PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is an alternative refractive surgery for patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. While the two surgeries are alike in most respects, the main distinction is the creation of the corneal flap. With LASIK, your ophthalmologist uses a laser to create a small flap on the cornea, through which the cornea can be reshaped. However, with PRK, your ophthalmologist removes the outer layer of the cornea ( the epithelium) to access the cornea. The epithelium regenerates in the following weeks, but this does prolong the recovery.
Since LASIK provides quicker results, it is the far more popular option. However, PRK may be recommended to patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. This includes patients who have thin corneas, chronic dry eye, or extreme astigmatism. Patients who compete in contact sports (and are therefore more prone to eye injuries) often choose PRK to avoid a potential complication arising from a corneal flap.