Am I a Good Candidate for PRK Surgery?

If you’ve been thinking about laser eye surgery but aren’t sure whether PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is right for you, you’re definitely not alone. Many people begin their research with a simple question: “Am I a good candidate for PRK?” And it’s a smart question to ask because PRK has very specific strengths, benefits and suitability criteria compared with LASIK and SMILE.

PRK is one of the longest-standing and most trusted forms of laser eye surgery, especially for people who may not be suitable for other procedures. But although it’s safe and effective for many, it’s not the best match for every eye. That’s why understanding what surgeons look for during your assessment things like corneal thickness, prescription stability, dryness, lifestyle and long-term vision priorities is essential before you make a decision.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how surgeons decide whether PRK is the right procedure for you. My goal is to help you feel confident, informed and prepared for your consultation, so you know what to expect and what makes someone a great candidate for this type of vision correction.

What Is PRK? A Quick Overview

PRK is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct:

  • Short-sightedness (myopia)
  • Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
  • Astigmatism

Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the surgeon gently removes the thin surface layer (epithelium) before reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with a laser.

Why this matters:

  • No flap = no risk of flap complications
  • Better option if you have thinner corneas
  • Suitable for people with high-risk jobs or sports
  • Ideal if you want long-term corneal stability

The epithelium grows back naturally within a few days.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRK?

Let’s explore the key suitability factors surgeons check during your consultation.

Your Prescription Is Stable

This is one of the most important requirements.

Surgeons want:

  • A stable prescription for at least 12 months
  • Minimal changes between eye tests
  • No rapid fluctuations in vision

If your prescription is still changing, surgery won’t give you lasting results.

Your Corneas Are Healthy

Corneal health is non-negotiable.

You may be a good candidate if:

  • Your corneas are free from disease
  • You have no signs of keratoconus
  • Your corneal surface is smooth
  • There are no irregularities affecting healing

PRK is often a preferred option when LASIK isn’t suitable due to surface issues.

Your Corneas Are Too Thin for LASIK

PRK is an excellent alternative for people with thin corneas.

Why:

– PRK preserves more tissue because it doesn’t require a flap.

– Many people who are unsuitable for LASIK become ideal PRK candidates for this reason.

You Have Mild to Moderate Refractive Errors

Surgeons consider your prescription strength.

PRK is most effective for:

  • Mild to moderate myopia
  • Mild to moderate hyperopia
  • Mild to moderate astigmatism

Higher prescriptions can sometimes still be treated but depend on corneal thickness.

You Have No Corneal Scarring

– Visible scarring on the surface of the cornea may interfere with healing.

– Your surgeon will examine this closely before recommending PRK.

You Don’t Have Severe Dry Eye Disease

– One advantage of PRK is that it disturbs fewer corneal nerves than LASIK.

– So if you already have mild dryness, PRK may be a better option.

But:

– If your dryness is severe and unmanaged, PRK may still affect your comfort and healing.

– Your surgeon will often recommend treating dry eye first.

You Can Manage a Longer Recovery Period

PRK recovery takes longer than LASIK or SMILE.

With PRK:

  • You’ll need a protective contact lens for a few days
  • Vision improves gradually
  • Full clarity develops over weeks, not days

If you’re patient and prefer corneal stability over fast recovery, PRK is ideal.

You Lead an Active Lifestyle or High-Impact Career

PRK is often recommended for:

  • Military personnel
  • Police officers
  • Athletes
  • Martial artists
  • Boxers
  • Anyone at risk of trauma to the eye

Because there’s no flap, there’s no risk of flap displacement after surgery.

You Don’t Have Autoimmune or Uncontrolled Systemic Conditions

PRK may not be recommended if you have:

  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Conditions that slow healing

Your overall health plays a major role in safe recovery.

You Understand the Difference Between PRK and LASIK

Surgeons want to ensure you know:

  • PRK recovery is slower
  • There may be discomfort for a few days
  • Visual clarity takes time
  • Pain levels vary from person to person

When your expectations match the reality of the procedure, you are a much better candidate.

What the Surgeon Checks During Your Assessment

Your consultation includes the most detailed eye examination you’ve ever had. This ensures your eyes meet the safety and suitability requirements.

Key tests include:

  • Corneal topography
  • Corneal thickness measurement
  • Prescription mapping
  • Pupil measurement
  • Tear film quality
  • Eye pressure check
  • Retinal exam

Each test helps determine whether PRK is right for you.

Prescription Strength: How Much Can PRK Correct?

Most people with mild to moderate refractive errors are good candidates.

