Skip to main menu Skip to main content Skip to footer

PRK

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with blurry vision. PRK offers a proven alternative that has been helping patients achieve clear vision for decades, even when other laser procedures aren’t an option.

Somerset Ophthalmology offers PRK for patients seeking vision correction who may have thin corneas, chronic dry eye, or active lifestyles that make traditional LASIK less suitable. Our experienced eye surgeons use advanced laser technology to deliver precise, lasting results.

What is PRK?

Photorefractive keratectomy, commonly known as PRK, is one of the original forms of laser vision correction. This procedure uses an excimer laser to precisely reshape corneal tissue, correcting how light enters your eye and focuses on the retina.

When your cornea has an irregular shape, light doesn’t focus properly on the retina at the back of your eye. This causes the blurred vision associated with common refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

How is PRK Different from LASIK?

While PRK and LASIK share the same goal of reshaping the cornea for clearer vision, they take fundamentally different approaches to reach the treatment area.

LASIK involves creating a hinged flap on the surface of the cornea. Your surgeon lifts this flap, applies an excimer laser to reshape the tissue underneath, then repositions the flap to heal. 

PRK eliminates the flap entirely. Instead, the procedure gently removes the entire epithelium, the thin outer layer of cells covering the cornea, providing direct access to the tissue that needs reshaping. This difference affects candidacy in several ways:

Corneal Thickness

The corneal flap created during LASIK requires adequate corneal thickness. If your corneas are naturally thin, there may not be enough tissue to safely create a flap and perform the correction. PRK removes only the epithelium, which regenerates on its own, making it viable for patients with thinner corneas. 

Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome can worsen temporarily after LASIK because creating the flap disrupts corneal nerves that trigger tear production. PRK affects fewer of these nerves, making it a better choice for people who already struggle with dry eyes.

Active Lifestyles

For athletes, military personnel, and others with physically demanding careers, PRK offers a significant safety advantage. The corneal flap created during LASIK can potentially dislodge if you experience trauma to the eye, even years after surgery. Without a flap, PRK eliminates this risk.

The main drawback of PRK is the extended recovery period. The epithelium takes several days to regenerate, during which time vision remains cloudy and eyes may feel uncomfortable. 

Visual clarity typically emerges over a week rather than the day or two common with LASIK. For many patients, this temporary inconvenience is worth the long-term benefits and reduced risks.

Who is a Candidate for PRK?

Determining your candidacy for PRK involves a comprehensive evaluation at Somerset Ophthalmology. We examine your eyes, review your medical history, and discuss your lifestyle to ensure PRK is both safe and appropriate for your situation.

Good candidates generally meet several basic criteria: 

  • You should be at least 18 years old
  • Your prescription needs to have remained consistent for at least a year
  • Both your prescription strength and your specific refractive error must fall within the treatable range for PRK
  • You should be free from eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts
  • You should not have autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome, which can interfere with healing
  • You should not be currently pregnant or nursing
  • You should have realistic expectations about the visual outcomes of PRK

At Somerset Ophthalmology, we minimize risks through careful candidate screening and precise measurements. Your consultation includes a detailed discussion of what you can realistically expect from PRK based on your specific eyes and prescription. We want you to make an informed decision that’s right for your vision and your life.

Request Appointment

What to Expect During PRK

PRK is performed in an outpatient surgical setting and lasts about 15 minutes per eye. Your eye surgeon applies numbing drops to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. 

A small device holds your eyelids open, so you won’t need to worry about blinking. The first step involves removing the epithelium. This creates a clean surface for the reshaping laser to work on.

Next comes the actual vision correction. You’ll fixate on a small light while the excimer laser reshapes your cornea according to the precise measurements we took during your consultation. The laser is programmed specifically for your eye, accounting for your unique prescription and corneal topography.

Once the laser treatment is complete, your surgeon places a soft contact lens over your eye. This lens acts as a protective bandage while the epithelium regenerates over the next few days. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and most patients benefit from resting the rest of the day.

PRK Recovery and Results

Recovery from PRK requires patience, but following your surgeon’s instructions carefully leads to the best possible outcome. As the epithelium regenerates, you may experience discomfort, light sensitivity, watering, and grittiness. 

These symptoms peak within the first 48 hours and gradually subside. The bandage contact lens stays in place for three to five days while the epithelium heals. During this time, your eye doctor will monitor your progress closely.

Vision improvement happens gradually. You’ll notice clearer sight within the first week, but sharpness continues to improve over the following weeks. Most patients reach their optimal vision within one to three months, though everyone heals at their own pace.

Your post-operative care routine is essential for proper healing. You’ll use prescription eye drops on a strict schedule to prevent infection and control inflammation. Taking a few days off work allows your eyes to heal without strain. Avoid vigorous physical activity for at least a week, as elevated heart rate and exertion can slow healing.

Sun protection is critical after PRK. Wear quality sunglasses with UV protection whenever you’re outdoors, even on cloudy days. 

Resist the urge to rub your eyes, no matter how itchy they feel. Keep water out of your eyes when showering, and avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water until your surgeon clears you. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can track your healing and address any concerns promptly.

While every patient heals differently, most people who undergo PRK enjoy crisp, clear vision and freedom from visual aids for decades! This means no more relying on glasses and contacts and much more living in the moment with stunningly clear eyesight.

If you’re curious whether PRK is right for you, schedule a consultation at Somerset Ophthalmology in Troy, MI, today!

Request Appointment

Services

⇧