TransPRK No-Touch Laser Eye Treatment

What Is TransPRK No-Touch Laser Treatment?

TransPRK (transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy) is a laser treatment performed without physical contact with the cornea. It is called “No-Touch” because no surgical instrument has to touch the surface of the eye during treatment. This sets it apart from other laser techniques such as conventional PRK and LASIK.

In this method, the epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea, is gently vaporized and removed with an excimer laser. The same laser then reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive error. The whole procedure is carried out without contact, using a computer-controlled laser system.

Because it requires no contact, TransPRK offers an alternative particularly for patients with thinner corneas, eyes that are more exposed to injury, or an interest in contact sports. However, suitability must always be assessed with a detailed eye examination.

This treatment can be used to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Not every eye is suitable for it, though, so the decision should be made by an ophthalmologist based on your eye health and personal needs.

Who Is No-Touch Laser Treatment Suitable For?

Because No-Touch laser treatment (TransPRK) is performed without contact with the cornea, it can offer advantages for certain groups of patients. Every eye is different, however, so suitability can only be assessed after a detailed eye examination.

• Patients who want to avoid the risks of a corneal flap, even though recovery takes longer
• Patients whose corneas are too thin for flap-based methods such as LASIK
• People with mild dry eye
• People who play sports actively or work in jobs with a risk of eye injury
• People who cannot wear contact lenses or are looking for an alternative to glasses

Who May It Not Be Suitable For?

Not every eye is suitable for TransPRK. Other treatment options may be considered, especially for people with the following conditions:

• An active eye infection
• Severe dry eye syndrome
• A connective tissue disease
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (treatment may be postponed because of temporary hormonal changes)

How Is TransPRK No-Touch Laser Treatment Performed?

Before treatment, you have a detailed eye examination. At this stage, the following are assessed:

• Corneal thickness and shape
• Your glasses prescription
• The quality of your tear film
• The retina and other structures of the eye

Based on these findings, your ophthalmologist decides whether you are suitable for treatment.

Before the procedure, anesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye, so pain is generally not felt during treatment. Unlike conventional PRK, the epithelium is not removed mechanically; it is gently vaporized with laser energy. This is the basis of the “No-Touch” approach.

The excimer laser then reshapes the curvature of the cornea that is causing the refractive error. This step is planned individually for each patient. TransPRK takes about 10–15 minutes in total for both eyes. Because it requires no contact, it is a less invasive experience for the patient.

Advantages of No-Touch Laser Treatment

Because TransPRK No-Touch laser treatment is performed without physical contact with the cornea, it can offer certain advantages for some patients:

• Treatment Without Touching the Eye (No-Touch Technology): No surgical instrument has to touch the corneal surface during the procedure. This helps reduce the risk of infection and the chance of complications caused by mechanical handling during the procedure.

• An Option for Some People with Thinner Corneas: Because no flap is created, more of the cornea’s own thickness is preserved. This can make it an alternative for some patients whose corneal thickness is borderline for flap-based methods.

• Suited to Jobs and Sports with a Risk of Eye Injury: Because there is no flap and no contact, there is no flap that a blow to the eye could displace. This makes it a sensible alternative for people who work in jobs with a risk of eye injury or play contact sports.

• Lower Risk of Dry Eye: Because the corneal nerves are less affected, the risk of dry eye after the procedure may be lower than with some other methods. This can be a significant advantage, especially for people who already have dry eye complaints.

What Should You Pay Attention to After No-Touch Laser Treatment?

Because no instrument touches the eye, recovery after TransPRK No-Touch laser treatment generally progresses safely. There are, however, some important points to keep in mind:

• Use the antibiotic, steroid (cortisone) and artificial tear drops prescribed by your doctor regularly.
• For a few days after the procedure, you may have temporary symptoms such as blurred vision, stinging and watering. During this time, avoid long hours in front of screens and do not rub your eyes.
• Protecting your eyes from UV light is very important in the first weeks after treatment. Wearing sunglasses with a UV filter when you go out reduces sensitivity of the eye surface and protects the cornea from sunlight.
• For the first 2 weeks, stay away from swimming pools, the sea, saunas and other places with a risk of infection. The eye surface may be more vulnerable to germs during this period.
• Do not skip your follow-up appointments after treatment.

What Are the Risks of No-Touch Laser Treatment?

As with any surgical procedure, TransPRK No-Touch laser treatment carries some possible risks and side effects, although they are generally uncommon:

• Temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity are common in the first days after treatment. The blurriness usually fades gradually over a few days to a few weeks.
• During recovery, you may feel burning, stinging or a gritty, sandy sensation in the eye. This eases over time as the corneal surface heals.
• Tear production may decrease temporarily after treatment. This can be managed with artificial tear drops.
• Although the method requires no contact, the risk of infection does not disappear completely, because the surface of the eye is exposed while it heals. That is why you should attend your follow-up visits and use the eye drops your doctor prescribes regularly.

TransPRK is a well-established surface laser treatment performed without any incision in the eye. Its aim is clearer natural vision with less dependence on glasses – because seeing more clearly makes everyday life easier.

To learn more about TransPRK and request a pre-assessment appointment with Dr. Murat Ün, you can reach the practice by phone, WhatsApp or the appointment form.