If you want freedom from glasses or contact lenses but have been told LASIK may not be the right fit, PRK may offer another path to clearer vision. Photorefractive keratectomy, commonly called PRK, is the original laser vision correction procedure and remains a trusted option for many patients today.
At Will Vision and Laser Centers, Dr. Brian Will uses advanced technology and decades of experience in refractive surgery to help patients choose the safest and most effective procedure for their eyes. With locations near Portland, OR, and in Vancouver, WA, the practice offers personalized PRK evaluations for patients throughout the Pacific Northwest.
What Is PRK?
PRK is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina. It can treat common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
PRK was the first widely used laser vision correction procedure and helped launch modern refractive surgery in the early 1990s. Although LASIK is more common today, PRK remains an excellent option in specific cases, especially when LASIK is not the safest or most appropriate choice.
PRK vs. LASIK
PRK and LASIK both use laser technology to reshape the cornea and improve vision. The main difference is how the cornea is prepared before the laser treatment.
With LASIK, a thin flap is created before reshaping the cornea. With PRK, the top layer of corneal cells, called the epithelium, is gently removed before the laser is applied. This layer naturally grows back during healing.
PRK usually has a longer recovery than LASIK. LASIK patients often notice improved vision within hours or a day, while PRK vision clears more gradually over several days to weeks. In the long term, the quality of vision achieved with PRK can be comparable to LASIK.
Good Candidates for PRK
PRK may be recommended for patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. Dr. Will carefully examines each patient’s eyes to determine which procedure can provide the best balance of safety, comfort, and visual results.
PRK may be appropriate for patients who:
- Have thin corneas
- Are at higher risk for eye trauma due to work, sports, or hobbies
- Have been told they are not LASIK candidates
- Need correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
- Want long-lasting laser vision correction
- Have healthy eyes and realistic expectations
PRK is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A comprehensive consultation is the best way to determine whether PRK, LASIK, or another vision correction option is right for you.
The PRK Procedure
During PRK, Dr. Will first removes the outer epithelial layer of the cornea. Once this layer is removed, laser energy is used to reshape the cornea according to your customized treatment plan.
After the laser correction is complete, medication may be applied to reduce the risk of corneal haze. The eye is then rinsed, and a soft contact lens is placed over the cornea as a temporary protective covering while the surface heals.
The procedure is typically brief. In many cases, treatment for both eyes can be completed in about 15 minutes.
Wavefront-Guided PRK Technology
Will Vision and Laser Centers uses advanced Wavefront-guided technology to personalize PRK treatment. This technology creates a detailed 3D treatment guide that accounts for complex visual imperfections, not just a basic glasses prescription.
Wavefront-guided PRK can help correct both simple and more complex vision abnormalities. The goal is to help each patient achieve their personal best vision with a treatment plan tailored to the unique structure of their eyes.
PRK Recovery
PRK requires more healing time than LASIK. Most patients should plan to take at least several days, and often about a week, away from work or regular activities.
During the first few days, the epithelial layer regrows over the cornea. The protective contact lens stays in place until Dr. Will confirms it is safe to remove, typically within three to five days. Vision may be blurry at first and gradually becomes clearer over the following weeks.
During recovery, patients usually use:
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Antibiotic eye drops
- Lubricating drops
- Comfort medication when appropriate
- Protective contact lenses until healing is complete
Dr. Will provides detailed instructions so you know what to expect immediately after surgery and throughout the healing process.
PRK Results
PRK can dramatically improve vision for many patients. The goal is to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses by correcting refractive errors at the corneal level.
Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, though individual results depend on eye health, prescription, healing response, and treatment goals. PRK permanently reshapes the cornea, so results are long-lasting.
Your vision may take several weeks to stabilize. Once healing is complete, the final quality of vision is generally comparable to LASIK.
Advanced LASIK and PRK Options
Some patients are told they need PRK because they have thin corneas or are not considered LASIK candidates elsewhere. At Will Vision and Laser Centers, advanced technology may make LASIK possible for some patients who were previously told they did not qualify.
Dr. Will uses the iFS Advanced Femtosecond laser to perform precise bladeless LASIK protocols. This technology may allow treatment for certain patients who would otherwise be limited to PRK at practices without the same level of technology or experience.
In other cases, PRK truly is the better choice. Patients with certain professions, hobbies, or higher risk of direct eye trauma may be better suited for PRK because it does not involve creating a corneal flap.
Why Choose Will Vision and Laser Centers for PRK
Will Vision and Laser Centers offers a premium, expertise-driven approach to laser vision correction. Dr. Brian Will has extensive experience with PRK and has performed refractive surgery procedures since 1991.
Dr. Will evaluates each patient personally and recommends the treatment that best fits their eye anatomy, lifestyle, and vision goals. His approach is not to force every patient into one procedure, but to determine whether PRK, LASIK, or another option offers the safest path to clearer vision.
Patients choose Will Vision and Laser Centers for:
- Advanced Wavefront-guided PRK technology
- Personalized treatment planning with Dr. Brian Will
- Experience treating patients with thin corneas and complex prescriptions
- Access to advanced bladeless LASIK technology when appropriate
- Clear education about PRK, LASIK, recovery, and expectations
- Convenient care near Portland, OR, and in Vancouver, WA
The practice’s goal is to help patients gain freedom from glasses, contacts, and readers with technology and expertise that support safe, high-quality outcomes.
Improve Your Vision With PRK in Portland, OR
PRK can be an excellent option for patients who want laser vision correction but may not be ideal candidates for LASIK. With advanced Wavefront-guided technology and Dr. Brian Will’s experience, PRK can help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism while supporting long-term visual freedom.
Will Vision and Laser Centers serve patients throughout Portland, OR, and in Vancouver, WA. To learn more about PRK and find out whether it is right for your eyes, call (360) 885-1327 to schedule a consultation.