PRK (Photorefractive Keratotomy) is a surface laser treatment that is the forerunner of LASIK. In PRK, a corneal flap is not created. The top layer of cells are simply removed before laser treatment is applied on the surface of the cornea. Then a contact lens is placed on the eye to allow the top layer of cells to completely regenerate. The contact lens is removed in a few days with sharp vision following soon thereafter. However, fluctuations in vision are common and complete recovery can take several weeks.

PRK is an excellent procedure with visual results that parallel those of LASIK. However, PRK patients tend to have more discomfort, slower recovery, and more fluctuations in vision early on. In some cases, patients with very thin corneas who are not candidates for intraLASIK can enjoy amazing vision with PRK.