JASMA

PRK sounds like a robot from a sci-fi movie, but it’s actually one of the OGs of laser vision correction.
If you’ve ever looked at your glasses and thought, “We’ve had a good run, but… it’s not you, it’s me,”
photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) might be the breakup plan.

This guide covers what the PRK procedure is, the most common PRK side effects (the normal ones and the “call your doctor” ones),
how much PRK costs in the U.S., and what PRK recovery really looks likeday by dayso you can plan your life,
your work, and your streaming queue accordingly.

What Is the PRK Procedure?

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errorsmost commonly
nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The goal is the same as LASIK:
reshape the cornea so light focuses more accurately on the retina, giving you clearer vision.

The biggest difference? PRK is a surface ablation procedure. Instead of creating a corneal flap (like LASIK),
PRK removes the thin outer skin of the cornea (the epithelium). The laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue.
After that, your epithelium grows back over the next several days. Your eye basically does a tiny renovation project.

How PRK Works (In Plain English)

• Numbing drops keep you comfortable.
• The epithelium is removed (with a brush, gentle solution, or laser, depending on technique).
• An excimer laser reshapes the cornea in seconds, guided by your measurements.
• A bandage contact lens is placed to protect the surface while it heals.
• Prescription eye drops (antibiotic + anti-inflammatory/steroid) support healing and reduce infection risk.

PRK vs LASIK: Why Choose the “No Flap” Option?

PRK and LASIK often deliver similar long-term visual results, but the path to “wow, I can read that sign” is different.
LASIK’s flap usually means faster early vision recovery. PRK’s no-flap approach can be a better fit for certain eyes and lifestyles.

Common Reasons Surgeons Recommend PRK

• Thinner corneas: PRK may preserve more structural integrity because there’s no flap.
• Active or high-impact jobs/sports: If your life involves elbows, helmets, or surprise face-plants (martial arts, military, policing),
  avoiding a flap can be reassuring.
• Dry eye considerations: Some people prefer PRK if flap-related nerve disruption is a concern (dry eye is still possible with PRKmore on that soon).
• Corneal surface quirks: Certain corneal shapes or surface issues can make PRK a better option.

Quick Comparison

PRK Side Effects: What’s Normal vs What’s Not

Let’s separate expected PRK side effects (the ones you can plan for) from complications
(the ones you should take seriously). Most people experience temporary symptoms during healingespecially in the first week.
Your surgeon will give you a specific aftercare plan; follow it like it’s the season finale.

Common, Expected Side Effects (Especially Week 1)

• Eye pain or burning: Often worst during the first 2–3 days. Many describe a gritty “sand in your eye” feeling.
• Watery eyes and redness: Your eyes may look like they just watched a sad movie.
• Light sensitivity: Sunglasses become your personality for a bit.
• Blurry or fluctuating vision: Vision can improve, then get hazy, then improve again. It’s normal to have ups and downs.
• Dry eye symptoms: Stinging, intermittent blur, or a scratchy sensation can happen while corneal nerves recover.
• Glare, halos, starbursts: Often temporary and more noticeable at night or in low-light settings early on.

Less Common Risks and Complications

PRK is widely performed and generally considered safe for properly screened candidates, but no surgery is zero-risk.
Complications are uncommonyet worth understanding.

• Infection: Rare, but urgent. This is why antibiotic drops and clean hands matter.
• Corneal haze: A cloudy healing response. Modern techniques and medications (sometimes including mitomycin-C) have reduced this risk significantly.
• Overcorrection or undercorrection: You may still need glasses for some tasks or need an enhancement later, depending on healing and prescription strength.
• Regression: Some correction can drift slightly over time, especially with higher prescriptions.
• Delayed epithelial healing: Healing can take longer in some people, especially if the ocular surface is already dry or irritated.
• Persistent night vision issues: Halos/glare typically improve, but can persist in a small subset of patients.
• Corneal ectasia (very rare): Progressive weakening of the cornea is uncommon with proper screening, but it’s a serious reason why pre-op measurements matter.

When to Call Your Surgeon ASAP

• Severe or worsening pain after the first few days (especially if it spikes suddenly)
• Increasing redness, discharge, or swelling
• Rapid drop in vision after initial improvement
• Fever or feeling generally unwell along with eye symptoms

PRK Cost in the U.S.: What You’ll Pay (and What You’re Actually Buying)

PRK cost varies a lot because you’re not just paying for “laser time.” You’re paying for the surgeon’s expertise,
diagnostic testing, technology, follow-up care, and the practice’s enhancement policies.
In the United States, PRK is commonly priced per eye, and the range can be wide.

