Think of PRK as the original laser eye surgery. Unlike LASIK, which creates a corneal flap, PRK removes the eye's outermost layer. While recovery is a bit longer, it's an excellent option for those with thin corneas, active lifestyles, or jobs where a flap could be a concern—like athletes or military personnel. Both procedures offer incredible results, but the best choice depends on your specific needs.
When it comes to laser eye surgery, most people have heard of LASIK. But there’s another well-established option—PRK surgery, or photorefractive keratectomy—that may be a better fit for certain patients. At Lasik.com, we are committed to providing you with the most accurate and comprehensive information to help you make the best decision for your eyes and your lifestyle.
PRK vs. LASIK: A Quick Comparison
Before we dive deep into the PRK procedure, let’s get a clear understanding of its key differences from LASIK.
Feature
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
Procedure Type
Surface ablation. The surgeon removes the outermost layer of the cornea (epithelium) to reshape the underlying tissue.
Flap creation. The surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap in the cornea to access the underlying tissue for reshaping.
Recovery Time
Longer. The epithelium needs to regrow, leading to a recovery period of several days to a week. Full vision stabilization can take a few weeks.
Shorter. Vision often improves dramatically within 24 hours. Minimal discomfort and a faster return to normal activities.
Candidacy
Ideal for patients with thin corneas, active lifestyles, or who have been ruled out for LASIK.
Suitable for a wide range of patients with healthy, adequately thick corneas.
Potential Risks
Lower risk of flap-related complications. Temporary discomfort, light sensitivity, and hazy vision during the initial recovery period are common.
Minimal risk of flap-related complications (very rare). Less initial discomfort and a faster recovery.
The Bottom Line: While LASIK offers a quicker recovery, PRK is a proven and effective alternative, particularly for those who may not be ideal LASIK candidates due to corneal thickness or other factors. The final visual results are comparable between the two procedures.
When comparing LASIK vs PRK, the main distinction lies in how the cornea is accessed. In LASIK, a flap is created and folded back, allowing quicker healing since the epithelium remains intact. PRK, however, removes the epithelium, the outer most layer of the eye, entirely, which regrows over a few days. This makes PRK safer for those with thin corneas or jobs involving eye trauma, as there’s no flap to dislodge.
Recovery is another key factor: PRK recovery involves more initial haze and sensitivity to light, but outcomes are comparable long-term. At Lasik.com, we often recommend PRK for athletes or military personnel. Both procedures boast high success rates, but your surgeon will guide you based on your eye health.
What is PRK?
Photorefractive keratectomy, commonly known as PRK, is a type of laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Developed before LASIK, PRK has been a reliable option for vision correction since the 1980s. It works by reshaping the cornea—the clear front part of the eye—to allow light to focus properly on the retina, improving clarity without corrective lenses.
Unlike LASEK surgery (a variant that preserves the epithelium), PRK fully removes the outer layer, promoting natural regrowth for a stable outcome. As a leading national provider of laser eye surgery, Lasik.com offers PRK to patients who may not qualify for LASIK due to corneal thickness or lifestyle factors. If you’re asking, “What is PRK eye surgery?”—it’s essentially a precise, blade-free method to enhance your natural vision.
This diagram illustrates how PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) corrects nearsightedness by reshaping the cornea. Before PRK (top), the overly curved cornea causes light rays to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision. After PRK (bottom), the laser has precisely flattened the cornea’s surface, allowing light to focus directly on the retina for clearer vision. The epithelium layer is completely removed during the procedure and naturally regenerates during healing, creating a stable, long-term vision correction.
The PRK Procedure: Step by Step
Understanding the process can help alleviate any anxiety you may have. The PRK procedure is straightforward and typically takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes.
Preparation: You will be given a local anesthetic in the form of eye drops to numb your eyes completely. Your surgeon will also use an eyelid holder to gently keep your eye open during the procedure.
Epithelium Removal: The surgeon will use a special brush or a surgical instrument to gently and painlessly remove the outermost layer of the cornea (the epithelium).
Laser Reshaping: You will be asked to focus on a small target light. The excimer laser will then be used to precisely reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This laser process is fast, lasting only a few seconds per eye.
Bandage Contact Lens: After the laser treatment, a protective, non-prescription “bandage” contact lens (basically a soft contact lens) is placed on the eye. This lens acts as a protective shield while the epithelium regenerates, which typically takes about 3-5 days. It is removed by the surgeon during your follow-up appointment.
The procedure itself is quick and painless. The most challenging part of the PRK journey is the initial recovery period, which we will detail next.
PRK Recovery: What to Expect
The PRK recovery timeline is a key consideration for many people weighing their options. It’s important to set realistic expectations for the healing process.
Days 1-3: You will likely experience some discomfort, including a gritty feeling, tearing, and light sensitivity. Your vision will be blurry. This is the period when the epithelium is regrowing. You should rest and avoid strenuous activities.
Days 4-7: The discomfort should subside significantly. Your surgeon will typically remove the bandage contact lens at your follow-up appointment. Your vision will begin to improve, but it will still be fluctuating and not yet at its final clarity.
Weeks 1-4: Your vision will continue to sharpen. Most patients can resume normal activities, including driving, within this period. However, some vision fluctuations may still occur.
Months 3-6: This is the period when your vision fully stabilizes. You will notice the final, excellent results of the procedure. It’s a gradual journey, but the outcome is a significant improvement in your vision.
Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to help with healing and to prevent infection. Following these instructions carefully is crucial for a successful PRK recovery.
Who is a Good Candidate for PRK?
Not everyone is ideal for PRK surgery, but many are. Good candidates include:
Adults 18+ with stable prescriptions for at least a year.
Most refractive errors.
Individuals with thin corneas or dry eyes, where LASIK might not be suitable.
Active lifestyles (e.g., sports) without flap concerns.
Exclusions: Pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, or unstable vision. At Lasik.com, a thorough evaluation at one of our nationwide centers will confirm if PRK is right for you.
Benefits and Risks of PRK Eye Surgery
Benefits:
Effective correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, reducing reliance on glasses.
No flap complications, making it safer for certain patients.
Long-term stability with high patient satisfaction.
Risks:
Temporary side effects like dry eyes, glare, or halos.
Rare complications: Infection, corneal haze, or under/over-correction.
Pain during early recovery.
FAQ:
What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?
PRK removes the corneal surface layer, while LASIK creates a flap. PRK has longer recovery but fewer flap risks.
How long is PRK recovery?
Functional vision in 1-2 weeks, full healing in 3-6 months. Regular check-ups are key.
Is PRK surgery painful?
Yes, expect moderate to severe discomfort for 1-4 days, managed with medication. It’s more painful than LASIK initially.
