PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy)
PRK is the best option for some patients who come to the Campbell Cunningham Laser Center for refractive surgery to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
PRK is similar to LASIK. The main difference is that, in LASIK surgery, a thin, hinged flap is created on the cornea to access the treatment area, whereas in PRK the cornea’s entire epithelial (outer) layer is removed to expose the area and no flap is created. With both PRK and LASIK, the excimer laser then sculpts the stromal layer of the cornea to correct your vision.
Like LASIK and other types of laser eye surgery, PRK works by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clear vision. Recovery can take a little longer than with LASIK surgery.