PRK & LASEK – Advanced Alternatives To LASIK

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and its refined version, LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis), offer effective vision correction for patients who may not be suitable for LASIK or Femto-LASIK. These treatments are particularly beneficial for individuals with thin corneas or high myopia, providing a safe and proven alternative for clear, long-lasting vision.

What Is PRK & LASEK?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is an alternative laser eye surgery, often recommended for individuals with thin corneas or those who may not be suitable for LASIK. Instead of creating a corneal flap, PRK removes the outermost layer of the cornea (epithelium) before reshaping the corneal tissue with an excimer laser. While the results are similar to LASIK, PRK has a longer recovery time since the epithelium needs to regenerate. However, it remains a safe, effective option for permanent vision correction, particularly for patients with specific eye conditions.

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a vision correction procedure that combines elements of LASIK and PRK, making it a great option for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes. Instead of creating a corneal flap like LASIK, LASEK involves loosening the outermost layer of the cornea (epithelium) with an alcohol solution before reshaping the underlying tissue using an excimer laser. The epithelium is then repositioned, and a protective contact lens is placed to aid healing. While recovery takes slightly longer than LASIK, LASEK offers a safe and effective alternative with similar long-term results.

relaxing-after-lasek-eye-surgery

PRK/ LASEK Recovery And Aftercare

Recovery from PRK and LASEK takes longer than LASIK, as the corneal epithelium needs time to heal. Patients typically experience blurry vision, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort in the first few days, with noticeable vision improvement over one to two weeks. To promote healing, a protective contact lens is placed over the eye and worn for several days. Prescription eye drops help prevent infection and reduce inflammation, while lubricating drops relieve dryness. It’s essential to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or strenuous activities during recovery. Most patients achieve full visual clarity within a few weeks, with long-term results comparable to LASIK.

Who Is PRK & LASEK For?

PRK and LASEK are ideal for adults 18+ with stable vision (no prescription changes for at least 12 months) who may not be suitable for LASIK due to thin corneas, dry eyes, or active lifestyles.

Candidates should not be taking medications that affect vision or experiencing hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or diabetes.

Suitability depends on corneal thickness and overall eye health, which will be assessed during your consultation to determine the best treatment for your vision needs.

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PRK Treatment Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the PRK treatment process, from your initial consultation to recovery, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage of your vision correction journey.

The Procedure

Surface-Based Vision Correction

PRK and LASEK are advanced surface laser eye treatments that reshape the cornea without creating a corneal flap, making them ideal for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes. In PRK, the epithelium (outer corneal layer) is carefully removed, while in LASEK, it is loosened and gently pushed aside using a special instrument.

prk treatment

Excimer Laser – Precision Correction

The excimer laser reshapes the cornea with ultra-precise accuracy, adjusting its thickness based on detailed measurements from your preliminary eye exam. This process corrects refractive errors, allowing light to focus properly on the retina, resulting in sharp, clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

prk treamtment complete

Final Steps & Healing Process

To support healing, the corneal epithelium is repositioned, and a protective contact lens is placed over the eye. This lens remains in place for 3 to 5 days, allowing the epithelium to regenerate. While initial recovery is quick, full visual stability may take two to three months as the eye gradually adjusts.

The Process

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) are considered alternative procedures to LASIK and Femto-LASIK, typically recommended for patients with very thin corneas or specific professional requirements. Unlike LASIK, these treatments involve removing or repositioning the corneal epithelium, leaving a larger wound area that requires longer healing time. Patients may experience significant discomfort during recovery, with potential scarring that must be managed using long-term cortisone eye drops. A protective contact lens is often used to support healing, but the full adjustment to improved vision can take several months.

In contrast, LASIK and Femto-LASIK offer a faster, virtually painless recovery due to the creation of a protective corneal flap, which reduces scarring and discomfort. Vision improvement is immediate, and refractive stability is typically achieved much quicker. While PRK and LASEK are effective for mild to moderate myopia (up to -6.00D) and astigmatism (up to -3.00D), they cannot correct farsightedness or presbyopia. For most patients, LASIK remains the superior choice, providing faster rehabilitation, greater comfort, and long-term visual stability.

Advantages of PRK/ LASEK

PRK and LASEK are highly effective laser eye treatments designed for long-term vision correction, offering a flap-free approach with proven safety and precision. Here are eight key benefits you’ll experience as you begin your journey to clearer vision.

