Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a procedure in which the surface of the cornea is reshaped by an ophthalmologist using an Excimer laser. PRK may be used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism. PRK does not involve creation of a corneal flap utilizing the microkeratome, and therefore, the protective superficial layers of the cornea must heal post-operatively. This generally means that patients who undergo PRK will require significantly more time than LASIK patients to achieve their best vision, but avoid more possible complications due to the elimination of the flap creation.
