PRK Eye Surgery

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Available in the United States since 1996, PRK eye surgery has been performed in other countries for nearly 20 years. Much like LASIK, the PRK procedure corrects vision by reshaping the eye’s cornea, but the two procedures are distinct in a number of ways. Read the sections below to learn about PRK vs. LASIK, custom PRK, and more.

PRK vs. LASIK

Both PRK eye surgery and LASIK eye surgery are used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and both procedures work by using a laser to reshape the eye’s corneal tissue and correct vision. However, the procedures are performed differently and have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

During LASIK eye surgery, the surgeon uses a microkeratome blade or a laser to create a corneal flap. This flap of tissue is then folded back, exposing the inner cornea where the treatment will take place. Afterwards, the flap is repositioned. During PRK eye surgery, however, the surgeon accesses the cornea’s inner layers by removing the thin outer layer of the cornea, the epithelium, altogether. After the PRK procedure, bandage contact lenses are worn to promote healing of the epithelium.

Both LASIK and PRK produce similar vision correction results, but it typically takes longer to fully recover from PRK. The main advantage of this procedure, however, is that patients who are not candidates for LASIK due to certain corneal conditions or corneal scars, can often be effectively treated with PRK eye surgery. If you are interested in laser vision correction, a specialist can explain PRK vs. LASIK in more detail and help you determine if either procedure is right for you.

Does PRK Surgery Hurt?

Many patients are concerned that PRK will hurt. To ensure maximum comfort, numbing eyedrops are used and most patients report that the procedure itself is pain-free. The first few days following your PRK procedure, however, your eyes may hurt slightly as the epithelium heals and covers the treated area. Eye drops, pain medication, and protective contact lenses may be used to minimize this discomfort, and most patients find that they are able to resume normal activities within one to three days. However, PRK recovery and healing can vary.

Custom PRK

Utilizing advanced Wavefront™ technology, PRK eye surgery can be tailored to the unique vision correction needs of each patient. This custom PRK procedure allows the surgeon to not only correct lower order visual aberrations (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) but also to treat higher order aberrations that affect the quality and clarity of vision. Consulting with a doctor can help determine if you are a candidate for PRK or custom PRK.

Find a PRK Surgeon

The PRK eye surgery information on this website is intended to provide prospective patients with an overview of the procedure. To learn more about PRK vs. LASIK, custom PRK, and other options, use our extensive online directory to find a doctor in your area.