PRK (photo-refractive keratectomy) is an advanced surface ablation procedure used to correct vision by reshaping the surface of the cornea, rather than the interior of the
cornea (LASIK).

PRK uses the same excimer laser as LASIK, but the procedure is performed on the surface of the cornea. With PRK, the epithelium (top skin layer) of the cornea is actually removed, and the laser is then used on the surface of the corneal tissue only.

A clear bandage contact is placed over the cornea to assist the healing process. This bandage is usually placed for the 3 to 5 days necessary for the epithelium to re-grow. Each patient is usually placed on a regimen of steroid eye drops for a three to six week period. Like LASIK, PRK only takes 10 minutes per eye, and the procedure is painless. There is typically more discomfort during the healing process after advanced surface ablation procedures, and it usually takes additional time for the patient to see clearly.