PRK Laser Eye Surgery

PRK eye surgery is closely related to LASIK eye surgery. With PRK, the curvature of the cornea is corrected using laser on the surface of the cornea. LASIK reshapes the deeper cornea, underneath a flap of corneal tissue.

PRK laser surgery has been performed for more than 20 years and recent improvements in technique and technology have led to an increase in its use. Approximately one-third of our patients have PRK surgery to correct their nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. The vision results are equally good using either LASIK or PRK with most patients obtaining 20/20 or better.

PRK gives excellent safety and vision results, but it does have a longer recovery period than LASIK. Most patients return to their normal activities after their day 5 post-op visit.

Indications for choosing PRK over LASIK include:

• preference for a simpler “no-flap” technique
• thin corneas
• irregular or scarred corneas
• significant dry eye despite treatment
• prior eye surgery (including Radial Keratotomy)