PRK Laser Eye Surgery was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction of nearsightedness to be performed in the U.S. using the excimer laser, and thus was the first type of Laser Vision Correction. Until the FDA approval of the excimer laser, patients really only had two options for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism-eyeglasses or contact lenses. Since FDA approval in October 1995-almost 30 years ago-millions of people have had Laser Vision Correction, with PRK having withstood the test of time as being safe, effective and predictable.

PRK is a type of Laser Eye Surgery called “surface ablation” whereby the excimer laser energy is used to reshape the surface of the cornea by applying laser energy just beneath the epithelium. The outermost layer of the epithelium is gently removed and the laser energy is applied. While the procedure itself is painless, some patients may experience mild discomfort during the first day or so of the healing process. Once the corneal epithelium is removed, it may require several days or more to heal. Most patients have markedly improved vision right away, but it takes a few weeks to achieve the best and clearest visual recovery.

We may recommend PRK as the laser eye surgery procedure of choice for certain patients including those who have particularly thin corneas, those who actively participate in contact sports, and those in active military duty.