PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

In certain patients, PRK may be recommended instead of LASIK. This is often the case when a person's cornea is too thin to safely allow creation of a LASIK flap.

PRK uses the same excimer laser as LASIK to reshape the surface of the cornea. It does not require creation of a LASIK flap. Instead, the surface cells of the cornea (the epithelial cells) are gently removed and the underlying cornea treated with the laser. The initial healing period is slightly longer than with LASIK, however, the same excellent long-term vision results as seen with LASIK can be achieved.