PRK can be a strong vision-correction option for patients who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses but may not be ideal candidates for LASIK. Like LASIK, PRK uses a laser to reshape the cornea and improve how light focuses inside the eye. The main difference is that PRK does not create a corneal flap, which can make it a better fit for some patients with thinner corneas or certain lifestyle needs.
At Siepser Eyecare in Wayne, PA, Steven B. Siepser, M.D., F.A.C.S., has decades of experience in refractive eye surgery, including both LASIK and PRK. He is known throughout the Philadelphia region for taking on more challenging vision correction cases, including patients with high prescriptions, astigmatism, or corneal characteristics that require a more customized approach.
What Is PRK?
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy. During the procedure, the thin outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is gently removed. A laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue so light focuses more accurately on the retina.
Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a flap in the cornea. The epithelial layer grows back naturally as it heals.
PRK can be used to treat common refractive errors, including:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
The goal is to improve visual clarity and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Who May Be a Good Candidate for PRK?
PRK may be recommended for adults with a stable prescription and healthy eyes, especially when corneal thickness or another anatomical factor makes LASIK less suitable.
A PRK evaluation typically considers:
- Corneal thickness and shape
- Prescription strength and stability
- Overall eye health
- Dry eye symptoms
- Previous eye surgery or injury
- Lifestyle and activity level
- Visual goals
Because PRK does not create a corneal flap, it may also appeal to patients whose jobs, sports, or activities involve a higher risk of eye trauma.
How Is PRK Different From LASIK?
The biggest difference between PRK and LASIK is how the surgeon accesses the corneal tissue that needs reshaping.
LASIK involves creating and lifting a thin corneal flap before the laser treatment. PRK removes the surface epithelial layer instead, allowing the laser to reshape the cornea directly.
Both procedures can provide excellent vision correction for appropriately selected patients. PRK generally requires a longer initial healing period, while LASIK often offers faster early visual recovery. The best choice depends on the individual eye, not personal preference alone.
What Is Recovery Like After PRK?
Recovery after PRK is more gradual than recovery after LASIK. A temporary protective contact lens is usually placed over the eye while the surface layer heals.
During the first several days, patients may experience:
- Light sensitivity
- Tearing
- Grittiness or irritation
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Mild to moderate discomfort
Vision typically improves progressively as the corneal surface heals, but full visual stabilization may take several weeks or longer. Follow-up visits are important to monitor healing and ensure vision is progressing as expected.
Dry eye can also affect comfort and visual quality during recovery. When needed, Michele Pendrak Bush, O.D., Siepser Eyecare’s dry eye specialist, can help manage ocular surface concerns before and after PRK.
Why Choose Siepser Eyecare for PRK?
PRK requires careful patient selection and a detailed corneal evaluation, especially when it’s considered because LASIK may not be ideal. Steven B. Siepser, M.D., F.A.C.S., has extensive experience in refractive surgery and was among the first surgeons in the region to introduce LASIK. Over approximately 40 years, the Siepser Eyecare team has performed well over 35,000 laser eye procedures.
That experience is especially valuable for patients with thin corneas, high prescriptions, astigmatism, or other factors that can make vision correction more complex. With access to comprehensive eye care, dry eye treatment, and multiple refractive options, patients can receive recommendations based on the full health and structure of their eyes rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Explore PRK in Wayne, PA
PRK can offer long-term vision correction for patients who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK or who need a different surgical approach. Siepser Eyecare provides detailed evaluations to determine whether PRK is appropriate for each patient’s eyes and goals. Call Siepser Eyecare in Wayne, PA at (610) 265-2020 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your vision correction options.