Short-Sightedness
PRK flattens the cornea so that distant objects come into focus. Many people use it to cut down on glasses for driving, watching television and playing sport.
PRK · Photorefractive keratectomy
PRK Laser Eye Surgery in Newcastle upon Tyne
Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle offers PRK laser eye surgery to patients across Newcastle upon Tyne and the North East. PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a well-established surface treatment that corrects short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism without creating a corneal flap.
That makes PRK a strong option if your corneas are thin, or if you play contact sports or work in a physically demanding job. Request a free, no-obligation quote to find out whether PRK is right for your eyes.
- Flap-free surface treatment
- Suits active lifestyles
- Free, no-obligation quote
About PRK
What Is PRK Laser Eye Surgery?
PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery to be widely used, and it remains a trusted treatment today. It corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, so that light focuses properly on the retina.
How PRK Works
The thin outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is gently removed. An excimer laser then reshapes the tissue underneath to correct your prescription. Over the next few days, the epithelium grows back naturally over the treated area.
A Lasting Correction
PRK changes the shape of the cornea itself, so the correction is intended to be permanent. Your eyes can still change with age, however, and most people need reading glasses at some point later in life.
Conditions treated
What Can PRK Correct?
PRK can correct the most common refractive errors in suitable patients. How much correction is possible depends on your prescription, corneal shape and corneal thickness.
Long-Sightedness
Certain long-sighted prescriptions can be treated with PRK. Your assessment will show how much correction is realistic for your age and eye measurements.
Astigmatism
PRK can correct regular astigmatism by evening out the curve of the cornea. People with irregular corneal conditions may not be suitable, which is why specialist measurements are taken first.
Suitability
Who Is PRK Suitable For?
PRK suits adults with a stable prescription and healthy eyes, and it is often recommended where a flap-based treatment is less appropriate. Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle arranges a full assessment before recommending PRK or any other procedure.
Thinner Corneas
Because PRK does not use a flap, more corneal tissue is preserved. This can make PRK possible for people whose corneas are too thin for LASIK, provided enough healthy tissue remains after treatment.
Contact Sports and Active Jobs
With no flap to be dislodged, PRK is popular with people who play rugby, box or do martial arts, and with those in the armed forces, the police or other physical roles.
Conditions That May Affect Treatment
Keratoconus, significant dry eye and active eye infections can make PRK unsafe. Your medical history and any medicines are also reviewed, and pregnancy or breastfeeding may mean postponing treatment.
Treatment day
What Happens During PRK Treatment
PRK is a day procedure carried out under anaesthetic eye drops. The treatment is quick, and you go home the same day.
Preparing the Eye
Your eyes are numbed with drops, your eyelids are held gently open, and the clinical team checks your treatment plan one final time.
Removing the Surface Layer
The thin epithelium covering the treatment area is gently removed, revealing the corneal tissue that will be reshaped.
Laser Correction and Bandage Lens
The excimer laser reshapes the cornea in a matter of seconds. A soft bandage contact lens is then placed over the eye to keep it comfortable while the surface heals.
Recovery
PRK Recovery Time and Aftercare
PRK recovery takes longer than LASIK recovery because the surface of the cornea has to regrow. Planning ahead makes the first week much easier.
The First Few Days
Expect watering, light sensitivity, blurred vision and some discomfort at first. Prescribed drops and pain relief help to manage this, and the bandage lens stays in place until your clinician removes it.
When Vision Improves
The surface usually heals within several days. Many people see a clear improvement in the first week or two, and vision continues to sharpen over the following weeks and months.
Work, Driving and Exercise
Around a week off work is typical. Do not drive until your clinician confirms that your eyesight meets the legal standard, and avoid swimming, contact sports and dusty places until you are told it is safe.
Comparing treatments
PRK Compared With LASIK and LASEK
PRK vs LASIK
LASIK uses a flap and offers a faster, more comfortable initial recovery. PRK avoids flap-related complications altogether, but the early recovery is less comfortable and vision takes longer to settle. Both can give excellent long-term results in the right patients.
PRK vs LASEK
PRK and LASEK are both surface treatments. With PRK, the epithelium is removed. With LASEK, it is loosened and moved aside. Recovery and long-term results are similar, and your surgeon will explain why one may suit your eyes better than the other.
Pricing
How Much Does PRK Cost in Newcastle?
PRK prices depend on your prescription, whether one or both eyes are treated and what aftercare is included. Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle provides a clear written quotation, so you can see the full cost before you decide.
Your initial PRK quote is free and carries no obligation. A detailed written quotation follows your assessment. Routine laser vision correction is not normally available on the NHS, so treatment is paid for privately.
What Your PRK Quote Includes
Your quotation should state whether the price covers one eye or both, and whether it includes:
- your assessment and eye measurements
- PRK treatment and the bandage contact lens
- prescribed eye drops and medication
- follow-up appointments while you heal
Comparing the full package is far more useful than comparing headline prices alone.
Common questions
PRK Laser Eye Surgery FAQs
Is PRK still a good option today?
Yes. PRK is a proven, well-established treatment, and for some patients it is the most suitable option available, particularly those with thinner corneas or high-impact lifestyles.
How painful is PRK recovery?
The procedure itself is not painful. Your eyes can feel sore for several days afterwards while the surface heals, but prescribed drops and pain relief keep this manageable.
How long does PRK take to heal?
The surface usually heals within a week, while your vision continues to improve and stabilise over the following weeks and months.
Next step
Request Your Free PRK Quote
If PRK sounds like the right treatment for you, Laser Eye Surgery Newcastle can help you find out for certain. Request your free, no-obligation quote today, and we will arrange an assessment to confirm whether PRK suits your eyes.