Eye glossary

PRK

Also known as: photorefractive keratectomy

PRK is a surface laser procedure in which the outermost cell layer of the cornea is removed first and an excimer laser then reshapes the tissue directly beneath it. No flap is created.

The removed layer regenerates over several days. The first days are therefore more uncomfortable and vision settles more slowly than after LASIK.

It is considered particularly where the cornea is thinner or where creating a flap is unsuitable for another reason.

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