Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Not a LASIK Candidate? PRK Could Be Your Path to Clear Vision

Southern Nevada’s trusted refractive surgeon, Dr. Ksenia Stafeeva, specializes in PRK for patients with thin corneas, active lifestyles, and unique vision correction needs.

• Perfect for thin or irregularly shaped corneas
• No corneal flap means no flap-related complications
• Often ideal for athletes and active professionals
• Results typically comparable to LASIK once healing is complete

Over 15 years serving Southern Nevada with advanced laser vision correction

If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK, don’t give up on your vision freedom dreams. At New Eyes Las Vegas, we specialize in PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) – the proven alternative that delivers excellent results without requiring a corneal flap.

Dr. Ksenia Stafeeva, our expert refractive surgeon, has helped hundreds of Southern Nevada patients achieve clear, glasses-free vision through PRK. Whether you have thin corneas, dry eyes, or an active lifestyle that makes LASIK risky, PRK could be your ideal solution.

Why Our Patients Choose PRK at New Eyes

• No corneal flap complications – perfect for contact sports and active lifestyles
• Excellent option for thin or irregular corneas that disqualify LASIK candidacy
• Same advanced excimer laser technology with proven long-term results
• Personalized care from consultation through complete recovery

The benefits of PRK over LASIK include the ability to treat thinner corneas, and no need for creation of a flap. The drawback is a longer recovery time.

Ready to explore your PRK options? Find out if PRK is the right choice for you

What Our Patients Say

“New Eyes is run like a well-oiled machine with an amazing staff that is knowledgeable and friendly. In addition, I cannot leave without mentioning Dr. Helga F. Pizio whose skills have enabled me to have NEW EYES. Thank you all.” – George G., Las Vegas, NV

“Caring, professional and very knowledgeable. Dr. M is the best !! I encourage anyone in need of eye care to visit New Eyes Las Vegas, they will exceed your expectations” – Ted D., Las Vegas, NV

Our PRK Success Record:

• Over 1,000 successful PRK procedures performed
• Most patients achieve excellent vision outcomes
• 15+ years of refractive surgery expertise in Southern Nevada
• Board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training

• PRK Candidates
• PRK vs. LASIK
• The PRK Procedure
• PRK Recovery
• PRK for Active Lifestyles
• PRK Results
• PRK Complications
• PRK Cost
• PRK FAQs

Are You a Perfect PRK Candidate?

You might be an ideal candidate for PRK if you:

Have been told “no” to LASIK because of:

• Thin or irregularly shaped corneas
• Dry eye syndrome that makes LASIK risky
• Previous eye injuries or corneal scarring

Live an active lifestyle involving:

• Contact sports (boxing, martial arts, football)
• Military service or law enforcement
• Jobs with high eye injury risk

Want vision freedom but need the safest option:

• Age 18 or older with stable vision prescription (no recent changes)
• No active eye disease or infections
• Realistic expectations about recovery time

Ready to find out if PRK is right for you? Dr. Stafeeva will personally evaluate your eyes and discuss whether PRK can give you the clear vision you’ve been hoping for.

What Is the Difference Between PRK and LASIK?

Although PRK and LASIK both offer excellent vision correction benefits, your unique needs could make one procedure a more appropriate choice. For example, if you have thin or irregularly shaped corneas, PRK may be recommended as an alternative to LASIK. However, if you meet candidacy requirements for LASIK, your recovery time can be minimized, allowing you to achieve final results much faster than you would with PRK. Additional considerations that may help you select the right procedure include whether or not you have a history of dry eye or are involved in sports or other activities that involve a risk of facial trauma—the corneal flap created during a LASIK procedure could potentially be affected by an impact to the eye. 

Why PRK Might Be Better for You

While both procedures deliver excellent vision correction, PRK offers unique advantages for certain patients:

PRK Advantages:

• No flap complications ever – the corneal surface naturally regenerates
• Better for thin corneas – removes less tissue than LASIK
• Safer for active lifestyles – no risk of flap displacement from eye trauma
• Excellent long-term stability – proven results over decades

The Trade-off: PRK requires patience during the initial healing period, but the results are worth the wait. Most of our patients are back to normal activities within a week and achieve their best vision within a month.

What Does the PRK Procedure Entail?

The PRK procedure is completely painless. There are no needles or sharp instruments that will be used near the eyes for this procedure. Advanced technology is used to map the eyes to provide the most precise view of the corneas. With the data provided by our sophisticated mapping technology, our doctors will use a computer-guided laser to reshape the cornea and allow for improved visual acuity. The state-of-the-art excimer laser used in PRK can reshape the cornea in as little as 30 to 60 seconds per eye, and patients remain comfortable during the procedure. The entire treatment can generally be completed in a few minutes. PRK is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you should be able to return home the same day.

What Is PRK Recovery Like?

Patients can expect some blurriness, tearing, and light sensitivity in the first several days after PRK treatment. You will need to wear a soft contact lens as a bandage for a few days to facilitate healing. Use of steroid and antibiotic eyedrops is also typically required for a few weeks after surgery. Discomfort may occur during recovery, but this can typically be alleviated with medicinal eye drops, over-the-counter medication, and ice packs. Most patients experience a noticeable improvement in vision within one week, with the most optimal results becoming apparent in the ensuing weeks.

Generally, you will be able to resume household activities like watching TV, reading, and using the computer almost immediately; however, the cornea takes approximately four days to heal and driving is not recommended during this time. Many patients elect to undergo the surgery on a long weekend and are able to return to work after a few days. Dr. Stafeeva or Dr. Kaufman will monitor your progress and confirm whether you are able to resume work earlier, or require a little extra time to rest.

