PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy FAQs

At Trusted LASIK Surgeons™, we are a leading resource on vision correction surgery. While most people are aware of LASIK, most do not know about a similar procedure, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), which was the first laser eye surgery procedure approved by the FDA to help correct vision problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness, and. astigmatism (blurry vision).

Discover what PRK surgery is and how you can get started with available procedures that can help to improve your vision. You can also find out how we can assist you and your family with finding the right surgeon for PRK or another type of laser vision surgery (like LASIK).

What is PRK Surgery?

PRK or photorefractive keratectomy was the first laser vision correction surgery which was later followed by LASIK. However, these two types of eye surgeries are different in one major way. With PRK surgery, ultraviolet light is sent to the cornea via a pulsing beam that is considered a cold laser. The light from the laser works directly on the surface of the cornea.

This is different from LASIK in that with LASIK eye surgery, a corneal flap is made so that the laser can be directed under the corneal flap.

What is PRK Surgery Used to Treat?

This technique is best used to treat patients who are suffering from three different types of vision issues. These include nearsightedness (Myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia), and Astigmatism (blurry vision).

Patients who are more suited to PRK vs. LASIK are people who have corneas that are too thin, corneal maps which are slightly abnormal, eyes that may be too dry for LASIK, a cornea with scars from infections, injuries or dystrophies. PRK  is also preferred in patients who have previously had LASIK and since then have had changes in their vision which required them to wear glasses again.

Does PRK Surgery Work Permanently to Correct Vision?

Yes, the primary goal of PRK is to correct your vision for the long term. This way you are not responsible for wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. For individuals who want the freedom of eye surgery, PRK, LASIK or another laser vision correction procedure can help you attain better vision. However, there is always the slight possibility that your vision issue could return. In addition, no laser vision correction procedure- whether PRK, LASIK, or another laser eye surgery—will typically help you with age-related vision conditions such as presbyopia (reading problems) and cataracts for which other treatments may be available

What’s Next? 

Find an Expert LASIK Surgeon So You Can Find Out If You Are a Suitable Candidate for Laser Vision Correction Surgery

If you are seriously considering PRK  or LASIK, don’t wait any longer.

You can start search for the best laser eye surgeon for PRK or LASIK surgery by visiting the Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ Directory, which contains only vetted vision correction experts located throughout the United States.  The LASIK and cataract surgery featured in our directory have the credentials to provide you with the highest level of vision correction care.  We also offer comprehensive patient resources including the latest eye surgery news and cataract surgery information on our website.

Find a highly qualified LASIK or PRK surgeon through our Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ Directory.  Once you find a surgeon closest to you, please contact them directly by calling them or filling out their contract form from their website from the links we provide. 

All laser vision correction and cataract surgeons featured at Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ are screened to ensure you can find a highly qualified surgeon who has proven expertise and one who has professional accomplishments that have been recognized by their peers. To learn how we screen refractive surgeons we feature in our directory, please visit our discussion entitled “How are surgeons screened at Trusted LASIK Surgeons™”?

Most of the LASIK surgeons at featured in our Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ Directory are also expert cataract surgeons and many perform other refractive procedures, like the Kamra Inlay, which can help with reading problems, lens implant procedures, and corneal transplants.  Whatever your vision needs, Trusted LASIK Surgeons™ is here to help you find the best vision correction experts you can find.