PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery that first debuted in 1986 Like other commonly performed laser eye surgeries, PRK uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK - which creates a flap in the outer layer of the cornea - PRK surgery removes the epithelium, the thin surface layer of the cornea in order to reshape the cornea. This method eliminates the risk of flap complications and reduces the risk of removing too much of the cornea.

Recovery time after PRK surgery is slower than after LASIK eye surgery because the epithelial cells need to regenerate across the surface of the eye. Patients with large pupils, dry eyes, or thin corneas are good candidates for PRK surgery.