Understanding prk

Laser vision correction — without the flap.

PRK reshapes the cornea just like LASIK — but without creating a flap. Longer initial healing, but often the better choice for thin corneas, active lifestyles, or certain professions.

What's happening

Top layer removed, then reshaped.

In PRK, we gently remove the top layer of your cornea (the epithelium) and reshape the tissue underneath with an excimer laser — the exact same laser used in LASIK.

The epithelium grows back naturally over 3–5 days, covered by a protective contact lens. No flap means no flap complications, but initial healing takes longer than LASIK.

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Day 0

The procedure

15 minutes per eye. Numbing drops, epithelium removed, laser reshapes, bandage contact lens placed.

Days 1–4

Healing phase

Pain drops, oral pain medication, rest, sunglasses. This is the toughest stretch.

Day 5–7

Bandage removed

Contact lens comes off. Vision starts clearing rapidly. Back to work often okay.

Months 1–3

Fine-tuning

Vision sharpens further. Steroid drop taper. Final result usually set by 3 months.

Call us if you experience

Worsening pain after day 4, sudden decrease in vision, or significant discharge. Mild discomfort is expected early on; new problems later can signal infection or delayed healing.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

Why PRK instead of LASIK?+

Several reasons: thinner corneas, very active lifestyles (military, contact sports), certain professions, or dry eye history. For eligible candidates, PRK gives the same end-point vision with slightly different tradeoffs.

How much does it hurt?+

More than LASIK, honestly. Days 1–3 feel like a bad scratch on the eye — burning, watering, light sensitivity. We'll give you pain drops and oral medication. Day 4 onward is usually comfortable.

How long until I see well?+

Functional vision (reading, working) usually returns by day 5–7. Sharp final vision develops over 1–3 months as the cornea fully heals. Takes longer than LASIK.

Can I exercise after?+

Walking: next day. Light exercise: 1 week. Swimming/contact sports: 1 month. Follow the schedule — your epithelium needs time to fully settle.

Is the end result the same as LASIK?+

Yes. Long-term visual outcomes are equivalent. The only difference is the recovery journey, not the destination.