PRK

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The next most common refractive procedure is photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK. This procedure also utilizes an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but instead of lifting a small flap to reach the sub-layer of the cornea, the outer layer is removed completely. This skin layer regrows in about 3 to 5 days after photorefractive keratectomy; your surgeon may have you wear a "bandage contact lens" for a few days to shield the newly treated surface from irritants such as your blinking eyelid.

With PRK, good vision does not return as quickly as it does with LASIK and patients experience slightly more discomfort while healing. However, our surgeons do recommend some patients undergo PRK instead of LASIK because photorefractive keratectomy ultimately leads to better long-term results in some types of eyes.