PRK questions, answered

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) removes the thin surface layer of the cornea, the epithelium, and then reshapes the cornea with an excimer laser. No flap is made. The surface layer grows back over the next several days.

PRK is part of the advanced surface ablation (ASA) family, which also includes LASEK, Epi-LASIK and transepithelial (“no-touch”) PRK. They differ in how the surface layer is handled; outcomes are comparable, and your surgeon picks the approach for your cornea.

People whose corneas are thinner or borderline for a flap, people in contact sports or impact-prone jobs, and some people with higher dry-eye risk who prefer a flap-free option. Final candidacy follows corneal tomography, tear testing and your VIP consult.

Expect light sensitivity and grittiness for the first couple of days. A soft bandage contact lens protects the eye while the surface heals, usually for several days. Functional vision for work and driving typically returns over one to two weeks, and vision keeps sharpening for one to three months.

Expect some days of discomfort while the surface heals. A bandage lens, cold lubricating drops and short-course medicines make it manageable for most people.

For appropriate prescriptions, results after healing are comparable. The tradeoff is a slower first week.

PRK, LASEK and ASA are about $99 per eye per month for 24 months, the same as LASIK, for qualified applicants through our financing partners. HSA or FSA funds can be used.

PRK and LASEK patients start with a free VIP consult: a surgery consultation focused on candidacy, in-office or virtual. It is not a comprehensive eye exam and doesn’t include take-home reports. For a comprehensive eye exam with records, the VIP lifestyle exam is $395 (self-pay only).