PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Clearer vision, without the flap
Tired of reaching for your glasses every morning, or juggling contact lenses before a swim or a game? PRK might be the answer. It’s one of the oldest and most trusted forms of laser vision correction. For many people, especially those with thinner corneas or an active lifestyle, it can actually be a smarter choice than LASIK.
At KD Eye Centre, our refractive surgeons take the time to understand your eyes and your day-to-day life before recommending any treatment. If PRK turns out to be the right fit, you’re in experienced hands.
So, what exactly is PRK?
PRK reshapes your cornea using an excimer laser to correct how light focuses in your eye, but unlike LASIK, there’s no flap involved. Instead, your surgeon gently removes the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) before the laser does its work. That outer layer isn’t gone for good, though; it grows back naturally as your eye heals.
What can PRK fix?
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
Why do people choose PRK?
No flap, fewer worries. Since there’s no corneal flap to create, PRK sidesteps a whole category of complications, which makes it a solid pick if your corneas are on the thinner side, or if you play contact sports where a flap could theoretically be knocked out of place.
Decades of track record. PRK isn’t new or experimental. It’s been refined over many years and has a long, well-documented history of success.
Keeps more of your cornea intact. Without a flap, more of your corneal tissue stays untouched, which some patients and surgeons prefer for long-term corneal health.
Vision that holds up. Once you’re through the healing period, the visual results are right up there with LASIK and other procedures.
Could PRK be right for you?
You might be a good candidate if:
- You're 18 or older
- Your glasses prescription has been stable for a while
- Your eyes are otherwise healthy
- Your corneas are too thin for flap-based procedures like LASIK
- You're active in contact sports or work in a physically demanding job
The only way to know for sure is a proper eye exam; that’s where we’ll figure out if PRK, LASIK, or something else altogether is your best path forward.
The honest upsides
- No flap, no blade
- Works well even with thinner corneas
- Lower risk of flap-related issues
- No risk of a flap shifting after an injury
- Strong, lasting visual results
- Well suited to active lifestyles and contact sports
What to expect
Here’s the thing about PRK: the recovery takes a bit more patience than LASIK or SMILE Pro. As your eye regenerates the outer layer, you may experience some discomfort, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision during the first few days. This is normal and will pass. We will place a soft bandage contact lens on your eye to protect it while it heals, and we will remove it at a follow-up visit when you’re ready.
What your PRK journey looks like
A thorough eye check-up: We’ll map your cornea, test your refraction, check your tear film, and make sure PRK is genuinely a good fit for your eyes.
A treatment plan built around you. Your ophthalmologist walks you through whether PRK or another option makes the most sense given your eyes and how you live your life.
The procedure itself: numbing drops keep things comfortable throughout. Your surgeon prepares the corneal surface, then the excimer laser reshapes it to correct your vision.
Healing, with support along the way A protective bandage lens sits on your eye while it heals, and we’ll see you for follow-ups to make sure everything’s on track.
Why patients choose KD Eye Centre
- Surgeons with real, hands-on refractive surgery experience
- Advanced imaging and diagnostics to plan your treatment precisely
- A treatment plan built around your eyes, not a one-size-fits-all approach
- Modern excimer laser technology
- Care that doesn't stop after surgery, we're with you through recovery
- Every refractive surgery option is available under one roof, so you're never pushed toward a procedure that isn't right for you
FAQs
Does PRK hurt?
Not during the procedure, numbing drops take care of that. Afterwards, though, expect a few days of mild discomfort or irritation while your eye heals.
How long until I’m back to normal?
Most people are back to their usual routine within a week, though their vision will be affected over the following weeks.
Why would I pick PRK over LASIK?
If your corneas are thinner, if you’re very active, or if your job puts you at risk of eye trauma, PRK often makes more sense than a flap-based procedure like LASIK.
Will I still need glasses at all?
Most patients rely on glasses or contacts a lot less after PRK. That said, as we all get older, reading glasses tend to catch up with everyone eventually; that’s just part of ageing eyes, not a sign the surgery didn’t work.
Is it actually safe?
Yes, PRK has a long, well-established safety record when it’s done on the right candidates. That’s exactly why the eye exam beforehand matters so much.