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New Eyes Las Vegas

Photorefractive Keratectomy in Southern Nevada

Told you’re not a LASIK candidate? PRK is a proven alternative that delivers comparable results without creating a corneal flap, ideal for thin corneas and active lifestyles.

  • No corneal flap, so no flap-related complications
  • Well suited for thin or irregularly shaped corneas
  • Results are typically comparable to LASIK once healing is complete
Symptoms

Am I a Candidate for Photorefractive Keratectomy?

PRK is often the right fit for patients who've been told LASIK isn't an option.

Thin or Irregular Corneas

Corneas too thin for LASIK's flap can often still be treated with PRK.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Patients with dry eyes that make LASIK riskier may be better suited to PRK.

Active or Contact-Sport Lifestyle

No flap means no risk of flap displacement from an impact to the eye.

Previous Eye Injury or Scarring

Past trauma that complicates LASIK candidacy doesn't rule out PRK.

Who typically qualifies: Candidates are generally 18 or older with a stable vision prescription and no active eye disease or infection. Dr. Kaufman will evaluate your corneas and lifestyle to confirm whether PRK is the safest option for you.

About the Procedure

What is Photorefractive Keratectomy?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) reshapes the cornea to correct vision, without creating the corneal flap that LASIK requires. Instead, the treatment works directly on the corneal surface, which then heals and regenerates naturally.

Advanced mapping technology captures a precise view of your corneas, and a computer-guided excimer laser reshapes the tissue in as little as 30 to 60 seconds per eye. The full treatment is completed in just a few minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home the same day.

The trade-off for skipping the flap is a longer initial healing period than LASIK, but most patients are back to normal activities within about a week.

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.

Thin Corneas & Active Lifestyles

PRK

  • No corneal flap, so no flap-related complications
  • Removes less corneal tissue than LASIK
  • Safer for contact sports, military service, and high-impact jobs
  • Longer initial recovery, with results comparable to LASIK once healed
Standard Corneas

Standard Corneas

  • Requires a corneal flap
  • Faster visual recovery, often within a day or two
  • Best suited for corneas of adequate thickness
  • Not ideal if facial trauma or flap displacement is a risk in your daily life
Dr. Kaufman will recommend whichever procedure is safest and most effective for your eyes, not simply the faster option.
Step by Step

Your Photorefractive Keratectomy Journey

PRK healing happens gradually. Here's what to expect along the way.

Evaluation Appointment

  • Comprehensive eye exam and corneal mapping
  • Review of candidacy, including corneal thickness and dry eye history
  • Discussion of PRK vs. LASIK based on your lifestyle
  • Realistic expectations set for recovery time

Procedure Day

  • Numbing eye drops for comfort
  • Excimer laser reshapes the cornea in 30–60 seconds per eye
  • Total treatment time is just a few minutes
  • Transportation home required

Recovery

  • Soft bandage contact lens worn for a few days to support healing
  • Blurriness, tearing, and light sensitivity common in the first several days
  • Steroid and antibiotic drops used for a few weeks
  • Most patients notice clearer vision within a week

Long-Term Results

  • Vision continues improving over the following weeks to months
  • Best and final results typically appear within one to three months
  • Results are comparable to LASIK once healing is complete
Results

Expected Outcomes & Recovery

PRK takes a bit longer to heal than LASIK, but the destination is the same: clear, glasses-free vision.

Gradual Healing

Vision clears steadily over the first few weeks after surgery.

Comparable Results

Once fully healed, PRK outcomes are typically on par with LASIK.

Return to Activities

Many patients return to desk work within five to seven days.

Long-Term Stability

PRK has a long track record of stable, lasting results.

What Patients Can Expect in Recovery

  • A bandage contact lens worn for the first few days
  • Blurriness, tearing, and light sensitivity early on
  • Driving not recommended for about four days while the cornea heals
  • Steroid and antibiotic eye drops used for several weeks
  • Sunglasses recommended outdoors, especially in the first year
  • Swimming, hot tubs, and eye makeup avoided for at least a week
Photorefractive Keratectomy

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule A Consultation

If you're ready to experience exceptional eye care, contact us today to schedule your evaluation at any of our Southern Nevada locations.