Typical treatment ranges:

  • Myopia: up to -8.00D (in many cases)
  • Hyperopia: up to +4.00D
  • Astigmatism: up to 4.00D

But your corneal thickness and shape are more important than the numbers alone.

Age Requirements for PRK

Most surgeons treat adults aged:

  • 18+ if the prescription is stable
  • 21+ for stronger prescriptions
  • 40+ people considering monovision or lens-based alternatives
  • 45+ may benefit more from RLE than PRK

Age is not the main limitation prescription stability is.

Signs You ARE a Good PRK Candidate

You might be suitable if you:

  • Want a safe, reliable alternative to LASIK
  • Have thin corneas
  • Have mild to moderate refractive errors
  • Don’t mind a longer recovery
  • Lead an active lifestyle
  • Have stable vision
  • Want long-term corneal stability
  • Are over age 18
  • Are in good overall health
  • Can follow aftercare instructions

These are strong indicators you may do well with PRK.

Signs You Are NOT a Good PRK Candidate

PRK may not be right for you if you:

  • Have unstable vision
  • Have advanced dry eye
  • Have corneal disease
  • Have autoimmune disorders
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Want very fast recovery
  • Have very high prescriptions
  • Prefer immediate visual clarity

Your surgeon will explain alternatives if PRK isn’t suitable.

PRK vs LASIK: Which Is Better for You?

It depends on your eyes and priorities.

PRK is better if:

  • Your corneas are thin
  • You play contact sports
  • You want long-term corneal strength
  • You can manage slower recovery

LASIK is better if:

  • You want fast recovery
  • Your corneas are thick enough
  • You have minimal dry eye
  • You rely heavily on perfect vision immediately

Each has advantages, but PRK remains the gold standard for certain patients.

PRK vs SMILE: How Suitability Differs

SMILE is another flap-free procedure, but suitability differs.

PRK may be preferred if:

  • You have surface-level corneal issues
  • You have scars or irregularities
  • Your corneas are too thin for SMILE

SMILE may be preferred if:

  • You want fast recovery
  • You want a flap-free option but have thicker corneas
  • You have mild to moderate myopia

Your surgeon chooses based on corneal topology and health.

Lifestyle Factors Surgeons Consider

Your day-to-day life matters when choosing surgery.

Surgeons may ask:

  • Do you exercise frequently?
  • Do you work outside?
  • Do you wear makeup often?
  • Do you swim regularly?
  • Do you have a dusty job?
  • Do you drive at night?
  • Do you spend long hours on screens?

These lifestyle habits help determine whether PRK suits your routine.

Recovery Expectations: What Good Candidates Understand

PRK candidates should expect:

  • Mild to moderate discomfort for 3–5 days
  • Blurry vision during the first week
  • Gradual clarity over weeks
  • Full results within 1–3 months

Understanding this timeline is crucial.

How to Prepare for Your PRK Consultation

To make the most of your assessment:

  • Bring your latest prescriptions
  • Avoid wearing contact lenses before the appointment (your surgeon will advise how long)
  • Share any medication details
  • Be honest about lifestyle habits
  • Make a list of questions

A good consultation helps you feel confident and informed.

FAQs:

