PRK: Laser Vision Correction Without a Corneal Flap
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) reshapes the cornea using the same type of laser as LASIK, but with an important difference: no corneal flap is created. For many of our patients, that makes PRK the preferred option — particularly if you have thinner corneas, a tendency toward dry eyes, or an active, high-impact lifestyle.
Request an AppointmentWhy We Often Recommend PRK Over LASIK
Because PRK doesn’t involve creating and lifting a corneal flap, it eliminates the small but real risk of flap-related complications, such as dislodgement or wrinkling, that can occur with LASIK. This makes it a particularly good option for:
- Patients with thinner-than-average corneas
- Patients prone to dry eyes
- Athletes and others engaged in high-impact activities where a corneal flap could be at risk
- Patients who weren’t candidates for LASIK during a prior evaluation elsewhere
Recovery from PRK takes somewhat longer than LASIK, since the eye’s surface layer needs to regenerate, but the final visual results are typically just as excellent.
What to Expect
Like LASIK, PRK uses an excimer laser programmed to your eye’s unique measurements to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Instead of lifting a flap, your surgeon gently removes the thin outer layer of corneal cells (the epithelium) before reshaping the cornea; this layer naturally regenerates over the following days. A protective contact lens is worn during initial healing.
Because the eye’s surface is healing during the first several days, some light sensitivity and discomfort are normal in the early recovery period, more so than with LASIK. Vision continues to sharpen over the following weeks as healing completes.
Considering LASIK, PRK, or Something Else?
If you’ve already been told LASIK isn’t an option for you — often due to thin corneas or dry eye — PRK may still make you an excellent candidate for laser vision correction. And if cataracts are part of the picture rather than a standard refractive error, we’ll also discuss the Light Adjustable Lens or refractive lens exchange as alternatives. A thorough evaluation, including corneal mapping, helps us recommend the procedure most likely to give you comfortable, lasting vision.
Contact Louisiana Eye Specialists at to schedule your PRK consultation.
Request an AppointmentPRK FAQs
What is PRK, and how is it different from LASIK?
PRK reshapes the cornea using a laser, like LASIK, but without creating a corneal flap. This reduces the risk of flap-related complications and is often better suited to thinner corneas or a tendency toward dry eyes.
Is PRK more painful than LASIK?
PRK involves more discomfort during the initial healing period since the eye’s surface layer needs to regenerate, but this is well managed with a protective contact lens and prescribed drops.
How long is PRK recovery?
Most patients see meaningful improvement within a week, with vision continuing to sharpen over the following weeks as full healing completes.
Am I a better candidate for PRK than LASIK?
Patients with thinner corneas, dry eyes, or high-impact lifestyles are often better suited to PRK. We’ll confirm which is right for you with a full evaluation.
Are the final results of PRK as good as LASIK?
Yes. Long-term visual outcomes for PRK and LASIK are generally comparable; the main difference is the recovery timeline.
Can I get PRK if I was turned down for LASIK elsewhere?
Often, yes. Many patients who aren’t LASIK candidates due to corneal thickness or dry eye are excellent PRK candidates.