Am I a Candidate for PRK Surgery?

Eye care professional discussing vision correction with an eye model and patient during consultation for PRK – PRK

Being told you may not be a good candidate for LASIK can feel discouraging. Fortunately, many people who are not eligible for other types of vision correction can still benefit from PRK. Only a consultation and eye exam can determine whether PRK is right for you, but it lets many people achieve dramatically improved vision.

What is PRK laser eye surgery?

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is one of three types of laser eye surgery. In fact, PRK is the original laser eye surgery, predating LASIK. While LASIK is the most widely known of these, it is only available for those who meet certain criteria. PRK has the same visual outcome as LASIK by using a laser to alter the shape of your cornea, the clear structure at the front of your eyes, changing the way light focuses. These changes allow you to see clearly, without the need for glasses or contacts.

Am I a candidate for PRK?

LASIK is the first choice laser eye surgery for many people because of its familiar name and quick recovery time. However, if you cannot have LASIK because you have certain eye conditions, you may still be an ideal candidate for PRK if:

You cannot have other types of laser eye surgery because you have abnormal, thin, or diseased corneas.
You have a high astigmatism prescription.
You have dry eye problems that could be worsened by LASIK, which creates a flap in the surface of the cornea.
You engage in contact sports or similar activities that could disrupt the flap made by LASIK.
You are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, and your prescription is too high for LASIK.

While PRK is not usually the first choice for laser eye surgery due to its longer recovery time, it is a great alternative for people who cannot have LASIK to see clearly and enjoy all the benefits of laser eye surgery.

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We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Schedule consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.

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How does PRK laser eye surgery work?

Your eyes will be numbed for your procedure, and you will receive a mild sedative to ensure you feel relaxed and calm. During PRK laser eye surgery, Dr. Wu first removes the epithelium (outermost layer) of the cornea, allowing her to access the middle layers with a computer-programmed laser that removes extremely small amounts of corneal tissue. The laser is programmed with your unique prescription so it can provide the most accurate correction. After the procedure, the corneal epithelium grows back without the potential weakness created by a flap.

What is recovery like after PRK?

Most people will experience blurry vision, light sensitivity, and eye irritation for several days after PRK. You can usually return to work or other activities within about a week, although you may still be experiencing some glare from lights or other effects for a few more weeks. The outer layer of your cornea will heal itself during this time, leaving you with clear vision.

What results will I see after PRK?

Each person’s results from laser eye surgery will vary. However, PRK is very successful for the vast majority of people. 90% of people who have PRK will have 20/20 (normal) vision within three months. Others will still have significant improvements.