PRK Eye Surgery in Los Angeles
Advanced Laser Vision Correction at Caster Eye
If you’re considering laser vision correction, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) may be an excellent solution! PRK is a less invasive method of laser vision correction that offers clear, lasting vision. Located in Los Angeles, Caster Eye offers advanced PRK laser vision correction using state-of-the-art technology and decades of surgical expertise.
Our goal is simple: deliver exceptional visual outcomes with personalized care and uncompromising safety.
How PRK Works
PRK is a type of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina. By precisely sculpting the corneal surface using an excimer laser, PRK corrects:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
PRK treats the outer layer of the cornea directly, specifically, on the firm tissue just beneath the thin soft layer that coats the eye (the epithelium). This layer is gently removed before treatment and then allowed to regenerate naturally over the following week. This surface-level approach is what makes PRK the least invasive of all laser vision correction techniques. Because no flap is created in the corneal tissue, the eye’s structural integrity is fully preserved, making it a valuable option for patients whose eye anatomy or lifestyle requires an alternative to LASIK. PRK has been performed for decades and remains one of the most trusted and well-studied laser vision correction procedures available.
How PRK Differs from LASIK
With LASIK, a flap is created in the front portion of the cornea so the laser can treat tissue deeper within the eye. The flap heals quickly, allowing for rapid vision recovery.
With PRK, no flap is made. The surface epithelium is removed, the laser treats the exposed tissue, and the eye’s surface regrows naturally. Vision recovery does take longer, but the final outcomes are equivalent.
Both techniques use the same advanced laser technology and achieve the same exceptional long-term vision results. At Caster Eye, we take the time to evaluate every factor carefully before recommending a procedure. Our priority is long-term safety and visual success.
The PRK Procedure: What to Expect
The PRK procedure at Caster Eye Center is quick, painless, and carefully designed to maximize both safety and results.
Comprehensive Consultation
PRK begins with a detailed evaluation using advanced imaging technology. We measure corneal thickness, curvature, pupil size, tear film quality, and overall eye health to ensure PRK is the safest and most effective option.
Treatment Day
The procedure is performed in-office and usually takes just a few minutes per eye. Numbing eye drops are used to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. After the treatment, you will rest for a short time before heading home the same day.
Healing Phase
At the end of the procedure, a soft protective contact lens is placed on the eye for 5–7 days to help support the healing process. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and make sure your eyes are healing properly as your vision improves. Recovery from PRK follows a predictable path. The main thing to understand is that PRK recovery takes a little longer than LASIK or SMILE. While most patients notice steady improvement in their vision, it may take up to three months for vision to fully stabilize.
PRK Results
The final visual outcomes of PRK are equivalent to those of LASIK and SMILE. While the vision recovery timeline is longer, the end result is the same: exceptional, lasting clarity that typically surpasses the quality of vision patients experienced with glasses or contact lenses.
Find Out If PRK Is Right for You
The best way to determine candidacy is through a comprehensive eye exam and advanced diagnostic testing at our Los Angeles office. Every treatment plan at Caster Eye is customized to the patient’s eye anatomy and visual goals. PRK may be ideal for individuals who:
- Have mild to high levels of myopia or astigmatism
- Have corneal measurements that make other procedures less ideal
- Prefer a surface-based laser procedure
- Lead active lifestyles
- Have specific corneal characteristics identified during evaluation
Why Choose PRK at Caster Eye?
Choosing the right surgeon and technology is just as important as choosing the rightprocedure.At Caster Eye, PRK is performed with:
- Have mild to high levels of myopia or astigmatism
- Have corneal measurements that make other procedures less ideal
- Prefer a surface-based laser procedure
- Lead active lifestyles
- Have specific corneal characteristics identified during evaluation
Dr. Caster has decades of experience in laser vision correction and has helped thousands of patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Caster Eye is known for meticulous screening, conservative treatment planning, and outstanding long-term outcomes.
Schedule Your PRK Consultation Today
If you’re ready to explore PRK laser eye surgery, the first step is a comprehensive consultation at Caster Eye. Discover whether PRK is the right solution for your vision goals.
Contact our Los Angeles office today to schedule your personalized evaluation and take the first step toward clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses.
PRK Eye Procedure FAQs
Both procedures achieve excellent vision outcomes, with slight differences in the actual procedures.
- Technique: LASIK creates a thin flap in the cornea before reshaping the tissue, while PRK treats the surface of the cornea without creating a flap.
- Recovery time: LASIK patients typically experience faster visual recovery, while PRK vision improves more gradually as the eye heals, with full recovery taking several months.
- Candidacy: PRK may be recommended for patients with thinner corneas or for those with certain lifestyle factors in which avoiding a corneal flap is beneficial.
PRK is a quick outpatient procedure that typically takes only a few minutes per eye. Most of your time at the surgical center is spent preparing for the procedure and reviewing post-operative instructions. The laser itself usually works for less than a minute per eye.Patients are able to go home shortly after treatment to begin the healing process. You’ll need a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after your PRK procedure.
PRK recovery occurs gradually as the surface of the cornea heals and vision improves. Most patients return to normal daily activities typically within 4-7 days, but complete healing with full vision sharpness can take around 1-3 months. Your doctor will schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure your eyes are recovering properly.
The PRK procedure itself is not painful because numbing eye drops are used during treatment. Some patients experience tenderness in their eyes as well as temporary discomfort, irritation, or sensitivity to light in the first few days after surgery. These symptoms are typically managed with prescribed medications and lubricating eye drops. Most patients find that the discomfort improves significantly as the eye heals.
PRK is considered a safe and well-established form of laser vision correction, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including temporary dryness, glare, halos, or fluctuations in vision during the healing process. These side effects are usually mild and improve as the eyes recover. During your consultation, your doctor will review your eye health and discuss any potential risks to ensure PRK is a safe option for you.
PRK provides permanent vision correction because the laser reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina. Once healing is complete, the results are long-lasting for most patients. Natural age-related vision changes can still occur later in life. However, the original correction from PRK typically remains stable.
The best way to determine if PRK is the right option is through a comprehensive eye exam and consultation. During your visit, your doctor will evaluate your corneal measurements, vision prescription, and overall eye health. They will also discuss your lifestyle and visual goals. Based on these factors, they can recommend the most appropriate laser vision correction procedure for you.
Common requirements for PRK surgery include:
- Age 18 or older
- Stable vision
- prescription
- Healthy eyes
- Suitable corneal measurements
- Not pregnant or nursing
Schedule your FREE Consultation