What Does PRK Stand For?

<p><strong>PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy</strong>. It is a type of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses inside the eye.</p>

PRK Eye Surgery
In Las Vegas & Henderson, NV

At Wellish Abrams Vision Institute, our eye doctors help patients throughout Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, understand their vision correction options and determine which procedure may be best suited to their eyes, prescription, lifestyle, and long-term vision goals.

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What Is PRK Eye Surgery?

Woman reading comfortably at home after PRK eye surgery.

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of refractive eye surgery that uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.

The cornea plays an important role in focusing light onto the retina. When the shape of the eye causes light to focus incorrectly, refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism can occur. PRK changes the shape of the cornea so that light focuses more accurately, potentially providing clearer vision with less dependence on corrective lenses.

PRK has been used for decades and actually predates LASIK. While both procedures use laser technology to reshape the cornea, they differ in how the surgeon reaches the underlying corneal tissue.

Who Is a Candidate for PRK?

A vision correction consultation is required to determine candidacy for PRK. Detailed testing allows your eye doctor to evaluate the shape and thickness of your corneas, tear film, prescription, overall eye health, and other factors before recommending treatment.

PRK may be considered for people who:

Are at least 18 years or older

Have a stable vision perscription

Have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism within a treatable range

Have healthy eyes without certain active eye diseases

Want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts

Have corneas that may not be suitable for creating a LASIK flap

Participate in certain activities where trauma to a LASIK flap could be a concern

What Happens During PRK Surgery?

At Wellish Abrams Vision Institute, PRK is an outpatient procedure.

Before treatment begins, numbing eye drops are used to keep the eye comfortable. The surgeon removes the corneal epithelium and then uses a precisely programmed excimer laser to reshape microscopic amounts of corneal tissue according to your treatment plan.

Once the laser treatment is complete, a bandage contact lens is typically placed over the eye. This lens protects the corneal surface while new epithelial cells grow across it.

The laser portion of treatment is relatively quick (10 to 15 minutes per eye), although patients should plan additional time for preparation and postoperative instructions.

Doctor placing a protective bandage contact lens on a patient’s eye after PRK eye surgery.

What Is PRK Recovery Like?

With PRK eye surgery, the corneal epithelium must regenerate. During the first several days after PRK, it is common to experience:

Blurry or fluctuating vision
Light sensitivity
Tearing
Mild to moderate discomfort
A gritty or foreign-body sensation

The bandage contact lens usually remains in place during the early healing period and is removed when your eye doctor determines that the corneal surface has healed sufficiently.

Vision generally becomes clearer as healing progresses, but it can continue to fluctuate for several weeks.

Following postoperative instructions, including using prescribed eye drops, attending follow-up appointments, wearing recommended UV protection, and avoiding certain activities, is vital to having an effective recovery.

Smiling woman enjoying a sunny park after PRK eye surgery recovery.

Are There Risks or Side Effects of PRK?

As with any eye surgery, PRK has potential risks and side effects.

Temporary symptoms can include glare, halos around lights, fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, dry eye symptoms, and difficulty seeing clearly in low-light conditions. Corneal haze or scarring can also occur, although postoperative medications and modern treatment protocols are designed to reduce these risks.

There is also a possibility of undercorrection, overcorrection, regression, infection, or the need for additional vision correction.

Your surgeon will review the potential benefits, limitations, alternatives, and risks of PRK before treatment so you can make an informed decision.

Explore Other Vision Correction Options

LASIK Eye Surgery

Laser vision correction to reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

EVO ICL

EVO ICL corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism with an implantable lens.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

RLE is performed the same way as cataract surgery.

Smiling woman considering vision correction after taking a LASIK quiz

Interested In PRK?

An experienced eye doctor will evaluate your eyes, discuss your goals, and determine whether PRK, LASIK, or another vision correction procedure may be appropriate for you. Schedule your FREE vision correction consultation today and take the next step towards visual freedom!

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Frequently Asked Questions About PRK Eye Surgery

PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy. It is a type of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses inside the eye.

LASIK creates a thin corneal flap, whereas PRK removes the corneal epithelium before laser treatment. That outer layer, called the epithelium, naturally grows back during recovery.

PRK may be considered for patients who are not ideal LASIK candidates, including some people with thinner or irregular corneas. Your eye doctor will evaluate your corneal shape, prescription, overall eye health, and other factors before recommending treatment.

The surface layer of the cornea typically grows back within several days. Wellish Abrams notes that patients are commonly advised to take about two to four days off work, although recovery varies by patient. Vision may continue to fluctuate and improve as the eye heals.

Numbing eye drops are used during the procedure, but some patients experience scratchiness, irritation, light sensitivity, or discomfort during the first few days afterward. The amount of discomfort can vary from person to person.

A protective bandage contact lens is placed over the eye after PRK to protect the corneal surface as the epithelium heals. Your eye doctor will remove it once the surface has healed sufficiently.

Many patients notice some improvement early on, but PRK vision typically stabilizes more gradually than LASIK. Blurry or fluctuating vision can occur during the initial healing period.

PRK can be used to correct common refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, depending on your prescription and individual eye measurements.

It can be. PRK is often considered when a patient is interested in laser vision correction but is not an ideal candidate for LASIK. A comprehensive consultation is the best way to determine whether PRK or another vision correction option is appropriate.

Wellish Abrams Vision Institute provides vision correction care for patients in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.