PRK Laser Vision Correction in San Diego
Advanced Vision Correction Without a Corneal Flap
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a proven laser vision correction procedure that can reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses without creating a LASIK flap.
PRK may be particularly useful for patients whose corneal anatomy, prescription, occupation, lifestyle, or previous eye surgery makes a surface laser procedure preferable to LASIK.
At One to One, the decision between LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, and other options is individualized to your eyes.
What Is PRK?
PRK uses an excimer laser to precisely reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors including:
Nearsightedness
Farsightedness
Astigmatism
Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require creation of a corneal flap.
Instead, the thin outer epithelial layer of the cornea is removed before laser treatment. A soft bandage contact lens is placed afterward while the epithelium regenerates.
Because PRK avoids a corneal flap, it may be an excellent option for certain patients who are not ideal LASIK candidates.
Why Might PRK Be Recommended Instead of LASIK?
PRK may be considered when:
- Corneal thickness or anatomy makes LASIK less desirable
- Avoiding a corneal flap is preferable
- A patient’s occupation or activities create a higher risk of eye trauma
- Additional laser correction is being considered after previous refractive surgery
- Other individual factors favor a surface treatment
PRK isn’t inherently “better” or “worse” than LASIK. They are different approaches, and the right choice depends on the individual eye.
PRK vs. LASIK
The principal difference is the initial healing process.
LASIK: A thin flap is created, the underlying cornea is reshaped, and the flap is repositioned. Visual recovery is generally faster.
PRK: No flap is created. The surface epithelium regenerates after laser treatment, so visual recovery is more gradual.
Once healing is complete, both procedures are designed to achieve the same fundamental goal: correcting refractive error by changing the shape of the cornea.
What Is PRK Recovery Like?
PRK requires more patience during the first several days than LASIK.
A bandage contact lens is typically placed after surgery while the surface of the cornea heals. During this period, patients may experience blurred vision, tearing, light sensitivity, irritation, or discomfort.
The contact lens is removed after the corneal surface has sufficiently healed.
Functional vision generally improves during the first week, but vision can continue to fluctuate and sharpen over subsequent weeks to months.
We will discuss your anticipated recovery before surgery so you can appropriately plan work, driving, exercise, and other activities.
PRK After Previous LASIK or Other Eye Surgery
In selected patients who have undergone previous refractive surgery, PRK may be considered for additional correction without recreating or lifting a LASIK flap.
These cases require particularly careful evaluation of the previous surgery, current prescription, corneal thickness, topography, and ocular surface.
Dr. Pillar’s fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery provides particular expertise in evaluating corneas that have undergone previous refractive procedures.
Meet Angelique Pillar, MD
Fellowship-Trained Cornea & Refractive Surgeon
Dr. Pillar earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School, served as Chief Resident at the University of Maryland, and completed a Cornea and Refractive Surgery Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. She later served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland.
She has performed thousands of cataract, corneal, and vision-correction procedures and takes a conservative, individualized approach to refractive surgery.
The objective is not to fit every patient into the same procedure. It is to determine which option best fits your cornea, prescription, lifestyle, and long-term visual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRK painful?
The eye is numbed during surgery, so patients generally do not experience significant pain during the procedure itself. As the corneal surface heals afterward, discomfort, irritation, tearing, and light sensitivity are common for the first several days.
How quickly will I see after PRK?
Vision is typically blurry initially and improves gradually as the corneal surface heals. Most patients should expect a slower visual recovery than with LASIK, with continued improvement over subsequent weeks.
Does PRK weaken the eye less than LASIK?
PRK avoids creation of a corneal flap and preserves more of the anterior corneal structure, which is one reason it may be recommended for selected patients. Whether that advantage is clinically important for an individual patient depends on corneal anatomy and the amount of correction required.
Is PRK right for thin corneas?
Sometimes. Corneal thickness is only one factor in determining candidacy. Corneal shape, prescription, estimated residual tissue, and other findings must also be evaluated.
Can I have PRK if I’ve already had LASIK?
In selected cases, yes. PRK is sometimes used for enhancement after previous LASIK, but candidacy requires detailed evaluation.
LASIK, PRK or EVO ICL?
You don’t need to determine the procedure before your consultation.
That’s our job.
We will examine your eyes, discuss what you hope to achieve, and explain which options are most appropriate for you.
Call 858-273-0200 to schedule a vision correction consultation.
This article was originally written on 5/29/2023 by Angelique Pillar, MD and updated 09/16/2026