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Corrects Myopia

  • Ideal for thin or irregular corneas, where LASIK may not be suitable for you
  • No corneal flap, reducing the risk of flap-related complications during and after the operation
  • Safe for active lifestyles, including athletes and military personnel
  • Lower risk of dry eye syndrome compared to LASIK
  • Effectively corrects myopia (up to -6.00D) and astigmatism (up to -3.00D).
eye

Long-term Stability

  • Minimally invasive, reshaping the corneal surface without deep incisions
  • Provides permanent vision correction with long-term stability
  • Suitable for patients with previous eye surgeries who aren’t LASIK candidates
  • Preferred for patients at risk of corneal scarring
  • Decades of proven safety and effectiveness, with PRK performed since the 1980s.

Real Stories From Our PRK/ LASEK Patients

Many patients across Cheltenham have chosen PRK and LASEK as their path to clearer vision. Whether due to thin corneas or an active lifestyle, these advanced treatments have helped them achieve lasting freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Here are their stories!

“I wasn’t a candidate for LASIK due to my thin corneas, but LASEK was the perfect solution. The recovery took a little longer, but now my vision is crystal clear. No more glasses or contact lenses!”

Olivia M. / Cheltenham

“I chose PRK because of my active lifestyle, and I’m so glad I did. The first few days were a bit uncomfortable, but within weeks, my vision was sharper than ever. The results were worth the wait!”

Daniel H. / Gloucester

“After years of struggling with contact lens discomfort, I finally went for LASEK. The team guided me through the healing process, and now my vision is incredible. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!”

Sophie W. / Bristol

“I had PRK because I wasn’t suitable for LASIK, and although the healing took longer, the outcome was amazing. My night vision improved, and I no longer worry about dry eyes from contacts.”

James R. / Swindon

“LASEK was a great option for me, as I wanted a safe and effective alternative to LASIK. It took a few weeks to fully adjust, but now I see better than ever—100% worth it!”

Emma T. / Cirencester

“I was nervous about PRK, but the team reassured me every step of the way. The recovery was manageable, and now I have perfect vision without needing glasses. I wish I had done it sooner!”

Ben L. / Stroud

FAQs About PRK/LASEK Eye Surgery

We’ve put together the most essential PRK and LASEK FAQs—covering everything from how the procedures work to why they’re excellent alternatives for those who aren’t suitable for LASIK. Discover why many patients in Cheltenham are choosing these advanced treatments for long-lasting, flap-free vision correction!

PRK and LASEK are both surface-based laser eye surgeries, but in PRK, the epithelium is fully removed, while in LASEK, it’s gently loosened and repositioned after treatment. LASEK typically has a slightly faster recovery, but the right choice depends on your corneal thickness and eye health, which will be assessed during your consultation.

PRK and LASEK are ideal for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, or those with active lifestyles (e.g., athletes, military personnel). Because these procedures don’t create a corneal flap, they reduce the risk of flap-related complications and provide long-term stability.

Yes, PRK and LASEK have a longer recovery time than LASIK. The corneal epithelium takes about 3–5 days to heal, and vision gradually improves over several weeks. While LASIK patients often see clearly within a day, PRK and LASEK require a little more patience but offer equally long-lasting results.

PRK and LASEK patients may experience more discomfort in the first few days due to the healing of the corneal surface. However, numbing eye drops, pain relief, and protective contact lenses help manage discomfort, and symptoms subside within a few days.

PRK and LASEK can effectively correct myopia (up to -6.00D) and astigmatism (up to -3.00D). However, they are not suitable for correcting hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia. For higher prescriptions, alternative treatments like lens implants may be recommended.

Once fully healed, PRK and LASEK provide permanent vision correction. However, age-related vision changes (such as presbyopia) can still develop over time. Most patients enjoy clear vision for decades without needing additional treatment.

Yes! PRK and LASEK preserve more corneal nerves than LASIK, reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome. Patients prone to chronic dry eyes often find PRK or LASEK a better option for long-term eye health.

Yes, but it’s important to wait at least two weeks before resuming strenuous exercise or contact sports. Unlike LASIK, PRK and LASEK don’t involve a flap, making them a safer option for athletes and those in physically demanding professions.

Most patients take a few days off work to recover, but it depends on your job. If you work in an office setting, you may return within 5–7 days, but jobs requiring physical activity or exposure to dust and debris may require a longer recovery period.

All laser eye surgeries are safe and effective, but PRK and LASEK eliminate flap-related risks, making them a better choice for some patients. With the latest laser technology and experienced surgeons, the risk of complications is minimal in all procedures.