PRK eye surgery can help eligible patients reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses by correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At The Bochner Eye Institute, PRK care is guided by experienced ophthalmologists, including Medical Director Dr. Raymond Stein, Professor of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto. Dr. Stein has performed more than 200,000 eye surgeries and is internationally recognized for his contributions to refractive and implant surgery.
PRK reshapes the cornea without creating the flap used during LASIK. Although the initial healing period is generally longer, PRK can provide strong vision correction for suitable patients. A comprehensive eye examination can determine whether PRK, LASIK, or another procedure is most appropriate.
What Is PRK Eye Surgery?
Photorefractive keratectomy, commonly called PRK, is a laser vision correction procedure used to treat:
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Myopia, or nearsightedness
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Hyperopia, or farsightedness
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Astigmatism
During PRK, the surface cells of the cornea are removed. An excimer laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue so light can focus more accurately on the retina.
The surface cells regenerate naturally during recovery. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap.
Are You a Good Candidate for PRK?
A detailed eye examination is required to determine whether PRK is suitable. Candidates will generally:
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Be at least 21 years old
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Have a stable vision prescription
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Have healthy eyes
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Be in good overall health
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Have realistic expectations
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Be able to follow postoperative instructions
PRK may be recommended for patients whose corneal measurements, occupation, lifestyle, or activities make a flap-free procedure preferable. Severe dry eye, certain corneal disorders, unstable vision, active eye disease, or conditions that affect healing may influence eligibility.
What Happens During a PRK Consultation?
The consultation evaluates the prescription, corneal structure, eye health, and visual goals. Testing may include:
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Measurement of the vision prescription
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Corneal topography or tomography
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Measurement of corneal thickness
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Tear-film and dry-eye assessment
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Pupil measurements
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Examination of the retina and internal eye structures
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Review of prescription stability
These findings help the surgeon determine whether PRK can be performed safely and create a customized treatment plan.
How Should You Prepare for PRK Surgery?
Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of the cornea. Patients are therefore instructed to stop wearing them for a designated period before their examination and procedure.
Patients may also be asked to:
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Arrange transportation home
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Follow instructions for medications and eye drops
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Avoid eye makeup and facial products
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Plan time away from work and driving
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Prepare for temporary light sensitivity and blurred vision
The surgical team will provide directions based on the patient’s contact lens use, eye health, and treatment plan.
What Happens During the PRK Procedure?
Anaesthetic eye drops numb the surface of the eye, and an eyelid speculum keeps the eyelids open.
The procedure generally includes three steps:
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The surgeon removes the surface epithelial cells from the central cornea.
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The excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue.
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A soft bandage contact lens is placed over the cornea during early healing.
Patients may feel gentle pressure while the surface cells are removed. The laser treatment itself is brief.
What Technology Is Used for PRK?
Diagnostic testing identifies the optical and structural characteristics of each eye before surgery. These measurements are used to plan a laser pattern tailored to the patient’s prescription and corneal shape.
The technology supports the treatment of eligible cases of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Surgical judgment remains central to deciding whether PRK is appropriate and how the procedure should be performed.
WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser
The WaveLight EX500 excimer laser reshapes the cornea according to the patient’s diagnostic measurements and treatment plan. Its eye-tracking system monitors small eye movements and helps keep the correction aligned during treatment.
Depending on the examination findings, Wavefront Optimized or Wavefront-Guided treatment may be considered to further customize the laser pattern.
What Is PRK Recovery Like?
Mild to moderate discomfort, tearing, light sensitivity, irritation, and blurry vision are common during the first several days. A soft bandage contact lens protects the cornea while the surface cells regenerate.
Patients may be instructed to:
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Use prescribed eye drops
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Avoid rubbing the eyes
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Wear sunglasses in bright light
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Avoid swimming, eye makeup, and strenuous activity temporarily
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Attend all follow-up appointments
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Avoid driving until vision is adequate
The first follow-up appointment may take place the day after surgery. The bandage contact lens is removed after the corneal surface has healed sufficiently.
How Long Does PRK Vision Recovery Take?
PRK recovery is generally slower than LASIK recovery. Vision may remain blurry or fluctuate as the corneal surface regenerates and smooths.
Useful vision returns gradually, but many patients are advised not to drive while the bandage contact lenses remain in place. Vision may continue improving over several weeks, with further refinement occurring over the following months.
PRK vs LASIK
PRK and LASIK both use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The main difference is how the surgeon accesses the tissue being treated.
LASIK involves creating and repositioning a thin corneal flap. This usually allows faster initial recovery and less early discomfort.
PRK removes the surface epithelial cells rather than creating a flap. Recovery takes longer, but PRK may be preferable for certain corneal measurements, occupations, or activities.
Both procedures can provide strong visual results in appropriately selected patients.
What Are the Possible Risks and Limitations of PRK?
PRK can reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses, but no surgical result can be guaranteed.
Possible concerns include:
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Temporary discomfort and light sensitivity
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Dry eye symptoms
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Blurred or fluctuating vision
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Glare, halos, or starbursts
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Undercorrection or overcorrection
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Corneal haze
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Infection or inflammation
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Delayed surface healing
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The possible need for glasses or additional treatment
PRK does not prevent future age-related changes such as presbyopia or cataracts. Some patients may be considered for an enhancement after their vision has stabilized.
Frequently Asked Questions
PRK can treat many cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but not every prescription is suitable. Eligibility also depends on corneal thickness, corneal shape, eye health, prescription stability, and the amount of tissue required for treatment.
Patients outside an appropriate treatment range may be better suited to another vision-correction procedure.
PRK can correct many forms of regular astigmatism. The excimer laser reshapes selected areas of the cornea to create a more regular optical surface.
The amount and type of astigmatism that can be treated depend on the diagnostic measurements and health of the eye.
Some patients experience glare, halos, starbursts, or reduced contrast sensitivity during recovery. These symptoms may be more noticeable while driving at night or looking at bright lights in dark surroundings.
Night vision often improves as the cornea heals, although persistent changes can occur. Pupil size, prescription strength, dry eye, and healing response may influence the risk.
The eyes can continue to change after PRK, particularly in younger patients with higher prescriptions. Adults may also develop presbyopia and eventually require reading glasses.
An enhancement may be considered if a residual or recurring prescription develops after the vision has stabilized. The eye and cornea must be healthy enough to support further treatment.
Alternatives may include:
The appropriate recommendation depends on age, prescription, corneal characteristics, lens clarity, and overall eye health.
Why Choose The Bochner Eye Institute for PRK Eye Surgery?
Founded by Dr. Maxwell Bochner in 1929, The Bochner Eye Institute is Canada’s oldest and most established eye care facility. Its surgeons have performed more than 400,000 procedures over the past 30 years and have treated patients from more than 70 countries. Medical Director Dr. Raymond Stein is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto and a former president of the Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. His professional honours include awards from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Contact Lens Association of America, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. The institute’s PRK program combines detailed corneal testing, experienced surgical planning, advanced excimer laser technology, and structured follow-up care. The Bochner Eye Institute has also been voted Toronto’s Top Choice for Laser Vision Correction 14 times.
Explore PRK Eye Surgery in Toronto and Scarborough, ON
PRK may provide lasting vision correction for patients who prefer or require a flap-free laser procedure. The ophthalmologists at The Bochner Eye Institute evaluate each patient’s prescription, corneal structure, eye health, and visual goals before recommending treatment.
To find out whether PRK is appropriate, schedule a consultation with The Bochner Eye Institute by calling (416) 960-2020. Patients in Toronto and Scarborough, ON, can receive a personalized recommendation based on comprehensive diagnostic testing.