Typical PRK Price Range

Many U.S. clinics quote something like $1,800 to $3,000 per eye for standard PRK, with some markets and advanced setups
running higher (and some promotional pricing running lower). In premium practices or high-cost cities, PRK can reach
the $4,000+ per eye territoryespecially if it includes advanced diagnostics, customized treatment, and robust follow-up.

What Affects PRK Cost?

Does Insurance Cover PRK?

Usually not. PRK is typically considered elective vision correction, so most health insurance plans don’t cover it.
That said, you may be able to use an HSA or FSA (if eligible), and many practices offer financing plans.
If you’re in a job with specific vision requirements (certain public safety roles, for example), it’s worth checking whether
your employer offers any assistance.

Smart Questions to Ask About Pricing

• Is the quote per eye or for both eyes?
• Does it include pre-op testing, post-op visits, and medications?
• What’s the policy if I need an enhancement later?
• Which technology is being used (standard vs customized treatment)?
• Are there extra fees for follow-ups after a certain time window?

PRK Recovery: Timeline and What to Expect

PRK recovery is the part people talk about the mostbecause it’s not instant gratification.
Think of PRK like slow-cooking: the final result can be excellent, but you don’t get to “skip to done.”
The surface needs time to regrow, and vision can fluctuate while everything settles.

The First Week (a.k.a. “Why Are My Eyes Mad at Me?”)

• Day 0 (procedure day): You go home with a bandage contact lens and a drop schedule. Plan to rest. No driving.
• Days 1–3: Usually the most uncomfortable phaseburning, tearing, light sensitivity, and blur are common.
• Days 3–5: The epithelium often finishes healing. Many people get the bandage lens removed around this window.
• Days 5–7: Discomfort typically drops a lot. Vision may improve, but it can still be hazy or fluctuate.

Weeks 2–4 (Functional Vision Returns)

Many patients can return to work within several days to a week depending on comfort and visual demands,
but your mileage may varyespecially if your job requires crisp screen work or night driving.
Vision commonly continues to sharpen over the first few weeks.

Months 1–3 (The “Steady Improvement” Phase)

Night glare and halos often fade gradually. Dry eye symptoms commonly improve, too.
Your surgeon may keep you on anti-inflammatory drops for a period of time, tapering slowly to reduce inflammation
and help prevent haze.

Months 3–6 (Visual Stabilization)

Many people reach their best, most stable vision somewhere between 3 and 6 months after PRK.
Some notice subtle improvements beyond that, especially in clarity and night vision quality.

How to Make PRK Recovery Easier (Your Eyes Will Thank You)

The “secret” to a smoother recovery is mostly boring: follow instructions, protect your eyes, and don’t improvise.
Your cornea is healing. This is not the time for creative hobbies like “rubbing my eyes aggressively.”

Do This

• Use drops exactly as prescribed (set phone alarms if needed).
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce light sensitivity and protect healing tissue from UV.
• Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your eyes.
• Plan time off for the first few daysespecially if you have a commute or stare at screens all day.
• Use preservative-free artificial tears if recommended.
• Go to every follow-up even if you feel greathealing is not always obvious.

Avoid This (At Least Temporarily)

• Swimming/hot tubs until your surgeon clears you (water and healing corneas are not friends).
• Eye makeup for at least a week (often longer) to reduce infection/irritation risk.
• Dusty environments or heavy yard work during early healing.
• Night driving until you feel safe and your surgeon agreesglare can be intense early on.
• Skipping sleep (your body does a lot of repair work when you’re out cold).

PRK FAQs

Does PRK hurt?

The procedure itself usually doesn’t hurt because of numbing drops. The uncomfortable part is the first few days afterward,
when the surface layer heals. Many people describe it as burning, stinging, or a gritty sensationoften most noticeable for 48–72 hours.

How long until I can work after PRK?

Some people return within a few days; others need a full weekespecially if their job is screen-heavy or requires sharp vision.
If you can schedule PRK before a long weekend or time off, your future self may send you a thank-you card.

Is PRK safer than LASIK?

