Are you considering life without glasses or contacts, but aren’t sure if LASIK is the best option for you? Boston LASIK offers innovative solutions to bring clear vision within reach, including Photorefractive Keratectomy, better known as PRK. This advanced laser eye surgery has helped thousands of people in Boston and beyond achieve lasting freedom from corrective lenses. If you’re wondering whether PRK might be the right fit for your lifestyle and eye health, read on to discover all the details you need before making your decision.
What Is PRK?
PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, a type of refractive surgery designed to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Like LASIK, PRK uses an excimer laser to gently reshape the cornea, allowing light to properly focus on the retina for clearer vision. The key difference? PRK does not require creating a corneal flap, making it especially suitable for patients with thinner corneas or specific eye conditions.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRK?
PRK has opened the door to laser vision correction for many people who may not qualify for LASIK. You might be a great candidate for PRK if you:
- Have thin or irregular corneas
- Are physically active or participate in sports with a higher risk of eye trauma
- Have stable vision prescriptions for at least one year
- They are generally healthy, with no significant eye diseases such as advanced glaucoma or severe dry eye
- Seeking a proven alternative to glasses and contacts
The best way to determine your candidacy is through a comprehensive eye exam with the specialists at Boston LASIK. Your provider will evaluate your vision, corneal thickness, lifestyle, and overall health to ensure PRK aligns with your goals.
What to Expect During and After PRK
The PRK procedure is quick and straightforward. After gently removing the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium), the surgeon uses advanced laser technology to reshape the underlying tissue. The epithelium naturally regenerates within a few days. Most patients experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision initially, but these symptoms typically improve as the eye heals. It may take a week or two to return to work or regular activities, and about one to three months for vision to fully stabilize.
PRK delivers excellent long-term results, with most patients enjoying 20/20 vision or better after recovery. Following your provider’s aftercare instructions and attending scheduled follow-ups are key to achieving the best possible outcome.
Benefits of PRK at Boston LASIK
- No corneal flap: Lower risk of flap-related complications
- Suitable for athletes and those with active lifestyles
- Ideal for patients with thin or irregular corneas
- Proven, trusted technology with decades of clinical success
- Freedom from glasses and contacts for most patients
Is PRK Safe?
PRK is FDA-approved and widely considered to be a safe and effective procedure when performed by experienced surgeons. As with all surgical interventions, there are some risks, including glare, dry eye, or vision haze, but serious complications are rare, and the experts at Boston LASIK are dedicated to your safety at every step.
Why Choose Boston LASIK?
Boston LASIK’s outstanding team of board-certified ophthalmologists brings a wealth of experience and advanced technology to every patient’s care journey. Whether you visit our Brookline, Medford, Lawrence, Wellesley, Milford, Andover, or Burlington locations, you’ll receive top-tier vision correction from a practice trusted by residents across New England. Our commitment to innovative treatments and personalized care means your vision goals are always within reach.
Discover if PRK is Right for You
Want to learn more about PRK and whether it’s your ideal path to clear, lasting vision? Visit our in-depth procedure page: https://www.bostonlasik.com/products-procedures/prk/.
Take the next step! Schedule your personalized consultation with the expert team at Boston LASIK today. Our knowledgeable providers—like Dr. Samir Melki, Dr. Jason Brenner, Dr. Vinny Keshav, Dr. James Gregoire, and the rest of our care professionals—will guide you through your options and help you make an informed choice for your eyes and your lifestyle.
Book your appointment at https://www.bostonlasik.com/ and start your journey to a brighter, clearer world—right here in the heart of New England.