Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a type of laser vision correction surgery that uses an excimer laser to gently reshape the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue from its surface. By altering the corneal curvature, PRK corrects refractive errors such as myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is carefully removed before laser treatment and naturally regenerates during healing.
PRK is a well-established procedure with decades of proven safety and long-term visual stability.
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No corneal flap – eliminates flap-related complications.
Ideal for thin or irregular corneas that may not qualify for LASIK.
Preserves corneal structural integrity , making it suitable for individuals in contact sports, defence services, or physically demanding professions.
Complaints of headaches or eye strain
A white or grey reflex in photographs (requires urgent evaluation)
Poor concentration or difficulty reading
Wandering or misaligned eyes
Myopia (nearsightedness): flattens the cornea to improve distance vision
Hyperopia (farsightedness): steepens the cornea to improve near focus
Astigmatism smooths irregular corneal curvature for clearer vision
Refractive Errors (Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism):Caused by the eye not focusing light properly, leading to blurred distance or near vision.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Reduced vision in one eye because the brain favors the other eye. Early treatment is crucial.
Myopia progression (Increasing power): Rising numbers of children are developing progressive nearsightedness that requires monitoring and control.
Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (Blocked Tear Ducts): A significant number of newborns experience persistent tearing and discharge due to underdeveloped tear drainage systems.
Permanent loss of peripheral vision
Difficulty reading, driving, or navigating
Progressive central vision loss
Increased risk of complete blindness
Need for more complex surgical treatment in advanced stages
Why Choose Krishna Eye Centre for PRK?
At Krishna Eye Centre, PRK is performed by experienced refractive surgeons using advanced excimer laser platforms and comprehensive diagnostic technology.
We emphasize:
Thorough pre-operative screening
Detailed corneal mapping and personalized treatment planning
Clear counselling about recovery expectations
Structured post-operative follow-up
Our approach focuses not only on achieving excellent visual outcomes, but also on ensuring a safe procedure and smooth recovery experience for every patient.
New Technology
Advanced Technology & Treatments at Krishna Eye Centre
Modern excimer laser systems
Modern excimer laser systems with customized ablation profiles for precise corneal reshaping
Corneal topography and tomography
Corneal topography and tomography for detailed surface and structural mapping
Wavefront-guided technology
Wavefront-guided technology for correcting higher-order aberrations when indicated
Bandage contact lens protocols
Bandage contact lens protocols and optimized post-operative care to enhance comfort during healing
High-resolution OCT imaging
High-resolution OCT imaging for accurate pre- and post-operative corneal assessment
What to Expect
Your PRK Treatment Journey
1
Consultation
A comprehensive eye examination is performed, including corneal mapping and refractive assessment, to confirm suitability for PRK.
2
Pre-Operative Preparation
You will receive specific instructions, including discontinuing contact lens use (if applicable) before surgery, along with guidance for the procedure day.
3
Procedure Day
PRK is a quick outpatient procedure performed under topical (drop) anesthesia. The laser treatment itself usually takes only a few seconds per eye.
4
Early Recovery
A bandage contact lens is placed to protect the cornea while the epithelium heals. Eye drops are prescribed to support healing and reduce inflammation. Vision may fluctuate during the first few days to weeks.
5
Follow-Up & Stabilization
Regular follow-up visits monitor epithelial healing and visual progress. Functional vision improves gradually, with final visual clarity stabilizing over several weeks to months.
PRK Eye Surgery – Flap-Free Laser Vision Correction
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a proven laser eye surgery that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser. It is especially suitable for patients who are not eligible for LASIK due to thin corneas or lifestyle factors.
What is PRK Surgery?
PRK is a flap-free laser vision correction procedure where the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and the underlying cornea is reshaped to improve vision.
It helps correct:
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Astigmatism
Unlike LASIK, PRK does not create a corneal flap, making it safer for certain patients.
PRK vs LASIK – Which is Better? (SEO BOOST SECTION)
PRK vs LASIK
Feature
PRK
LASIK
Flap
No flap
Flap created
Recovery
Slower
Faster
Best for
Thin cornea
Normal cornea
Risk of trauma
Very low
Moderate
PRK is ideal for defense candidates, athletes, and thin cornea patients
Who is Eligible for PRK Surgery?
