PRK Laser Eye Surgery Explained: What to Expect Before and After the Procedure

If you wear glasses or contact lenses every day, you’ve probably dreamed of waking up one morning and seeing clearly without them. For many people, PRK laser eye surgery makes that dream possible. It’s one of the most trusted and effective ways to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

This article will help you understand what PRK laser eye surgery is, what happens before and after the procedure, how it compares to other treatments, and what you can expect during recovery.

What Is PRK Laser Eye Surgery?

PRK laser eye surgery, short for Photorefractive Keratectomy, is a type of laser vision correction procedure. It reshapes the cornea—the clear front surface of your eye—so that light focuses correctly on your retina. This helps you see more clearly without needing glasses or contacts.

PRK is actually the first type of laser vision correction developed, even before LASIK. While LASIK creates a small flap in the cornea, PRK does not. Instead, the surgeon removes the very thin outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, and then uses a laser to reshape the corneal tissue underneath. The epithelium grows back naturally over a few days.

Because there’s no flap involved, PRK is a great option for people with thinner corneas or those who play contact sports.

Why People Choose PRK Laser Eye Surgery

Many people pick PRK laser eye surgery because it offers lasting results and high precision. Some of the most common reasons include:

It’s safe and proven over decades of use.
No flap complications, unlike LASIK.
It’s ideal for people with thin or irregular corneas.
Excellent long-term vision results.
Lower risk of dry eyes after surgery.

For those who cannot get LASIK due to corneal thickness or eye shape, PRK provides the same visual benefits—just with a slightly longer recovery period.

The PRK Procedure: Step by Step

Knowing what happens during PRK laser eye surgery helps reduce anxiety and prepare you for a smooth experience. Here’s what typically takes place:

Preparation: Your eyes are numbed with special anesthetic drops so you feel no pain.
Epithelium removal: The surgeon gently removes the thin top layer of the cornea.
Laser reshaping: A cool, precise laser beam reshapes your cornea based on your vision needs.
Protection: A soft contact lens is placed on your eye to protect it while the surface heals.

The entire process usually takes about 15 minutes per eye. Most people are surprised by how quick and painless it is.

What to Expect Before Surgery

Before your PRK laser eye surgery, you’ll go through a thorough eye examination. The surgeon will measure your corneal thickness, pupil size, and eye health. You’ll also be asked about your medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits.

You may need to:

Stop wearing contact lenses a few days before surgery.
Avoid using makeup or lotion on the day of surgery.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Your surgeon will explain every step, so you know exactly what to expect.

What Happens After the Procedure

After PRK laser eye surgery, your eyes may feel a little dry, gritty, or sensitive to light for the first few days. This is normal and part of the healing process. You’ll wear the protective contact lenses for about 4–5 days while the epithelium grows back naturally.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions closely. You’ll likely use prescription eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or wearing makeup until your surgeon says it’s safe.

Your vision might be blurry for the first few days, but it improves steadily. Most people start seeing clearer within a week, and full vision results appear after one to three months.

The Benefits of PRK Laser Eye Surgery

Here are some reasons why thousands of people choose PRK laser eye surgery each year:

Clear, long-term vision: Once healed, results are stable and lasting.
No flap, fewer complications: Since there’s no corneal flap, risks are minimal.
Ideal for active lifestyles: Great for athletes or people in physical professions.
Better for dry eyes: PRK disturbs fewer corneal nerves, so dry eye symptoms are less common.

Patients often describe PRK as a life-changing procedure that helps them regain freedom and confidence.

PRK Eye Surgery Cost

The PRK eye surgery cost can vary depending on your location, surgeon experience, and technology used. On average, the PRK eye surgery cost in Canada or the U.S. ranges between $2,000 and $3,500 per eye.

This cost typically includes:

Pre-surgery eye exams
The laser procedure itself
Post-surgery follow-up visits
Eye drops and medications

While PRK eye surgery cost may seem high, many people view it as a long-term investment in their vision—especially considering the savings on glasses and contacts over the years.

Comparing PRK with LASIK

Many patients wonder whether they should choose PRK or LASIK. Both surgeries use the same excimer laser technology to correct vision, but they differ in approach and recovery.

PRK removes the corneal surface layer and lets it heal naturally.
LASIK creates a thin flap in the cornea before reshaping it.

PRK healing takes a bit longer, but it’s often recommended for people with thin corneas, irregular eye shapes, or jobs that risk eye injury. In the end, both provide excellent vision correction when done by a skilled surgeon.

Recovery Timeline

Here’s a quick look at what to expect during recovery from PRK laser eye surgery:

Days 1–3: Some discomfort, tearing, and blurry vision. Use prescribed drops regularly.
Days 4–7: The epithelium heals; the protective contact lens is removed.
Weeks 2–4: Vision becomes clearer; light sensitivity decreases.
Month 1–3: Final results stabilize; vision is sharp and clear.

Following your surgeon’s instructions and attending all follow-up appointments are key to fast, healthy recovery.

Long-Term Results

The results from PRK laser eye surgery are excellent and long-lasting. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after healing. The improvements remain stable for many years, although normal age-related vision changes may still occur later in life.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRK Laser Eye Surgery?

You might be a good candidate if you:

Are over 18 years old
Have a stable vision prescription
Have healthy eyes and corneas
Don’t qualify for LASIK due to thin corneas
Want to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses

Your surgeon will evaluate your specific situation to confirm whether PRK is the right option for you.

Final Thoughts

PRK laser eye surgery is a safe, proven, and highly effective procedure that helps people achieve lasting vision correction without glasses or contacts. While the recovery time is slightly longer than LASIK, the results are equally impressive. For those with thinner corneas or active lifestyles, PRK is often the best choice.

Understanding the process, knowing what to expect, and following aftercare guidelines are key to a smooth experience. If you’re considering PRK laser eye surgery, consult with an experienced eye surgeon to find out if it’s right for you—and take the first step toward clearer, sharper vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is PRK laser eye surgery painful?
No, the procedure itself is not painful because numbing drops are used. Some mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur during healing, but it’s temporary.

2. How long does it take to recover after PRK laser eye surgery?
Most people notice clearer vision within a week, with full recovery taking one to three months.

3. What is the PRK eye surgery cost?
The PRK eye surgery cost usually ranges between $2,000 and $3,500 per eye, depending on the clinic and technology used.

4. Can PRK laser eye surgery fix astigmatism?
Yes, PRK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism effectively.

5. Are the results of PRK permanent?
Yes, the results are long-lasting. However, natural aging can still cause minor vision changes over time.