Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
PRK is a laser refractive procedure that corrects short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea, with the same goal as LASIK but without creating a corneal flap. Instead, the thin outer layer of corneal cells (the epithelium) is gently removed before the excimer laser reshapes the surface, and the epithelium regrows naturally over the following days. PRK is often preferred for people with thinner corneas or certain corneal surface features that make flap-based surgery less suitable.
Who typically needs this
- Adults with a stable refractive error whose corneas are too thin for safe flap creation.
- People with active lifestyles or occupations, such as contact sports or military service, where flap-related eye trauma is a particular concern.
- People with mild corneal surface irregularities that are not well suited to LASIK.
- General eye health should be good, with no active infection or uncontrolled eye disease.
What to expect
- Numbing drops are applied, and the corneal epithelium is gently removed from the treatment area.
- An excimer laser reshapes the exposed corneal surface according to the planned correction.
- A soft bandage contact lens is placed to protect the healing surface.
- The epithelium regrows over the following several days, covering the treated area.
Recovery
- Discomfort, light sensitivity, and watering are typically more noticeable than after LASIK during the first few days while the epithelium heals.
- Vision is blurry at first and improves gradually over one to several weeks as the surface heals.
- The bandage contact lens is usually removed once the epithelium has healed, generally within about a week.
- Full visual stabilization can take a few weeks to a couple of months.
Risks to know about
- Discomfort and light sensitivity in the early healing period tend to be greater than with LASIK.
- Temporary corneal haze can develop during healing and usually fades over months.
- As with any refractive procedure, under-correction or over-correction is possible.
- Delayed epithelial healing or infection is uncommon but needs prompt attention if it occurs.
Frequently asked questions
How is PRK different from LASIK?
PRK removes the surface epithelial layer instead of cutting a flap, so healing takes longer, but there is no flap to displace or complicate later.
Why would someone choose PRK over LASIK?
It is often recommended for thinner corneas or certain surface conditions where creating a flap is not advisable.
Is the visual outcome as good as LASIK?
Long-term visual results are generally comparable between the two, though PRK recovery takes longer.
Can I drive myself home afterward?
No. Vision is blurred and eyes are light-sensitive immediately after the procedure, so someone else should drive you home.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — What Is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?, NHS — Laser eye surgery and lens surgery . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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