Photorefractive Keratectomy

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) was the most common laser eye surgery procedure before LASIK. The PRK procedure involves first removing the top layer of the cornea – the epithelium and then reshaping the cornea with the Excimer Laser. The epithelium is then allowed to regenerate and this may take between 3 and 10 days. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not create a permanent flap in the deeper corneal layers.

Both PRK and LASEK are more painful than LASIK or IntraLASIK, and visual recovery can take a few days to a week, compared to only one day with IntraLASIK.

At Centre for Sight, PRK or LASEK is only performed in exceptional circumstances (e.g. if there is an abnormality of the corneal epithelium, scarring or surface irregularity). We do not routinely recommend this procedure because of pain, delayed visual recovery, risk of haze and overall patient satisfaction. We DO NOT use any toxic anti-scarring drugs like Mitomycin C, frequently used without patient knowledge by advocates of PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK.

PRK can be very uncomfortable afterwards. Because of this, many practitioners advocate only performing one eye at a time. LASEK can be performed on both eyes on the same day, but you will not be able to work or function properly for up to a week.