GET STARTED Home›LASIK Surgery Procedures›PRK Eye Surgery Photo Refractive Keratectomy Laser Eye PRK Surgery What is PRK Eye Surgery? Similar to Custom Wavefront Optimized LASIK, PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) laser eye surgery involves using a laser to reshape the cornea. But, unlike other LASIK procedures, instead of creating a flap in the cornea to treat the underlying layers, a thin outer layer of the cornea is removed. How Does PRK Work? PRK surgery may be the best alternative for certain eye conditions, and is often preferred if the cornea is determined to be too thin to safely perform traditional LASIK surgery. After removing the outermost layer of your cornea (the epithelium), a excimer laser is used to reshape the curve of your cornea. This affects the way light travels through to the back of the eye, so that light rays focus more precisely on it, and vision is improved. What to Expect With PRK? The PRK laser eye surgery procedure lasts about 15 minutes. Your LASIK surgeon will use anesthetic drops to numb your eyes. A central area of the corneal epithelium is then gently removed exposing the part of the cornea that needs to be reshaped. The excimer laser, programmed with your exact prescription, is then used to reshape the underlying tissue of the cornea. A soft contact lens “bandage” will be placed on the cornea to help protect your eye. The cost of PRK eye surgery is similar to that of traditional LASIK surgery. Immediately After PRK Eye Surgery For some patients, PRK laser eye surgery offers advantages over traditional LASIK, although they typically have a longer recovery time, and experience more discomfort. Your contact lens bandage will be removed in about 5 days – the time it takes for new epithelial cells to regenerate and cover the surface of the eye. Noticing the improvements in your vision may be more gradual, from a few days up to a couple of weeks. Most PRK surgery patients can drive about 1 to 3 weeks after the procedure, although it may take 3 to 6 months to notice optimum vision. ! Schedule a FREE Consultation Today OR SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION © The LASIK Vision Institute® 1999-2021 All Rights Reserved. Frequently Asked Questions How much does LASIK eye surgery cost? Does insurance cover LASIK? How long does LASIK last? How does LASIK work? What are common LASIK terms? LASIK Resources Privacy General Privacy Policy Healthcare Privacy Policy PA Residents PA Notice of Cancellation Medical Records Release Form About Who We Are Careers Partnerships Unsubscribe Blog *$750 offer applies to LASIK surgery on both eyes ($375 per eye) Discount cannot be combined with $220 per eye pricing or any other offer or promotion. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Other conditions may apply. Individual results will vary. Candidacy determined by an independent doctor located within or adjacent to The LASIK Vision Institute’s (LVI) facility. All procedures performed by an independent surgeon. LASIK is a medical procedure. Talk to your eye doctor and consider both the risks and benefits before having your procedure. Additional information can be found on our website. This offer depicts models who are not actual patients of LVI. Florida Residents: THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT. †Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Ask your provider for details. Am I a Candidate? Affordability Locations LASIK Procedures Why Choose Us? Español Search