They’re both established procedures with strong safety profiles for the right candidates. PRK avoids flap-related issues,
but it typically involves more early discomfort and slower visual recovery. “Safer” depends on your eyes, lifestyle, and surgeon’s evaluation.

Can PRK fix astigmatism?

YesPRK commonly treats astigmatism, often along with myopia or hyperopia. Whether you’re a candidate depends on measurements and prescription range.

Will I still need glasses after PRK?

Many patients reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts for distance vision. But nothing stops normal aging:
reading glasses often become a thing in your 40s and beyond due to presbyopia, even if your distance vision is excellent.

PRK Recovery Experiences: What It’s Really Like (Real-World, Not Fairy-Tale)

Here’s the most honest way to describe PRK recovery: it’s a short, intense chapter followed by a longer, quieter one.
Most people don’t regret itbut almost everyone agrees the first few days are “character-building.”
The experiences below are common patterns people report, not a promise of exactly how you’ll feel.
Your eyes are unique, and your surgeon’s instructions always outrank internet anecdotes (including this charming one).

Days 1–3: The “Indoor Sunglasses” Era

Many patients say the first 48–72 hours are the toughest. The eye can feel scratchy, watery, and light-sensitivelike it’s
personally offended by photons. A lot of people camp out in a dim room, rotate cold compresses (if approved),
and become best friends with audiobooks. Screen time is often uncomfortable, not because it’s forbidden,
but because your eyes might file a formal complaint.

A common surprise: vision can be weirdly decent right after surgery and then get blurrier. That’s normal.
The surface is healing, the bandage lens is doing its job, and your epithelium is regrowing. You’re basically watching a construction site.
Nobody sees perfectly through construction dust.

Days 3–5: The “Oh Good, This Is Changing” Moment

Around this window, many people notice discomfort easing. When the bandage contact lens comes out, reactions vary:
some feel instant relief, others feel briefly more exposed. It’s also common to feel excited and confused at the same time
excited because the worst part is fading, confused because vision can still fluctuate.

People often describe vision during this phase as “usable but not trustworthy.” You might read a text message,
then struggle with a street sign. If you work on spreadsheets for a living, this is where planning ahead pays off.
It’s not that you can’t functionit’s that you might function slowly, like a laptop updating at 2%.

Weeks 2–4: The “I Forgot About My Glasses” Phase

Many patients report a noticeable jump in functional vision in the second and third weeks.
Day-to-day life feels easier: errands, screens, and daytime driving may become more comfortable.
But the fine print remains: dryness can come and go, and night driving can still be spicy due to halos or glare.
A lot of people say artificial tears become their “pocket accessory,” like lip balm but for eyeballs.

This is also the phase where patience matters. PRK isn’t a one-and-done overnight reveal.
Some mornings are crisp; some evenings are hazier. That doesn’t mean something is wrongit often means healing is ongoing.
It can help to track progress weekly, not hourly. Your eyes are healing tissue, not loading a webpage.

Months 1–6: The “Quiet Improvements” You Don’t Notice Until You Do

Over the next few months, many people describe subtle improvements: less dryness, fewer halos, sharper contrast, better night clarity.
This is where PRK’s reputation for strong long-term outcomes shows up. Patients often say the final result feels “earned,”
like finishing a tough workout plan. Not everyone hits the same timeline, and your surgeon may adjust drops based on how your cornea responds.

The most common “I wish I knew” advice from recovered patients is practical: schedule your procedure when you can truly rest,
prep your home like you’re hosting a small vampire (dim lighting, sunglasses, easy meals), and take the drop schedule seriously.
Recovery is rarely dramatic after the first weekbut it is consistently improved by good habits.

Conclusion

The PRK procedure is a proven laser vision correction optionespecially for people who want a no-flap approach or who aren’t ideal LASIK candidates.
The tradeoff is simple: PRK often asks for more patience up front. Expect a few uncomfortable days, several weeks of gradual visual improvement,
and a few months for full stabilization. On the cost side, PRK pricing in the U.S. varies widely, so focus on what’s included,
the surgeon’s experience, and follow-up supportnot just the headline number.

If you’re considering PRK, your next best step is a comprehensive evaluation with a qualified ophthalmologist who can assess your corneal measurements,
prescription, eye health, and lifestyle goals. Your eyes are not the place to bargain-hunt impulsively. They’re your forever screens.