What is PRK?

PRK is the common name for a surgical procedure called photorefractive keratectomy. It uses an excimer laser to sculpt an area on the surface of the eye, rather than making cuts in the cornea, removing an area the thickness of 1 to 3 human hairs and molding the top of the cornea to make accurate and specific corrections to the patient's vision. PRK can be used to treat nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic eyes. It has some disadvantages compared to the newer and more common LASIK surgery – notably, a longer and more painful recovery time – but is still a valuable option, especially for patients whose corneas are too thin to make them candidates for LASIK. In addition, PRK is one of the procedures most likely to be approved for active-duty members of the U.S. military services.