PRK eye surgery

What PRK is, in simple terms

PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy. Like LASIK, it uses a laser to change the shape of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so light focuses better.

The big difference is that PRK does not create a corneal flap. Instead, the thin surface layer of the cornea is removed first, then the laser reshapes the tissue underneath. That surface layer grows back during healing.

Because there is no flap, some surgeons consider PRK for people whose corneas may not be ideal for LASIK. But that does not mean PRK is safer for everyone or better for everyone. Candidacy depends on your eyes, your prescription, your corneal measurements, your tear film, your work, and your risk tolerance.

If you are still comparing procedures, services overview and candidacy and exam pages can help you understand the basics before you meet a surgeon.

Sightlume is a free matching service. We do not perform surgery, give medical advice, or decide which procedure is right for you.

How PRK works

Here is the usual process at a high level:

1. Numbing drops are placed in the eye. You are awake, but the eye is numbed.
2. The surgeon removes the outer surface layer of the cornea.
3. A laser reshapes the cornea based on your prescription and measurements.
4. A bandage contact lens is placed to protect the eye while the surface heals.
5. You go home the same day and use prescription drops as directed by the surgeon.

PRK is most often used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but not every prescription can be treated this way. Some people are not candidates at all.

The surgery itself is usually quick. The harder part for many people is the recovery period, which is usually slower and less comfortable than LASIK. Vision often improves gradually rather than immediately.

Who PRK may suit

PRK may be discussed if you:

• have a cornea that may not be ideal for a LASIK flap
• play contact sports or have a job where eye trauma is a concern
• have a prescription that may be treatable with PRK
• can handle a longer recovery and several days of discomfort
• understand that results vary from person to person

PRK may be a less appealing option if you need very fast visual recovery for work, driving, or caregiving, or if dry eye or other eye-surface problems are a concern. In some cases, a surgeon may discuss LASIK, SMILE, ICL, or no surgery at all.

A few important truths:

• Many people are not candidates for laser vision correction.
• A careful surgeon may tell you to wait, choose another procedure, or keep glasses or contacts.
• No online article, matching service, or phone call can tell you what is right for your eyes.

If you want a broader candidacy overview, see Are you a candidate for LASIK?. Even though that guide focuses on LASIK, many of the same screening issues matter when surgeons assess PRK.

Typical PRK cost in the US

A common price range for PRK is about $1,800 to $2,800 per eye in the US. For both eyes, that is often roughly $3,600 to $5,600 total.

These are typical ranges, not quotes or guarantees. The real price depends on things like:

• your prescription and eye measurements
• the technology used
• whether pre-op and post-op visits are included
• the surgeon's experience and the local market
• whether enhancements, if needed later, are included or billed separately

A few practical notes:

• Vision-correction surgery is rarely covered by insurance.
• Some clinics offer payment plans or financing, but terms vary.
• The cheapest advertised price may not include everything.

Before you book anything, ask for the full expected cost in writing and what is included. You can also review broader price context on our costs page.

Sightlume's matching service is free to you. We only collect contact details like your name, phone, email, ZIP code, preferred language, and which procedure you want to learn about. We do not ask you to send us medical records or health history.

Recovery: what is normal, and what is hard

This is the part many ads rush past. PRK recovery is often slower and more uncomfortable than LASIK recovery.

What many people are told to expect:

• First few days: pain, burning, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurry vision are common
• Around days 3 to 5: the surface layer is often healing, and the bandage lens may be removed if the surgeon says it is ready
• First few weeks: vision can fluctuate. One day may seem clearer than the next.
• Over weeks to months: vision may continue to sharpen gradually

Recovery is not the same for everyone. Some people do well quickly. Others need more time. During recovery, you may need help with driving, screens, bright light, and daily tasks.

It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions closely about drops, rubbing your eyes, swimming, makeup, exercise, and follow-up visits. Missing follow-up care can create problems.

If very fast recovery is your top priority, PRK may or may not fit your life well. That is a real discussion to have in consultation.

Risks and side effects you should know before you decide

Every eye surgery has real risks. PRK is no exception. You deserve plain language here.

Possible risks and side effects can include:

• dry eye
• glare, halos, or starbursts, especially at night
• pain and light sensitivity during early healing
• slow visual recovery
• under-correction or over-correction
• regression, where some effect may lessen over time
• corneal haze or scarring in some cases
• infection
• irregular healing
• rare vision loss or vision quality problems that are not fully correctable

Not everyone gets these problems, and some side effects improve with time. But they are real possibilities and should not be hidden or brushed aside.

Ask the surgeon how your own eyes, prescription, age, and dry-eye status affect your personal risk. For a broader look at laser surgery complications, read LASIK risks and side effects. Many risk concepts overlap, even though PRK and LASIK are different procedures.

No one can honestly promise you perfect vision, freedom from glasses, or a specific outcome. Results vary from person to person.

Questions to ask at your consultation

A good consultation should leave you more informed, not pressured. Consider asking:

1. Am I a candidate for PRK, and why or why not?
2. Why are you recommending PRK instead of LASIK, SMILE, ICL, or no surgery?
3. What are the main risks in my specific case?
4. How painful is recovery usually, and how long before I can work or drive?
5. What is the full price, and what is included?
6. How many follow-up visits are included?
7. If I still need glasses later, what are my options?
8. What happens if my vision is under-corrected or changes over time?

You are allowed to compare consultations. You are allowed to take time. You are allowed to say no.

If you want help finding licensed ophthalmologists near you for a consultation, you can get matched. Sightlume is only a free educational and matching service. We do not diagnose, recommend surgery for you, or replace an eye exam. This page is general information, not medical advice, and only a licensed eye surgeon, after an in-person exam, can tell you whether PRK is appropriate for you.