PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
A kind of laser eye surgery designed to change the shape of the cornea to eliminate (or reduce) the need for glasses and contact lenses. The laser is used to remove the outer layer of the cornea and flatten the cornea. The flattening of the cornea is intended to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism (uneven curvature of the cornea that distorts vision). PRK is an ambulatory procedure done in the office with numbing eye drops. It takes about a minute to do and about 3 days to heal. No eye patch need be worn after PRK.
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A combining form (from both Greek and Latin) with many meanings including “before, in front of, preceding, on behalf of, in place of, and the same as.” Used as a word, pro of course means professional and, in medicine, it is short for prothrombin.
- Probability
The likelihood that something will happen. For example, a probability of less than .05 indicates that the likelihood of something occurring by chance alone is less than 5 in 100, or 5 percent. This level of probability is usually taken as the level of biologic significance, so a higher incidence may be considered meaningful. Abbreviated […]
- Proband
The family member through whom a family’s medical history comes to attention. For example, a proband might be a baby with Down syndrome. The proband may also be called the index case, propositus (if male), or proposita (if female).
- Probe
In molecular genetics, a probe is a labeled bit of DNA or RNA used to find its complementary sequence or locate a particular clone.
- Probiotic
A microbe that protects its host and prevents disease. The best-known probiotic is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is found in yogurt, acidophilus milk, and supplements. Probiotics counter the decimation of helpful intestinal bacteria by antibiotics. Probiotics given in combination with antibiotics are therefore useful in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The yeast S. boulardii and three strains of […]