PRK Laser Vision Correction in Tampa & Sebring
LASIK is not right for everyone. PRK reaches the same goal by a different route — no corneal flap — which makes it the better choice for thinner corneas and for people whose work or sport puts their eyes at risk.
What is PRK?
Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is a laser vision correction procedure designed to treat refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Like LASIK, it works by reshaping the cornea to improve its ability to focus light onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap, PRK does not require that protective layer. Instead the outermost layer of cells on the cornea, the epithelium, is gently removed before the laser treatment, allowing the laser to reshape the cornea directly.
That difference is the whole point. No flap means nothing to dislodge later, which matters for patients in contact sports, military or law enforcement roles, or anyone whose cornea is too thin for LASIK.
- No corneal flap is created.
- Same laser correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
- Better for thin corneas and for high-impact work or sport.
The PRK procedure
Before undergoing PRK, patients have a comprehensive eye examination to determine their suitability for the procedure.
Comprehensive evaluation
Corneal thickness, topography, prescription stability and tear film are all measured to confirm PRK is the right procedure for your eyes.
Numbing drops
During the procedure the corneal surface is numbed with eye drops to ensure comfort throughout the treatment.
Epithelium removal
The outermost layer of corneal cells is gently removed, giving the laser direct access to the tissue beneath.
Laser reshaping
The excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct your refractive error, exactly as it would in LASIK.
Bandage contact lens
A protective lens is placed while the epithelium regrows over the following days. This is the part that differs most from LASIK.
Recovery
Vision is blurry and the eye is sore for several days while the surface heals, then clears steadily over the following weeks.
Frequently asked questions about PRK
What is PRK?
Photorefractive keratectomy is a laser vision correction procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea, without creating a corneal flap.
How is PRK different from LASIK?
LASIK creates a corneal flap to access the tissue underneath. PRK removes the outermost layer of corneal cells — the epithelium — instead, so the laser reshapes the cornea directly. There is no flap.
Who is PRK for?
Patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. That commonly includes thin corneas, certain corneal surface conditions, and people in contact sports or occupations where a flap would be a liability.
Is PRK as effective as LASIK?
The final visual outcome is comparable. The difference is the recovery: PRK takes longer to clear because the surface has to regrow.
Does PRK hurt?
The corneal surface is numbed with eye drops so the procedure itself is comfortable. The eye is sore for several days afterward while the epithelium heals, and a bandage contact lens is used during that time.
How long is PRK recovery?
Expect several days of blurry vision and discomfort while the surface heals, then steady improvement over the following weeks. It is slower than LASIK, which is the main trade-off.
Can both eyes be done?
Yes. Your surgeon will discuss whether to treat both eyes at the same session or stagger them, based on your work and your tolerance for the recovery period.
Is PRK permanent?
The corneal reshaping is permanent. Your eyes can still change with age — reading glasses in your forties and fifties are a separate matter that no laser procedure prevents.
Five Convenient Florida Locations
Sebring
4211 US Highway 27 NSebring, FL 33870(863) 385-1544
Carrollwood
13904 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 200Tampa, FL 33618(813) 908-2020
South Tampa
113 S Armenia AveTampa, FL 33609(813) 908-2020
Brooksville
14543 Cortez BlvdBrooksville, FL 34613(352) 596-4030
Gainesville
2521 NW 41 StGainesville, FL 32606(352) 377-7733
Told you are not a LASIK candidate?
That is often the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it. PRK and the EVO ICL cover most of what LASIK cannot.