You may be eligible if:
Age above 18 years
Stable eye power
Thin cornea (not suitable for LASIK)
Active lifestyle (sports, defense)
PRK is often recommended when LASIK is not possible.
Benefits of PRK Surgery
No corneal flap (safer for trauma risk)
Suitable for thin corneas
Long-term stable vision results
Reduced risk of flap complications
Ideal for athletes & defense personnel
PRK Surgery Cost in Parel and Sion, Mumbai (HIGH SEARCH VOLUME)
Estimated Cost:
₹20,000 – ₹60,000 per eye (depending on technology & hospital)
PRK Procedure – Step-by-Step
1. Eye evaluation & corneal mapping
2. Removal of outer corneal layer
3. Laser reshaping of cornea
4. Placement of bandage contact lens
5. Healing over few days
The procedure is quick and performed under topical anesthesia.
Recovery After PRK Surgery
First 3–5 days: discomfort & blurred vision
1–2 weeks: gradual vision improvement
1–3 months: final vision stabilization
PRK recovery is slower than LASIK but results are equally effective long-term.
Risks & Side Effects
PRK is safe, but temporary effects may include:
Light sensitivity
Dry eyes
Mild discomfort
Temporary haze
Proper care ensures smooth recovery.
Why Choose Krishna Eye Centre for PRK?
Advanced excimer laser technology
Experienced refractive surgeons
Detailed corneal mapping
Personalized treatment planning
Strong post-operative care
Patient Testimonials
FAQ’s
Clear Answers for Better Vision
What is PRK surgery?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of laser vision correction surgery used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, which creates a flap in the cornea, PRK removes the thin outer layer (epithelium) of the cornea before reshaping the surface with a laser.
How is PRK different from LASIK?
The main difference is the “Flap.” LASIK involves creating a flap in the corneal tissue, while PRK is a “surface-level” procedure with no flap. This makes PRK an excellent choice for individuals with thin corneas or those whose occupations/hobbies put them at risk of eye injury (like contact sports or military service).
Who is an ideal candidate for PRK at Krishna Eye Centre?
PRK is often recommended for:
Patients with thin corneas who were rejected for LASIK.
Individuals in the Army, Navy, or Police force (where flap-based surgeries may not be allowed).
Athletes involved in contact sports like boxing, MMA, or football.
People with chronic dry eye symptoms.
Why is PRK preferred for defense/military candidates?
Because PRK does not involve creating a permanent corneal flap, there is zero risk of “flap displacement” due to physical trauma. Many defense and aviation medical boards prefer or require PRK for vision correction for this reason.
Is the PRK procedure painful?
The surgery itself is painless as we use numbing eye drops. However, because the surface layer of the cornea needs to regrow, patients may experience some discomfort, watering, or a “gritty” sensation for 3 to 5 days after the procedure. At Krishna Eye Centre, we provide specialized “Bandage Contact Lenses” to minimize this discomfort.
How long does it take to see clearly after PRK?
Recovery for PRK is slower than LASIK. Vision is usually blurry for the first 3–5 days as the surface layer heals. Significant improvement is noticed within 1–2 weeks, but your “best” vision may take 3–6 months to fully stabilize.
What is a "Bandage Contact Lens"?
Immediately after PRK surgery, our surgeon places a clear, non-powered contact lens over the eye. This acts as a protective shield while the epithelium (surface layer) regrows, significantly reducing pain and speeding up the healing process.
Are the results of PRK as good as LASIK?
Yes. Studies show that 6 months after surgery, the visual outcomes of PRK are identical to LASIK. The difference is only in the speed of recovery, not the quality of the final vision.
What are the risks of PRK surgery?
While PRK is very safe, potential risks include temporary light sensitivity, haze (cloudiness) during the healing phase, or a longer-than-usual healing time. Our surgeons at ASG use specialized medications during the procedure to prevent haze and ensure a smooth recovery.
Why should I choose Krishna Eye Centre for PRK?
Krishna Eye Centre uses advanced Ablation Profiles that minimize tissue loss and optimize visual quality. Our surgeons are experts in assessing whether PRK, LASIK, or SMILE is the safest option for your specific corneal thickness and lifestyle.
What is Photorefractive Keratectomy?
Photorefractive keratectomy is a type of laser eye surgery, that is used to treat refractive errors, Nearsightedness (myopia), Farsightedness (hyperopia), and Astigmatism) with an excimer laser (A computer-generated, cold laser beam),