Everything You Need to Know For PRK Eye Surgery

When it comes to correcting vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, laser eye surgeries have transformed lives. Among these, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is one of the earliest and most trusted techniques.

Even with newer options like LASIK available today, PRK remains a strong choice for many patients.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about eye surgery prk — what it is, how it works, who it's for, and what to expect from the procedure and recovery.

What is PRK Eye Surgery?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of laser vision correction surgery. It reshapes the cornea—the clear, front part of the eye—so that light entering the eye can be properly focused onto the retina.
This helps eliminate or reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.

PRK was actually the first type of laser eye surgery developed before LASIK. While both PRK and LASIK correct vision by reshaping the cornea, the method of doing it differs slightly, especially in how the surface layer of the eye (the epithelium) is treated.

In PRK:

1. The outer layer of the cornea is completely removed.

2. The underlying corneal tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser.

3. A special bandage contact lens is placed over the eye while it heals.

How Does PRK Surgery Work?

Here’s a simple, step-by-step explanation of how PRK is performed:

Step 1: Preparing the Eye

Your doctor will numb your eye with special drops, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.

Step 2: Removing the Outer Layer

The surgeon gently removes the thin outer layer of the cornea (called the epithelium) either with a surgical tool, brush, or a special solution.

Step 3: Laser Reshaping

An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue, depending on your vision problem:

1. Nearsightedness: Flatten the cornea.

2. Farsightedness: Steepen the cornea.

3. Astigmatism: Smooth an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.

Step 4: Healing and Protection

A soft, temporary contact lens is placed on the eye to protect it while new epithelial cells grow back naturally over several days.

Why Choose PRK Over LASIK?

You might wonder: If LASIK is newer and more common, why would someone choose PRK?

Here are a few reasons:

1. Thin Corneas: Some people have corneas too thin for LASIK. PRK doesn’t create a corneal flap like LASIK does, making it a safer choice.

2. Active Lifestyles: Athletes, military personnel, and people who risk eye injuries might prefer PRK since there’s no flap that could get displaced later.

3. Dry Eyes: PRK may cause fewer dry eye issues compared to LASIK in some cases.

Who is a Good Candidate for PRK?

You might be a good candidate if:

1. You are over 18 years old.

2. Your vision prescription has been stable for at least a year.

3. Your corneas are too thin for LASIK.

4. You have healthy eyes without infections or diseases.

5. You are not pregnant or nursing.

6. You have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Of course, your ophthalmologist will do a thorough eye exam and consultation to determine if PRK is right for you.

What is the Recovery Process Like?

The PRK recovery process is a bit longer compared to LASIK because the epithelium needs time to heal.

Here’s what to expect:

First Few Days:

1. You might experience blurry vision, mild discomfort, or a gritty feeling in the eyes.

2. Your doctor will prescribe pain-relieving eye drops and oral medications.

3. The contact lens bandage helps protect the healing eye.

First Week:

• Vision gradually improves but can still be hazy.

• Most people are able to return to work and normal activities after about a week.

First Month:

• Vision continues to sharpen.

• Night vision issues like halos or glare may occur but usually improve with time.

Full Recovery:

• It can take about 1 to 3 months to achieve your best vision.

• Regular follow-ups with your doctor are important to monitor healing.

Risks and Side Effects

While PRK is generally very safe, like any surgery, it does carry some risks, including:

• Blurry vision during healing

• Light sensitivity

• Halos or glare around lights

• Mild eye discomfort

• Risk of infection (rare with proper care)

Benefits of PRK Eye Surgery

1. Proven and Trusted: PRK has been around for over 30 years and has a strong safety record.

2. No Flap Complications: Since there’s no corneal flap created, there’s no risk of flap-related issues.

3. Stable Long-Term Results: Most people enjoy long-lasting clear vision after prk surgery.

4. Alternative for Thin Corneas: PRK allows more people to undergo vision correction who might not qualify for LASIK.