PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is the predecessor to LASIK and the first laser vision correction procedure to receive FDA approval. While LASIK has become the dominant procedure due to its faster recovery, PRK remains a highly valuable and widely performed option — and for many patients, it is actually the preferred or the only safe choice. The end result of PRK and LASIK is essentially the same: clear, corrected vision. The difference lies in how the surface of the eye is treated.

How PRK Differs from LASIK

In LASIK, a thin flap of corneal tissue is created and folded back before the laser reshapes the underlying cornea. In PRK, there is no flap. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is removed entirely, the laser reshapes the exposed corneal surface, and the epithelium regenerates naturally over the following three to five days.

Who Is PRK Better Suited For?

  • Patients with thin corneas — Because no flap is created, PRK preserves more corneal tissue, making it the safer option when corneal thickness is borderline for LASIK
  • Contact sports athletes and military personnel — The absence of a flap eliminates the risk of flap dislocation from blunt trauma, which is a consideration for boxers, MMA fighters, military service members, and others at risk of facial impacts
  • Patients with certain corneal surface irregularities — PRK may be preferred when corneal topography shows patterns that would complicate flap creation
  • Patients with dry eye — PRK tends to cause less post-operative dry eye than LASIK, as flap creation severs more corneal nerves

Recovery Expectations

The main trade-off with PRK is recovery time. Because the epithelium must regenerate, vision is blurry and discomfort is greater during the first three to five days. A bandage contact lens is worn during this period to protect the eye and improve comfort. Vision stabilizes over two to four weeks, with full clarity and prescription stability achieved by three to six months. The final visual outcome of PRK matches that of LASIK in virtually all clinical comparisons. Contact us to discuss whether PRK or LASIK is the right approach for your eyes.