PRK has been performed in the United States since 1995 and as such has withstood the test of time in terms of safety, efficacy and predictability. PRK has advanced in overall patient comfort and visual recovery as compared to the PRK procedures performed in 1995. Laser technology as well the availability of newer treatment medications make PRK of today an excellent choice for many patients. The PRK procedure is somewhat similar to LASIK in that a laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to correct your vision. The key difference between PRK and LASIK is that no “flap” is created during PRK. Instead, the laser is used to produce your optical correction by reshaping the outermost surface of the cornea, rather than under a flap, as in LASIK. PRK requires the removal of a thin layer of the corneal epithelium, which may produce varying degrees of temporary discomfort for up to a few days after your treatment.
With PRK, we will often prescribe additional medications and a thin, soft bandage contact lens to make you more comfortable for a few days after your treatment. Despite a longer healing time, PRK is the preferred procedure for some patients. PRK is recommended for those patients: 1) whose corneas are too thin to have LASIK safely, 2) whose corneas display evidence of scarring from infection or trauma, or 3) some active or reserve military personnel with special assignments.