PRK and LASEK: Revitalize Laser Eye Guide

PRK and LASEK are surface-laser procedures used to correct selected refractive errors, including short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, they do not create a corneal flap. The surface layer of the cornea is moved or removed, the underlying tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser, and the surface then heals.

The aim is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Perfect unaided vision, permanent freedom from glasses and a particular recovery time cannot be guaranteed.

PRK and LASEK explained

In PRK, the corneal epithelium is removed before laser reshaping. In LASEK, the surgeon loosens and handles the epithelium before completing a similar laser correction. A protective contact lens is normally placed while the surface heals. The clinical differences and suitability should be explained by the treating ophthalmologist.

These procedures are part of the wider Revitalize laser eye surgery pathway. Other options may include LASIK, lens-based treatment, continued glasses or contact lenses, or no procedure.

Who may be suitable?

Suitability depends on a stable prescription, corneal thickness and shape, tear-film health, pupil assessment, age, occupation, sporting activity, medicines, pregnancy status and eye or general health. Surface treatment may be considered where a corneal flap is undesirable, but it is not automatically safer or better for every patient.

Screening should identify keratoconus or other corneal weakness, significant dry eye, infection, inflammation, retinal disease, uncontrolled glaucoma and expectations that cannot realistically be met. Some findings may require monitoring or treatment before a decision is made.

Benefits and limitations

PRK and LASEK can provide useful refractive correction without a LASIK flap. Healing and visual recovery are commonly slower than after LASIK, and discomfort is often more noticeable during the early surface-healing period. The final prescription can still be under-corrected, over-corrected or affected by astigmatism.

Reading glasses may still become necessary with age. Natural changes in the eye can alter vision after an initially satisfactory result. Published results from an outside clinic, award, review platform or selected patient group do not predict an individual outcome.

Risks

Possible effects include pain, light sensitivity, watering, blurred or fluctuating vision, dry-eye symptoms, glare, halos, reduced night vision and delayed surface healing. Less common complications include infection, corneal haze, scarring, irregular astigmatism, loss of best-corrected vision, persistent symptoms and the need for additional treatment.

An enhancement may not be appropriate or possible. The surgeon should explain the likelihood and policy for further treatment without describing it as guaranteed.

Recovery and aftercare

Use prescribed drops exactly as directed and do not remove the protective lens yourself. Early review checks surface healing and infection risk; later visits assess vision, refraction, corneal clarity and eye pressure. Recovery varies, so driving, screen use, work, exercise, swimming, make-up and flying should follow individual written advice.

Seek urgent clinical help for increasing pain, worsening redness, discharge, sudden or marked loss of vision, injury, or symptoms that deteriorate after initially improving.

Verify the Revitalize pathway

• Request the ophthalmologist’s full name and current professional registration.
• Confirm the Revitalize-contracted hospital or eye facility in writing.
• Ask which procedure is proposed and why it is preferable to alternatives in your case.
• Request an explanation of the laser platform, personal treatment limits and planned optical zone.
• Confirm the follow-up schedule, emergency contact and enhancement or revision policy.
• Ensure that travel dates allow all required examinations and early aftercare.

Only a provider specifically confirmed by Revitalize should be treated as contracted. The appearance of a clinic, hospital, commercial technology or review score in general online content is not proof of a Revitalize relationship.

Cost and written quotation

This page does not provide fixed competitor prices, credit, insurance or financial advice. Request an itemised Revitalize quotation naming the ophthalmologist and contracted facility and stating what is included for screening, both eyes where applicable, medicines, protective lenses, follow-up and any enhancement policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is PRK or LASEK better than LASIK?

No method is best for everyone. Corneal findings, prescription, dry-eye risk, lifestyle and recovery needs determine which options are reasonable.

How quickly will vision recover?

The surface generally heals during the early days, but useful and stable vision can take longer. Individual recovery cannot be promised from a general timetable.

Will I never need glasses again?

That cannot be guaranteed. Residual prescription, healing response and age-related eye changes can create a future need for glasses or further assessment.

How do I confirm my providers?

Ask Revitalize to identify the ophthalmologist and contracted facility in writing before paying or travelling.