PRK

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a vision correction procedure most often performed on those who are not good candidates for LASIK eye surgery. PRK was the first type of refractive surgery and is the predecessor of LASIK surgery. While PRK is not as commonly performed anymore, it is still widely accepted as a safe and effective means of vision correction.

PRK and LASIK: What’s the difference?

PRK and LASIK offer very similar results, although the procedures are indeed different. PRK recovery takes longer, and there is a small increase in the likelihood of infection after PRK.

Unlike during LASIK, PRK does not require the creation a corneal flap. This is why the procedure is recommended over LASIK for those with thin corneas or those who have undergone other eye surgeries in the past.

The procedure

Your Long Island eye surgeon will first start by removing a central area of corneal epithelium. This can be done with an alcohol solution, by a “buffing” method, or with a blunt surgical instrument.

Next, the outer layers of the cornea are treated with an excimer laser, just like during LASIK. The laser is programmed with your individual eye in mind, making sure all necessary adjustments are made.

Once finished, the doctor will place a soft contact lens “bandage” over the eye to protect it while it heals. The bandage can be removed within a week, depending on how well your corneal cells regenerate. The recovery time for PRK is significantly longer than LASIK, but it is still a simple recovery, with little down time.

If you have been told that you are not a candidate for LASIK, but would still like to permanently correct your vision, PRK may be for you. Our doctors here at OCLI are happy to assist you in finding the perfect vision correction method for you. Call OCLI today!

LASIK providers

Jonathan Stein, MD Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Marnie P. O’Brien, DO Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon, Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Sahas Narain, MD Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Andrew N. Bausch, MD Laser Cataract and Refractive Surgeon
Marc S. Werner, MD Ophthalmologist
Richard L. Deluca, MD Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Laser Cataract and Refractive Surgeon
Brett J. Karlik, MD Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Tailun Zhao, MD Medical Diseases of the Retina, Vitreous & Macula
Sima Doshi, MD Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Richard J. Mackool, MD Cataract, Refractive, Cornea and Glaucoma Microsurgery
Benjamin Chang, MD Ophthalmologist
Lucy Sun, MD Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Joseph Berardi, MD Laser Cataract Surgeon
Gerard D'Aversa, MD Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Surajit Saha, MD Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Harry Koster, MD Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Ravi A. Shah, MD Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Marguerite McDonald, MD, FACS Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Jeffrey M. Reisman, MD Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Phillip Calenda, MD Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Jerry D'Aversa, OD Optometrist
Thierry Hufnagel, MD Ophthalmologist
Adam Chubak, MD Cornea & Laser Cataract Surgeon
Shyam Patel, MD Cornea, Laser Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Cary M. Silverman, MD Laser Cataract, Refractive Surgeon & Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Shaina Kumar, MD Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Robert Chen, MD, FAAO Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Laser Cataract Surgeon
Allison B. Gunzburg, MD Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Laser Cataract and Refractive Surgeon
Bhumi Kinariwala, MD Refractive Surgeon & Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
James Thimons, OD, FAAO Optometrist

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Since you arrived you will be attended by great staff. They do a complete eye exam. They are very careful with the cleaning of every machine before you use it. You don’t have to wait too long in order to see the doctor who by the way is very clear to explain your condition. He is very professional and polite. I will highly recommend this place. Let me know if you have any questions or need anything else.

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PRK

PRK and LASIK: What’s the difference?

The procedure

LASIK locations

LASIK providers

Hear what our patients are saying.

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Self-scheduling is not currently available for this provider, please complete form below and a member of the OCLI Vision team will contact you to schedule your appointment.