Vision Correction
PRK Laser Eye Surgery
PRK fixes refractive errors by using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, delivering outcomes identical to LASIK without creating a flap.
What is photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)?
PRK is a type of refractive surgery with outcomes identical to LASIK. The vast majority of patients who receive PRK achieve 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts. It is especially well suited to patients with thin corneas, dry eye conditions, or those who play contact sports.
Unlike LASIK, PRK removes the top corneal layer rather than creating a flap, and is performed in a surgical facility. The full procedure takes approximately 10 minutes (2-3 minutes per eye). Surface cells regrow within one week, clear vision develops over two to six weeks, and maximum vision is achievable within three months.
What signs and symptoms can PRK address?
PRK treats low to moderate refractive errors by reshaping the cornea.
Myopia
Corrects blurred distance vision for clear sight.
Hyperopia
Improves distance clarity and addresses near vision and headaches.
Astigmatism
Eliminates comet-like light flares and eye strain.
How PRK eye surgery is done
The procedure takes about 10 minutes total under eyedrop anesthesia.
1. Prepare the surface
Diluted alcohol softens and dissolves the epithelial surface layer.
2. Remove the epithelium
The epithelial layer is removed using a specialized Amoils brush.
3. Reshape with the laser
You focus on a small blinking red light while a cool excimer laser sculpts corneal tissue in seconds.
4. Protect and heal
Mitomycin-C is applied to reduce scarring risk and a bandage contact lens is placed until the epithelium heals in 5-7 days.
Frequently asked questions
Am I a good candidate for PRK?
Good candidates have healthy eyes, a stable prescription for at least one year, and a correctable refractive error. You should be free of cataracts and glaucoma. PRK is often ideal for patients with thin corneas.
How much discomfort should I expect?
Most PRK patients experience mild burning, stinging, and tearing, and some have no discomfort at all. A bandage contact lens and comfort drops help alleviate symptoms.
What is the PRK recovery like?
Vision is very clear immediately after, then temporarily worsens as surface cells regenerate, with blurry vision common in weeks one and two. Vision improves gradually, reaching optimal clarity within three months.
What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?
PRK removes the top corneal layer while LASIK creates a flap. LASIK can be performed in an office setting and takes 30 minutes or less for both eyes; PRK requires a surgical facility and takes about 10 minutes total. Both deliver comparable results.
What is the PRK success rate?
PRK boasts a high success rate, with over 90% of patients experiencing a significant improvement in their vision. Correction is permanent for existing refractive errors, though natural age-related changes such as presbyopia and cataracts may still develop.
Find out if PRK is right for you
Book an appointment at one of our Southern California offices to discuss whether PRK is the best option for your eyes.