please make sure that this includes pre-op evaluation, surgery, post-op medications, and post-op care and follow-up. It is not always included in the initial cost.

One other thing to make sure of is that not all eye centers in Malaysia perform TransPRK. This is because it requires the Schwind AMARIS excimer laser.

Please make sure that your chosen eye center actually has this machine. Otherwise, you will be assessed and have a different procedure, although it will be similar in name.

Conclusion

While TransPRK is not the quickest treatment available, nor is it designed to be. TransPRK is the best alternative if you have thin corneas, an active lifestyle, or suffer from dry eyes because it offers the best results in PRK surgery with the least risk of infection and flaps.

The people of Malaysia need ISEC which operates as a top eye specialist center to help them achieve their dream of living without glasses or contact lenses.

Over 50,000+ patients and more than 50,00 major eye surgeries, ISEC provides advanced laser vision correction services which are customised to match your specific eye requirements through its JCI-accredited facilities which include 15 consultation rooms, 5 laser suites and its experienced ophthalmologist team.

Book your appointment today to discover whether TransPRK will provide you with permanent visual improvement.

FAQs

Is TransPRK painful?

The procedure is painless. However, discomfort is felt in the first 3-4 days after the procedure, which is described as gritty and sensitive to light while the epithelium regenerates. This is well managed with the use of the prescribed drops.

How long do TransPRK results last?

For the vast majority of patients, the results are permanent. However, the reshaped cornea is stable in the long term. Presbyopia, which starts at the age of 40, is a natural process that occurs regardless of the surgery.

Can I get TransPRK if I was told I’m unsuitable for LASIK?

Very possibly, yes. TransPRK is designed for people who are not suitable for the more common LASIK procedure, either because they have thinner corneas or dry eyes. A fresh evaluation at one of our TransPRK clinics will provide the answer.