PRK belongs to a family of surface ablation techniques that go by several names, including LASEK, ASL (advanced surface laser), ASLA, and Epi-LASIK. While there are minor differences in how the surface epithelium (the outer skin layer of the cornea) is handled, the underlying laser treatment is the same, and these terms are often used interchangeably . Laser eye surgery is performed at our laser suite in the Sydney CBD.
How PRK Works
In PRK, the thin outer layer of skin like tissue covering the cornea (the epithelium) is gently removed. An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea, just as in LASIK. Because no flap is created, PRK avoids all flap-related complications.
After the laser treatment, a soft contact lens is placed on the eye as a bandage while the epithelium grows back, which typically takes 3 to 5 days.
What Does PRK Treat?
PRK treats myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, similar to LASIK. The visual result is ultimately equivalent to LASIK, though the recovery timeline is longer.
When Is PRK Preferred Over LASIK?
- Thinner corneas where there isn’t enough tissue for a safe LASIK flap
- Corneal irregularities or scarring that make flap creation inadvisable
- Patients at higher risk of eye trauma (certain sports or occupations) where a flap could be displaced
- Patient preference, after discussing the differences
Recovery
Recovery from PRK is slower than LASIK. There’s typically mild to moderate discomfort for the first 2 to 3 days while the epithelium heals. Vision may be blurry during this time and continues to improve over the following weeks, with final stabilisation taking 1 to 3 months. The longer recovery is the main trade-off for avoiding the flap.
Risks
Similar to LASIK: dry eyes, halos/glare, undercorrection/overcorrection, and very rarely infection. PRK avoids flap-related risks entirely. There’s a small risk of corneal haze, which is reduced by using mitomycin C (an anti-scarring agent) during the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRK the same as LASEK?
They’re very closely related. Both are surface ablation techniques that reshape the cornea without a flap. The difference is in how the epithelium is handled, but the laser treatment and final outcome are the same. LASEK, ASL, ASLA, and Epi-LASIK are all variations of the same approach.
Why would I choose PRK over LASIK?
PRK may be recommended if your cornea is too thin for LASIK, if there are surface irregularities, or if you’re at higher risk of eye trauma. The visual result is equivalent; the main difference is the recovery timeline.