Freedom from glasses starts here.
Like LASIK, PRK is a laser refractive procedure that corrects the focusing power of the eye to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. If you have short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism, your vision is blurry without glasses or contact lenses because light does not come to a clear focus at the back of the eye.
PRK surgery permanently corrects for short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism by changing the curvature of the front surface of the eye so that light enters and focuses clearly at the back of the eye. In doing so, it removes the need for glasses and contact lenses to achieve clear vision.
PRK surgery does not involve the creation of a flap and that is the main difference that distinguishes it from LASIK. In PRK, the reshaping ablation is performed directly on the surface of the cornea, hence it is also called surface ablation.
To be a suitable candidate for PRK surgery, you should be at least 18 years of age, have had a stable prescription for the last 12 months and have healthy eyes.
PRK is generally preferred over LASIK surgery if you have thinner corneas, dry eyes, or if you engage in high impact contact sports or are in certain vocations such as the police force or armed forces.
At your laser eye surgery consultation, a detailed assessment will be performed to ascertain your prescription as well as your corneal thickness, shape and general eye health. You will be advised if PRK is the preferred treatment for your eyes and lifestyle. If LASIK and PRK are not suitable for you, you may be recommended alternative treatment options such as ICL, refractive lens exchange or cataract surgery.
Conventional PRK surgery is a two-step procedure that involves removal of the surface cells covering the cornea (the epithelium) with alcohol and a blade or brush, followed by reshaping of the underlying cornea.
At City Eye Surgeons, PRK surgery is performed with the Schwind Amaris 1050RS which simultaneously removes the corneal epithelium and reshapes the cornea in a single step. This single-step “no touch” laser treatment is commonly known as trans-PRK surgery.
Trans-PRK surgery does not require the use of any surgical instruments, thus allowing for a gentler, less invasive and more comfortable experience for you. The recovery time is also quicker than conventional PRK surgery.
At the end of the procedure, a soft contact lens is placed on the eye to allow re-growth of the corneal epithelium, which typically takes 3 to 5 days.
PRK can deliver strong visual outcomes in suitable candidates, but results should be framed around real-world tasks and long-term eye changes.
Many people achieve strong distance vision after PRK. Some may still need glasses for certain tasks, particularly fine near work as presbyopia develops later in life, or for specific night driving situations depending on the eye and prescription.
PRK outcomes can be very stable, but vision can still change over time due to natural ageing, including presbyopia. This is a normal change in how the eye focuses up close and is not a failure of the procedure.
Enhancements are considered only after the eye has stabilised and the surface has fully healed. Timing matters, because treating too early can reduce predictability and increase risk.
We focus on detailed measurements and risk assessment to confirm whether PRK is the safest option for your eyes, and to plan treatment conservatively.
Because PRK is one of several refractive procedures, we can compare it fairly with other options and recommend the most appropriate approach for your anatomy and goals, rather than forcing a procedure to fit.
Book a PRK Assessment in Melbourne
Bring your current prescription details, contact lens information, a medication list, and any relevant eye history.
Most discomfort is in the first few days while the surface heals. Light sensitivity, watering, and a gritty sensation are common. Discomfort usually improves as the epithelium regrows and the eye settles.
The surface usually heals over several days, but vision can fluctuate for weeks. Full stabilisation can take months, depending on the person and the prescription treated.
Driving depends on when your vision is safe and meets the required standard, and after your post-op review confirms it is appropriate. Many people need more time before driving compared with LASIK.
Haze is a corneal healing response that can cause blur or glare. Mild haze can improve over time, but prevention is the priority through screening, treatment planning, and correct post-op medication use.
Neither is universally “safer” for everyone. PRK can be the safer choice in certain eyes and lifestyles because it avoids a flap. LASIK can have a faster early recovery. The safest procedure is the one that fits your anatomy and risk profile.
Freedom from glasses starts here.
Who PRK often suits
Eligibility factors we assess
When PRK may not be recommended
PRK reshapes the cornea, while ICL corrects vision by placing a lens inside the eye without reshaping the cornea. ICL may be considered for higher prescriptions or when corneal factors limit laser options. The right choice depends on eye anatomy, prescription, risk profile, and long-term planning.
The consultation is where we decide whether PRK is appropriate, and whether it is the best option among the available procedures.
Step-by-step PRK procedure overview
How long PRK takes
Does PRK hurt
The first 3 to 5 Days
The first 2 to 6 Weeks
Vision stabilisation over 3 to 6 months
Returning to work, driving and exercise
Follow-up appointments
Visual outcomes
PRK and long-term stability
PRK outcomes are very stable, but vision can still change over time due to natural ageing, including presbyopia. This is a normal change in how the eye focuses up close and is not a failure of the procedure.
Enhancements after PRK
Rediscover clearer vision
Loacation: G11-12/566 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
Phone: (03) 9070 0955
Fax: (03) 9978 9426
E-mail: info@cityeyesurgeons.com.au
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