Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) is an eye surgery procedure to create better vision for patients, and was the first laser refractive surgery to be approved by the FDA in 1995. An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea to improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The amount of tissue that is reshaped will depend on the quality of your vision. Your eyes will be examined to determine how much tissue is removed; typically 5 to 10% is removed during the procedure.
How is PRK Eye Surgery different from LASIK?
PRK sets itself apart from LASIK because there is no corneal flap created. Since the epithelium is removed during PRK the healing time is longer than with LASIK. A list of post-operative care instructions will be provided following the surgery. PRK can achieve the same level of vision correction as LASIK.