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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), like LASIK, is a form of laser refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea. PRK is a great option for those who are not LASIK candidates due to thin but otherwise normal corneas. The primary difference between LASIK and PRK is that in PRK, there is no corneal flap created – instead, a thin layer of surface (epithelial) cells are removed. Then, the laser ablation is performed. PRK has a longer recovery period than LASIK; but the three month outcomes are very similar.
1
Consultation
It all starts with a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with Dr. Feinerman where he describes the procedure in detail and answers any questions you may have. Dr. Feinerman will review and discuss your individual situation and determine the best treatment plan.
2
Procedure
Our staff ensures you are reclined and comfortable. The PRK procedure, performed by Dr. Feinerman, is typically painless and takes about 15 minutes for both eyes. Recovery is longer than LASIK, usually 2 days of discomfort and vision is a little blurry for 5-7 days.
3
Post-op
After the procedure, Dr. Feinerman personally calls his patients to ensure they are doing well and to address any questions. During your actual in-person post-op visit, Dr. Feinerman will perform a final examination to ensure recovery is complete.
The procedure itself is painless thanks to numbing drops. Expect two to three days of discomfort afterward while the surface cells regenerate; Dr. Feinerman provides drops and a plan to manage it.
Plan on a few days of discomfort and blurred vision, functional vision within about a week, and continued sharpening over the following weeks. By three months, outcomes are very similar to LASIK.
Because PRK creates no corneal flap. That matters for patients with mildly thin corneas, contact-sport athletes, and military or law-enforcement roles where a flap is undesirable.
PRK uses the same excimer laser platform and treatment planning as our LASIK procedures; it differs in how the surface is prepared, not in the correction itself. Three-month outcomes are very similar.
PRK still removes corneal tissue, so genuinely thin corneas usually rule it out for the same reason as LASIK. In that case the EVO ICL™, which removes no tissue at all, becomes the conversation. Learn about the EVO ICL.
The lifetime enhancement guarantee applies to LASIK procedures. Enhancement policies for PRK are discussed individually at your consultation.
Anyone over the age of eighteen who has not had a significant change in vision over the past 6 months and can see clearly with contact lenses or glasses may be a good candidate for LASIK or one of our other vision correction procedures. Take our LASIK candidacy test to find out more.
Ordering contact lenses and glasses regularly can get expensive. Use our savings calculator to estimate how vision correction can save you money over your lifetime. If you’re interested in financing options, click here.
This quiz is educational and does not diagnose any condition or guarantee candidacy for any procedure. Candidacy is determined only by a comprehensive evaluation, including corneal imaging and a full eye exam, performed by Gregg Feinerman, MD, FACS. Feinerman Vision · 320 Superior Ave, Suite 390, Newport Beach, CA 92663 · (949) 631-4780 · FeinermanVision.com
