For many people dreaming of life without glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery is the golden ticket to clearer vision. While LASIK is often the first procedure that comes to mind, there’s another highly effective option that deserves attention: PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). PRK is a time-tested, safe, and simple procedure that eliminates some of the risks associated with LASIK while offering long-term benefits, particularly for those concerned about corneal tissue preservation and dry eye symptoms.
PRK vs. LASIK: A Simplified Approach
Think of LASIK and PRK as two different methods of reaching the same goal—clear vision. With LASIK, a surgeon creates a thin flap on the cornea, reshapes the underlying tissue with a laser, and then places the flap back in position. While this method is effective, it introduces additional steps—and with those steps come additional risks, such as flap-related complications.
PRK, on the other hand, takes a simpler and more direct approach. Instead of cutting a flap, PRK removes the outermost layer of the cornea (the epithelium), allowing the laser to reshape the surface directly. The epithelium naturally regenerates over the following days, meaning there’s no flap to worry about—no chance of it shifting, wrinkling, or leading to complications in the future. This makes PRK an excellent choice for patients who engage in contact sports, military personnel, or those with thinner corneas.
PRK Removes Less Tissue, Preserving Future Options
One of PRK’s biggest advantages is that it removes less overall corneal tissue than LASIK. Since there’s no need to cut a flap, more of the structural integrity of the cornea remains intact. This is especially beneficial later in life when natural changes in vision might make an enhancement procedure desirable. With more corneal tissue available, PRK patients often have better options for touch-up procedures if needed in the future.
A Friendlier Option For Dry Eye Sufferers
Many LASIK patients experience dry eye symptoms after surgery because creating the corneal flap severs tiny nerves that help regulate tear production. While these nerves do regenerate over time, some patients experience prolonged dryness and discomfort. PRK, being a more superficial procedure, spares more of these corneal nerves, leading to a lower risk of exacerbating dry eye symptoms. This makes PRK a particularly attractive option for patients who already struggle with dry eyes or spend long hours staring at screens.
The PRK Recovery Process: A Little Patience, Big Payoff
Because PRK removes the cornea’s outer layer, recovery takes slightly longer than LASIK. Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days as the epithelium heals, and vision may take a week or two to fully stabilize. However, this short-term inconvenience is often outweighed by PRK’s long-term benefits: no risk of flap complications, better corneal integrity, and a lower chance of worsening dry eye.
Is PRK Right for You?
If you’re considering laser vision correction, PRK is a fantastic option—especially for those with thinner corneas, dry eye concerns, or active lifestyles where flap-related complications could pose a problem. While the initial recovery requires a bit more patience, the benefits of PRK make it a compelling choice for those looking for safe, effective, and lasting vision correction.
At Singh Vision, we believe in providing our patients with options that best suit their unique needs. If you’d like to explore whether PRK is the right choice for you, schedule a consultation today. Your journey to clearer vision starts here!
