Why would the surgeon pick PRK over LASIK?

Corneal thickness, surface irregularity, dry eye risk or lifestyle can all tip the choice. The work-up data decides, and we send that data to the surgeon.

How long until I see well?

PRK trades a slower first week for flap-free structure; most useful vision returns within days and keeps sharpening for weeks.

Will my eyes be dry afterward?

Dryness is common early after any laser correction. We prepare the tear film beforehand and treat it through the healing arc.

What is PRK eye surgery?

PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy, a laser surgery that reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness and astigmatism. After numbing drops, the surgeon removes the thin outer layer of cells (the epithelium) by hand, then the laser reshapes the cornea by removing a small amount of tissue. No flap is cut, and the surgeon may place a bandage contact lens for 3 to 5 days to help the surface heal. Overall, the surgery may last about 10 minutes.

Is PRK safer than LASIK?

PRK and LASIK carry different risks, mostly because PRK makes no flap. With no flap, there is nothing to dislocate if the eye is struck later, and PRK may be preferable for normal but thin corneas. People who play contact sports are still probably not good candidates for vision-correcting surgery, PRK included, the FDA says. PRK’s drawbacks are mild to moderate pain for up to 3 days, a longer wait than with LASIK for vision to improve and stabilize, and sometimes steroid drops that need monitoring; corneal haze (clouding of the cornea) can also occur after PRK.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kevin Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 27, 2026

PRK Co-Management

The flap-free laser — slower to heal, right for certain corneas.

PRK reshapes the cornea at its surface instead of under a flap. Surgeons often favor it for thinner corneas, active lifestyles where a flap is a liability, and certain surface profiles. We handle the before and after; the surgeon handles the laser.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

Instead of a flap: Surface reshaping
Often for: Thinner corneas
Healing: Days of surface recovery, then weeks of polish
Our role: Work-up before, checks after

The arc

Before, the day, and the healing weeks.

01
Candidacy work-up
Topography and tomography rule out shape problems like early keratoconus; tear-film prep starts before surgery so the surface heals on schedule.
02
Surgery day
Performed by the surgeon. A bandage contact lens protects the surface for the first days.
03
The surface week
We see you through the scratchy phase: bandage lens checks, drop schedules, comfort coaching. If it gets worse instead of better, call your surgeon, or call us during office hours. Sudden vision loss: the surgeon right away, or 911 if you can’t reach them.
04
Weeks two to twelve
Vision sharpens as the surface polishes. Our optometrists in Los Angeles track clarity, pressure on steroid drops, and any haze — and co-ordinate enhancements if ever needed.

Why co-manage here

One plan, two offices, zero gaps.

Candidacy work-up and corneal maps before anyone operates
Records and measurements shared directly with the surgical team
Your post-op checks minutes from home, with same-day access if anything feels wrong
The full co-management picture

Book a candidacy work-up

Common questions

PRK, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Corneal thickness, surface irregularity, dry eye risk or lifestyle can all tip the choice. The work-up data decides, and we send that data to the surgeon.
PRK trades a slower first week for flap-free structure; most useful vision returns within days and keeps sharpening for weeks.
Dryness is common early after any laser correction. We prepare the tear film beforehand and treat it through the healing arc.
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy, a laser surgery that reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness and astigmatism. After numbing drops, the surgeon removes the thin outer layer of cells (the epithelium) by hand, then the laser reshapes the cornea by removing a small amount of tissue. No flap is cut, and the surgeon may place a bandage contact lens for 3 to 5 days to help the surface heal. Overall, the surgery may last about 10 minutes.
PRK and LASIK carry different risks, mostly because PRK makes no flap. With no flap, there is nothing to dislocate if the eye is struck later, and PRK may be preferable for normal but thin corneas. People who play contact sports are still probably not good candidates for vision-correcting surgery, PRK included, the FDA says. PRK’s drawbacks are mild to moderate pain for up to 3 days, a longer wait than with LASIK for vision to improve and stabilize, and sometimes steroid drops that need monitoring; corneal haze (clouding of the cornea) can also occur after PRK.

PRK near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

Also consider

Next step

Thinking surface instead of flap?

Start with the maps: the work-up tells us which laser route your corneas support.

Book a work-up Or call 310-828-2010