Do you not want to wear glasses or contact lenses anymore? Do you desire to enhance your vision using a secure and effective process? PRK eye surgery could be the best solution for you. In this blog, we will examine PRK eye surgery closely, how it functions, how it differs from LASIK, what dangers it can pose, and what you can anticipate in the process of healing.
PRK is a superior choice for individuals with thin corneas or at greater risk of eye injury, while LASIK is preferable for individuals seeking faster recovery and less distress.
What is PRK Eye Surgery?
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is one of the oldest and most established forms of laser eye surgery employed to rectify vision issues like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. During PRK surgery, a doctor makes adjustments to the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye—using a laser. This makes it possible for light to focus properly on the retina, enabling you to see more clearly. PRK was created prior to LASIK and is still commonly used today, particularly for individuals who are not necessarily the best candidates for LASIK surgery. Read Also: Why Contoura LASIK? 5 Reasons It’s a Game-Changer for Eye SurgeryPurpose of PRK Surgery: Why is it Done?
The primary goal of PRK surgery is to enhance vision and decrease or eliminate the requirement for glasses or contact lenses. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who:- Have thin corneas (not a candidate for LASIK)
- Engage in contact sports or have occupations with a greater possibility of eye damage
- Desire long-term correction of vision without dependency on eyewear
- Myopia (Nearsightedness) – Trouble seeing distant objects distinctly
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness) – Inability to clearly see close objects
- Astigmatism – Blurry vision caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea
PRK Surgery vs LASIK: What’s the Difference?
Most ask: PRK surgery vs LASIK – what’s the difference? Although both are forms of laser eye surgery that reshape the cornea to correct vision, the procedures are slightly altered. Here’s why PRK and LASIK differ:| Feature | PRK Surgery | LASIK Surgery |
| Technique | Outer corneal layer is gently removed before reshaping | A flap is created in the cornea before reshaping |
| Corneal Thickness | Suitable for people with thinner corneas | Requires a thicker cornea for flap creation |
| Pain/Discomfort | Slightly more discomfort during the first few days | Typically less discomfort during and after surgery |
| Healing Time | Longer recovery period (several days to weeks) | Faster healing, usually within a few days |
| Flap Complications | No flap involved – eliminates flap-related risks | Flap-related complications may occur (e.g., displacement) |
Who is Eligible for PRK Eye Surgery?
PRK is not appropriate for everyone. Your eye surgeon will conduct a complete evaluation to determine if you are a candidate. You are a good candidate for PRK eye surgery if:- You are at least 18 years old
- You have had a stable vision prescription for at least a year
- Your corneas are too thin for LASIK
- You have no diseases of the eyes, such as glaucoma or cataracts
- You do not suffer from autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- You are not pregnant or nursing
How is PRK Surgery Conducted?
The PRK surgery is fast and typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Step-by-step explanation:- Numbing Drops: Your eye is made numb by special eye drops.
- Surface Removal: The surgeon carefully takes out the thin outer covering of your cornea (epithelium).
- Laser Reshaping: An eye doctor reshapes the underlying corneal tissue with a cool laser.
- Bandage Contact Lens: A soft contact lens is placed on the eye to cover it while it heals.
- Healing Begins: The epithelium grows back naturally within a few days.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of PRK?
As with all surgeries, PRK carries some danger and potential side effects, though grave complications are uncommon. Typical PRK eye surgery side effects:- Discomfort in eyes for the initial days
- Vision blurriness during the healing time
- Sensitivity to light
- Dryness of eyes
- Halos or glare, particularly nighttime
- Slower vision clarity than with LASIK
PRK Eye Surgery Recovery Time: What to Expect
PRK eye surgery recovery time is usually longer than LASIK because the outer layer of the cornea needs to regrow. Here’s a general timeline:- First 3–5 Days: Discomfort, tearing, and blurred vision. You’ll wear a bandage contact lens.
- 1 Week: Most discomfort reduces; vision starts to improve.
- 2–4 Weeks: Clearer vision, but still fluctuating.
- 3 Months: Complete stabilization of vision in most patients.
Tips for PRK Surgery Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from PRK is uneventful if proper care is provided. Some PRK recovery tips are mentioned below:- Take off work – minimum 4–5 days of rest is recommended
- Use eye drops precisely as directed
- Stay away from screens or limit screen use during the first week
- Wear sunglasses to shield eyes from UV light
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Follow up on all follow-up appointments with your eye doctor
- Consume eye-friendly foods such as carrots, spinach, and omega-3 fish
PRK Surgery Success Rate
The PRK success rate is extremely high, with the majority of patients having 20/25 vision or better upon recovery. It would take weeks to months to experience the full effect, but it is a long-term benefit. In places such as Mumbai, with world-class eye care centers, PRK has emerged as an everyday and accepted method of vision correction.Cost of PRK Surgery in India
Cost of PRK surgery in India varies from ₹35,000 to ₹80,000 per eye based on:- Surgeon experience
- Hospital or clinic type
- Location (city vs. towns, Delhi and Mumbai may be costly)
- Pre and post-operative care
