Laser Vision Correction. Without the Flap.

Both PRK and LASIK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but they differ in how the corneal surface is accessed. LASIK creates a thin flap that is lifted and repositioned, while PRK removes the outer epithelial layer entirely and allows it to regenerate naturally. PRK avoids all flap-related risks, making it preferable for certain patients.

PRK eliminates the risk of flap complications such as displacement, wrinkling, or epithelial ingrowth that can occasionally occur with LASIK. For patients with thin corneas or those in physically demanding professions, PRK may be the safer choice. Both procedures have excellent safety profiles when performed by a highly trained surgeon.

Yes. Long-term studies consistently show that PRK and LASIK achieve equivalent visual outcomes. The primary difference is recovery time — PRK takes several days longer because the epithelium must regenerate. By three months post-surgery, visual results are virtually identical.

Your surgeon may recommend PRK if your corneas are too thin for safe LASIK flap creation, if you have certain corneal surface irregularities, or if your occupation or lifestyle involves a higher risk of eye trauma. Military personnel, law enforcement officers, and contact sport athletes are common PRK candidates.

After numbing drops are applied, the surgeon gently removes the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium). The excimer laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue in under 60 seconds per eye. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to protect the surface during healing.

The actual laser treatment takes less than 60 seconds per eye. Including preparation, numbing, and positioning, the entire procedure typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes for both eyes. You will be at the surgery center for approximately a few hours total.

No. Numbing drops are applied before the procedure begins, so you should not feel pain during surgery. You may feel mild pressure or awareness of light, but the process is not painful. Some discomfort, tearing, and light sensitivity are normal during the first two to three days of recovery.

A soft, clear bandage contact lens is placed on the eye immediately after PRK to protect the corneal surface while the epithelium regenerates. It acts as a protective shield, reduces discomfort, and promotes smooth healing. Your surgeon will remove it at a follow-up visit, typically within five to seven days.

Days one and two often involve mild to moderate discomfort, tearing, and light sensitivity. By day three or four, the epithelium is largely healed and discomfort decreases significantly. Most patients notice meaningful visual improvement within the first week, with continued sharpening over the following weeks.

Most patients can resume driving within five to seven days after PRK, once the bandage contact lens is removed and vision has cleared enough to meet legal driving standards. Your surgeon will confirm at your follow-up appointment when it is safe to drive.

Functional vision typically returns within one to two weeks, but full visual stabilization can take up to six months.

It is best to limit screen time and reading for the first two to three days while the epithelium heals and light sensitivity subsides. After the bandage lens is removed and comfort improves, most patients can gradually return to normal screen use. Taking frequent breaks and using preservative-free artificial tears can help with comfort.

PRK is often the preferred procedure for athletes, military service members, and law enforcement officers because it does not create a corneal flap that could be dislodged by physical impact. Many branches of the military specifically approve PRK for active-duty personnel. The absence of a flap provides lasting peace of mind for anyone with an active or high-contact lifestyle.

PRK may actually be a better option than LASIK for patients with pre-existing dry eye, because it does not involve cutting a corneal flap — a step that severs more corneal nerves and can worsen dryness. Your surgeon will evaluate the severity of your dry eye during your consultation and may recommend treatment to optimize your tear film before surgery.

PRK and LASIK are typically priced similarly, as both use the same excimer laser technology and require the same level of surgical expertise. Most vision insurance plans do not cover elective refractive surgery, but many practices offer financing options. A consultation will provide you with a personalized cost estimate based on your specific needs.