  1. Is PRK painful?
    Most people describe PRK as uncomfortable rather than painful. You won’t feel anything during the procedure because your surgeon numbs your eyes completely. The discomfort usually starts a few hours later, once the numbing drops wear off. You may feel a gritty or burning sensation during the first couple of days, and your vision will be blurry while the surface layer of your cornea heals. Most people say the discomfort is manageable with pain relief, cold compresses and resting your eyes. By the third or fourth day, things usually feel much easier.
  2. How long does PRK recovery take?
    PRK has a slower recovery compared with LASIK. You should expect your initial healing to take around three to five days, which is when the surface layer of your eye regenerates. During this time, your surgeon will place a bandage contact lens to protect your eye. Your vision improves gradually, not instantly, and it’s completely normal to have fluctuating clarity during the first couple of weeks. Most people feel comfortable with day-to-day tasks after a week, but the sharpest vision often settles between one and three months.
  3. Will PRK give me permanent results?
    The changes made to your cornea during PRK are permanent, so the results are long-lasting for most people. However, your eyes can still naturally change with age. For example, in your 40s you may develop presbyopia, which affects your near vision and happens to everyone, regardless of whether you’ve had laser surgery. As long as your prescription was stable before treatment and your corneal health is good, your PRK results should remain stable for many years.
  4. Is PRK safer than LASIK if I have thin corneas?
    Yes, PRK is often considered safer than LASIK when your corneas are thinner than average. This is because PRK doesn’t involve creating a flap in the cornea. By avoiding that step, the surgeon preserves more tissue, which maintains better long-term corneal strength. If your measurements show that your tissue is borderline for LASIK, PRK is usually the recommended option.
  5. Can I have PRK if I already have dry eyes?
    You can still be a good PRK candidate if your dryness is mild or moderate. Because PRK disturbs fewer corneal nerves than LASIK, many people with pre-existing dryness actually do better with PRK. If your dry eye is more severe, your surgeon may treat the dryness first with lubricants, warm compresses, lid hygiene or medicated drops. Once the surface of your eye is healthier, PRK might still be possible. Your surgeon will assess the tear film and decide the safest plan for you.
  6. When can I drive after PRK?
    Most people need to wait at least a few days before driving again, simply because vision is blurry during the early healing phase. Your surgeon will check your eyes during your first follow-up appointment, and once your vision meets the driving standard, you can resume driving. Everyone heals at a different pace, so you shouldn’t plan to drive until your surgeon confirms it’s safe.
  7. Will I need glasses after PRK?
    PRK greatly reduces your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, and many people achieve 20/20 or better. However, no laser eye surgery can guarantee total freedom from glasses forever. If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s, it’s important to remember that age-related near-vision changes will still happen later in life. You might eventually need reading glasses, even if your distance vision stays sharp. Some people choose options like monovision PRK, which your surgeon can discuss with you during your consultation.
  8. How soon can I return to work after PRK?
    This depends on the type of work you do. If your job involves screen time or desk work, you may be able to return after four to five days, although your vision may still fluctuate for a while. If your job is outdoors, physical or very dusty, you may need extra time to prevent irritation or injury during healing. Your surgeon will give you personalised advice based on your job and the condition of your eyes.
  9. Is PRK suitable if I play sports?
    PRK is one of the best laser surgery options for people who play contact sports. Because there’s no corneal flap involved, there’s no risk of flap displacement from accidental impact. Whether you’re into boxing, martial arts, football or military-style training, PRK provides long-term stability. You’ll need to avoid sports for a short healing phase, but once your surgeon clears you, you can return without worrying about flap issues.
  10. How do I know if PRK is really the right procedure for me?
    The easiest way to know is to attend a full laser eye consultation. During this visit, your surgeon will map your cornea, analyse its thickness, check your tear film, review your prescription history and assess your eye health in detail. If your eyes are healthy, your prescription is stable and your lifestyle suits the slower recovery, there’s a good chance PRK will be recommended. If not, your surgeon will guide you toward safer alternatives such as LASIK, SMILE, implantable lenses or lens replacement. The decision is always based on what works best for your eyes and your long-term vision needs.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Whether PRK Is Truly Right for You

Deciding whether PRK is the right procedure for you isn’t just about wanting clearer vision it’s about making sure your eyes, lifestyle and long-term expectations all line up with what PRK offers. Once you understand the suitability factors like prescription stability, corneal health, dryness levels and recovery timelines, it becomes much easier to feel confident about your next step.

You’ll be able to speak directly with a specialist who can assess your eyes, talk you through the expected results and answer any concerns you might have. It’s completely normal to have questions before committing to laser eye surgery, and getting personalised guidance can make your decision much clearer. With the right assessment and honest advice, you’ll know exactly what to expect both from the procedure and the recovery so you can move forward with confidence. If you’d like to find out whether PRK surgery in London is suitable for you, feel free to contact us at Eye Clinic London to arrange a consultation.

References:

  1. Serrao, S., Lombardo, M. & Lombardo, G. (2020). Corneal Biomechanics After PRK and LASIK. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(5), p. 1483. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/5/1483
  2. Kanellopoulos, AJ. (2019). Long-term Stability in PRK vs LASIK. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(6), p. 836. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/6/836
  3. Netto, MV., Mohan, RR. & Ambrosio, R. (2006). Wound healing after PRK and LASIK. Journal of Refractive Surgery, 22(7), pp. S62–S70. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16822096/
  4. Moshirfar, M., Shah, TJ. & Skanchy, DF. (2017). Comparison of LASIK, PRK, and SMILE Outcomes. Clinical Ophthalmology, 11, pp. 2011–2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29158629/
  5. Kalyvianaki, MI. & Aslanides, IM. (2013). PRK vs LASIK: A Prospective Comparative Study. Clinical Ophthalmology, 7, pp. 2289–2297. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3832804/