Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery that involves reshaping the lens of the eye. A refractive issue occurs when light cannot be bent appropriately by your eyes, preventing you from seeing properly. After your PRK, there’s a chance you won’t need glasses or contact lenses any more, or only for specific activities like reading or driving at night.

PRK is usually an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. The surgery itself only takes a few minutes, but the whole process — including prep time and recovery — can take several hours.

Most people have good vision within a few days of PRK, but it can take up to three months for your vision to stabilize. During that time, you might need to wear glasses or contact lenses.