Your PRK Recovery: Week by Week

Days 1-4: Initial Healing

• Soft contact lens bandage protects your eyes
• Some discomfort is normal – we provide everything needed for comfort
• Vision will be blurry, but you can do light activities like watching TV

Week 1: Vision Starts Improving

• Bandage contacts removed
• Vision begins clearing up
• Many patients return to desk work by day 5-7

Weeks 2-4: Significant Improvement

• Vision becomes much clearer
• Can resume most normal activities
• Regular follow-up visits ensure perfect healing

Months 1-3: Final Results

• Vision continues improving to its final, optimal level
• Most patients achieve excellent vision outcomes
• Complete healing provides long-term stability

Recovery Support: We’re with you every step of the way with detailed instructions, follow-up appointments, and 24/7 emergency contact for peace of mind.

PRK: The Smart Choice for Athletes, Performers, and Active Lifestyles

If your lifestyle involves contact sports, military service, or high-impact activities, PRK offers vision correction without the long-term risks that come with LASIK’s corneal flap.

Why Athletes Choose PRK

• No flap to displace – even years later, eye trauma won’t affect your vision correction
• Stronger corneal structure – maintains corneal integrity for long-term eye health
• Peace of mind – pursue your passions without worrying about eye protection

Perfect for:

• Mixed martial arts, boxing, wrestling
• Military and law enforcement personnel
• Construction workers and first responders
• Anyone who values long-term eye safety

Real Results: Many professional athletes choose PRK specifically because it eliminates the long-term flap-related risks that could end their careers.

Discover if PRK Fits Your Active Lifestyle

How Long Does PRK Last?

Results of PRK treatment equal those of LASIK after appropriate healing time. For many patients, it has served as an excellent alternative to LASIK.

Are There Any Complications Associated with PRK?

Although extremely rare, there are risks associated with PRK, much like with any type of surgery. Dr. Stafeeva or Dr. Kaufman will discuss all potential side effects with you prior to the procedure, but in general, complications that could possibly occur include:

• Over- or under-correction of vision
• Infection or inflammation, which can lead to loss of vision (either temporarily or permanently)
• Severe dry eye syndrome
• Corneal haze

Ultimately, patients can minimize any risk of complication by choosing a skilled and experienced ophthalmologist like Dr. Stafeeva and Dr. Kaufman and diligently following all aftercare instructions. 

How Much Does PRK Cost?

The overall price of PRK can vary from patient to patient, based on their individual needs. To obtain a personalized price estimate, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaufman or Dr. Stafeeva. Once your individual needs have been assessed, our team can provide you with a personalized quote.

To help make the cost of PRK more manageable and convenient, we offer financing options to our patients through CareCredit^®. If you are interested in making monthly payments with little or no interest, please inquire about this option during your consultation. We will be happy to provide you with all necessary information to help you apply.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is PRK better than LASIK?

Neither PRK nor LASIK is universally “better” – they’re different tools for different situations. Think of it like choosing between a sports car and an SUV – both get you where you’re going, but one might be perfect for your specific needs.

Choose PRK if you have:

• Thin or irregular corneas
• High-risk lifestyle or profession
• Dry eyes that make LASIK risky
• Preference for no permanent corneal changes

Choose LASIK if you:

• Have thick, regular corneas
• Want the fastest possible recovery
• Need to return to work immediately
• Have low-risk lifestyle

Dr. Stafeeva will recommend the procedure that’s safest and most effective for YOUR unique situation – never what’s most convenient for us.

A corneal flap is not created during PRK. How can this be beneficial?

When a corneal flap is created during LASIK surgery, patients must be very careful to avoid injuries to the eye following the procedure. Any trauma to the eye can damage the corneal flap and ultimately complicate the results of the surgery. However, PRK does not require a corneal flap and corrects refractive errors by simply flattening the corneal surface. Because a corneal flap is not necessary to PRK, patients with active lifestyles wherein physical contact may be likely – such as military members or athletes – can generally benefit from PRK surgery, as the risk associated with possible eye injuries is minimized.

Does this procedure require anesthesia?

While you will not be asleep during surgery, a topical anesthetic that numbs the eyes will be applied through eye drops beforehand to minimize possible discomfort. You may feel slight pressure on the eye through the duration of the surgery, but it should not be painful.

Are there any restrictions following PRK?

Immediately after surgery, you will need to have someone drive you home, since you will be unable to see clearly. In addition to the soft contact lens bandage, you may need to wear an eye patch or protective sunglasses to avoid excessive light exposure. Once home, it is best to either take a nap or rest your eyes in some way (reading or watching television is not recommended). You can shower the day after surgery, but a special eye shield might need to be used to ensure soap, shampoo, or other products do not get in your eyes. Makeup, hair spray, facial moisturizers, hair dye, and other products typically used near the eye should be avoided for at least a week after surgery.

Throughout recovery, it is also best to avoid hot tubs, swimming, gardening, dusting, or any other activity (other than showering) that may put you at risk of getting chemicals, particles, or water in your eye. Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Stafeeva also recommend wearing sunglasses whenever you are outdoors during the day, especially during the first year after surgery. Following recovery from PRK, some patients also find it helpful to wear anti-glare glasses at work, if they spend extended amounts of time in front of a computer screen.      

Is this procedure covered by insurance?

Because this surgery is elective, PRK is generally not covered by insurance unless you are undergoing the procedure as a result of an injury or physical limitation that renders you unable to wear glasses and contact lenses. With that in mind, New Eyes offers the option of convenient low-interest payment plans for qualified applicants through our financing partner, CareCredit^®. You can see if you qualify by filling out a quick and easy application that requires no fees.

If you would like more information on PRK treatment, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ksenia Stafeeva or Dr. Stephen Kaufman to see if this procedure is a good option for your needs, please contact New Eyes today.

Still have questions about PRK? Dr. Stafeeva’s team is here to help.