What Is PRK?

PRK is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Using an excimer laser, the surgeon removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, changing how light focuses on the retina and reducing your dependence on glasses and contacts. The procedure begins by gently removing the cornea’s thin outer layer, the epithelium, which naturally regenerates in the days after surgery. For the right candidate, PRK provides safe, lasting vision correction with excellent long-term results.

What Happens During PRK?

Numbing the Eye: Anesthetic eye drops are applied to fully numb the eye, so the procedure itself is not painful.
Removing the Epithelium: The surgeon removes the thin outer layer of the cornea, most often using an Amoils brush, a gentle handheld device that lifts the epithelium. In select cases, an alcohol-assisted technique may be used instead.
Reshaping the Cornea: Using the WaveLight EX500 laser, the surgeon reshapes the underlying corneal tissue based on detailed measurements of your eyes to correct your specific refractive error.
Placing a Bandage Contact Lens: A soft, clear bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to protect the surface and support comfortable healing while the epithelium regenerates.
Beginning Recovery: You’ll start a course of prescription eye drops right away, which you’ll continue for about a month, tapering under your surgeon’s guidance as your eye heals.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRK?

PRK can be a good fit for patients who want laser vision correction but aren’t ideal candidates for LASIK.

You may be a good candidate for PRK if you:

Lead an active lifestyle or work in a profession where flap-related complications are a greater concern
Are looking for the same long-term visual outcomes as LASIK, without the flap
Are willing to allow a slightly longer initial recovery in exchange for these benefits
Have a thinner cornea that isn’t suitable for creating a LASIK flap
Have certain corneal surface irregularities

The best way to find out if PRK is right for you is a comprehensive evaluation, where your eye doctor will evaluate your cornea, refractive error, and lifestyle to recommend the safest, most effective option for your eyes.

What Is the Difference Between PRK and LASIK?

Both PRK and LASIK use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive error, and both procedures typically deliver excellent, comparable long-term vision. The primary difference is how the cornea is accessed.

LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap, which is folded back so the laser can reshape the tissue underneath before the flap is repositioned. Because the surface of the eye is largely undisturbed, LASIK patients often notice clearer vision within a day or two.

PRK removes the epithelium entirely rather than creating a flap. Since that layer needs time to regenerate, initial visual recovery after PRK is generally slower than LASIK, often taking several days to a few weeks for vision to fully clear.

In exchange, PRK avoids the risks associated with a corneal flap altogether, which is why it’s often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or certain lifestyle considerations.

Meet Our PRK Surgeons

Ivan Mac, MD, MBA

Dr. Ivan Mac is the founder of Metrolina Eye Associates, with a practice that includes PRK and other refractive vision correction options. He specializes in LASIK, PRK, and related refractive procedures, along with laser-assisted cataract surgery and the EVO ICL, giving him a broad understanding of how to match each patient with the safest, most effective path to reduced dependence on glasses and contacts. Dr. Mac works closely with each patient to determine whether PRK or another vision correction option best suits their eyes, drawing on his experience across the full range of refractive surgery techniques. He is recognized as one of the nation’s top cataract and refractive surgeons, and combines his broad technical expertise with a thorough, individualized evaluation of every patient who comes through his door.

Charles Blotnick, MD

Dr. Charles Blotnick is one of the ophthalmologists at Metrolina Eye Associates, with a practice that includes refractive surgery and vision correction. He has been performing LASIK since its early days in the field and works closely with each patient to determine the safest, most effective path to reduced dependence on glasses and contacts, whether that means PRK, LASIK, ICL, or another vision correction option suited to their needs. With more than 20 years in practice, his approach combines advanced technology with a thorough, individualized evaluation of each patient’s eyes, helping him tailor treatment even for those who may not be candidates for other procedures.

Douglas Brown, MD

Dr. Douglas Brown is one of the ophthalmologists at Metrolina Eye Associates, with a practice focused on refractive surgery and vision correction using advanced laser technology. He performs PRK using the WaveLight EX500 laser, taking a precise, personalized approach to every procedure so patients can achieve the clearest vision possible. Dr. Brown works closely with each patient to determine the safest, most effective path to reduced dependence on glasses and contacts, whether that means PRK or another vision correction option suited to their eyes. His approach combines advanced technology with a thorough understanding of the cornea, allowing him to tailor treatment for patients who may not be candidates for other procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRK

Most patients notice significant improvement in their vision within the first week, though it can take several weeks for vision to fully stabilize and reach its clearest point. You’ll use prescription eye drops for about a month after surgery, tapering weekly under your surgeon’s guidance.

The procedure itself is not painful, since the eye is fully numbed with anesthetic drops beforehand. Some patients experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or a gritty feeling for the first few days while the epithelium heals, which is generally well-managed with the bandage contact lens and prescribed drops.

Your surgeon will provide you with a personalized list of instructions to help you heal properly and avoid complications after surgery. This typically includes avoiding makeup for the first three days, keeping water out of your eyes, such as swimming pools and hot tubs, and steering clear of heavy lifting for about a week. Most patients are able to return to many of their usual activities within a week, though full visual recovery can take a few weeks longer.

Many patients take a few days off from work, particularly if their job involves screen use, driving, or physically demanding tasks, since vision may still be blurry in the initial days after surgery. Your surgeon will give you personalized guidance based on your recovery and occupation.

PRK is designed to provide lasting correction for your current prescription, and most patients enjoy significantly reduced dependence on glasses and contacts long-term. As with any vision correction procedure, changes related to normal aging, such as presbyopia, can still occur over time.

Our surgeons performs PRK using the WaveLight EX500 laser, one of the most advanced excimer lasers available, delivering fast, precise treatment with a strong record of safety and accuracy.

Schedule Your PRK Consultation

If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK, or you’re simply exploring your options for glasses-free vision, PRK may be the right fit.

Schedule an appointment at one of our Metrolina Eye Associates offices in and around Charlotte, NC, today.

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