How Long Does PRK Surgery Take? Step-by-Step Timeline

As someone who speaks with many people thinking about laser vision correction, I know how reassuring it is to know exactly what will happen on the day of your treatment. When you understand the sequence, the timings and how smoothly everything flows, it becomes easier to relax and feel confident. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the complete PRK surgery timeline from arrival at the clinic to the moment you go home and break down how long each stage takes so you know exactly what to expect.

How Long Does PRK Surgery Take in Total?

Let’s start with the simplest answer: PRK surgery usually takes 10–15 minutes per eye, and sometimes even less.

Full timeline breakdown:

  • Surgery time: 5–10 minutes per eye
  • Laser time: 20–60 seconds
  • Preparation time: 10–15 minutes
  • Immediate recovery after: 10–20 minutes
  • Total time at clinic: 1–2 hours

So although PRK recovery is longer than LASIK, the actual procedure is quick and efficient.

Why PRK Surgery Is So Fast

PRK uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. This laser is extremely precise and works incredibly quickly often completing treatment in under a minute.

Two reasons PRK is fast:

  1. The laser reshaping time is very short
  2. There’s no corneal flap creation (unlike LASIK), so one entire step is removed

This means your time in the chair is only a few minutes per eye.

What Happens on the Day of PRK Surgery? A Step-by-Step Timeline

Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the full PRK experience so you feel prepared and confident.

Step 1: Arrival at the Clinic (0 minutes)

When you arrive, the team will check you in and make sure you’re comfortable.
Most clinics recommend arriving 30 minutes before your procedure.

You may be asked to remove contact lenses, jewellery or makeup if you haven’t already.

Step 2: Final Eye Checks and Measurements (10–20 minutes)

Even though your full suitability assessment will have been done earlier, your surgeon will repeat a few key tests to confirm consistency.

These may include:

  • Corneal thickness measurement
  • Prescription confirmation
  • Pupil size
  • Tear film assessment

This ensures the laser settings are 100% accurate.

Step 3: Numbing Eye Drops (1–2 minutes)

– Anaesthetic drops are placed into your eyes to numb the surface.

– They work quickly, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

You remain fully awake but extremely comfortable.

Step 4: Preparing the Treatment Area (2–3 minutes)

You’ll be taken to the laser suite and positioned comfortably on the treatment bed.

The team will:

  • Clean your eyelids
  • Apply a small device to keep your eyes gently open
  • Ask you to focus on a target light

This part is simple and painless.

Step 5: Removal of the Surface Layer (Epithelium) (10–20 seconds)

This is the key difference between PRK and LASIK.

In PRK:

– The surgeon gently removes the thin surface layer of the cornea.

– This exposes the area where the laser will reshape your vision.

You don’t feel any of this because of the numbing drops.

Step 6: Laser Reshaping (20–60 seconds per eye)

This is the most important part of the procedure and it is incredibly fast.

During this step:

  • You look at a blinking or fixed light
  • The laser reshapes your cornea
  • You hear clicking sounds, which are completely normal
  • The laser tracks your eye movements automatically

The whole reshaping process usually takes less than one minute per eye.

Once the laser is finished, the correction is complete.

Step 7: Rinsing and Placement of a Bandage Contact Lens (1–2 minutes)

After the laser, the surgeon will apply a cool saline rinse to calm the cornea.

Then they will:

  • Place a clear “bandage contact lens” over your eye
  • Protect the surface as the epithelium heals
  • Reduce discomfort during the first few days

You’ll keep these lenses in place for around 3–5 days.

Step 8: Repeat for the Other Eye (5–10 minutes)

The same steps are repeated for your second eye if you’re having both treated.

Some people choose to treat one eye at a time, but most have both done on the same day.

Step 9: Immediate Post-Surgery Rest (10–20 minutes)

You’ll rest in a calm recovery area while the team checks your eyes again.

During this time:

  • You’ll receive instructions
  • Your surgeon may check your bandage lenses
  • You’ll be given your eye drops
  • You may wear sunglasses to reduce sensitivity

You can go home soon after, provided someone accompanies you.

The Full PRK Surgery Treatment Timeline

Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens during your PRK procedure from start to finish:

  • You arrive at the clinic and check in (0 minutes).
  • Final assessments and confirmations are done, which usually take 10–20 minutes.
  • Numbing drops are applied to your eyes, taking 1–2 minutes.
  • The team prepares your eyes for treatment, which takes another 2–3 minutes.
  • The epithelium (surface layer) is gently removed in about 10–20 seconds.
  • The laser reshapes your cornea, typically 20–60 seconds per eye.
  • A protective bandage contact lens is placed, taking 1–2 minutes.
  • The same steps are repeated for the second eye, usually 5–10 minutes.
  • After the procedure, you receive aftercare instructions and rest for 10–20 minutes.

Overall, your total time at the clinic is usually around 1–2 hours.

How Long Does PRK Recovery Take Compared to Surgery Time?

Many people are surprised by how quick PRK surgery is compared with the recovery.

Surgery: 10–15 minutes per eye

Recovery: 1–3 months for full clarity, although functional vision returns much sooner.

This difference is why it’s so helpful to understand the full recovery timeline.

What Happens Immediately After PRK Surgery?

You won’t be able to drive, and your eyes may feel:

  • Watery
  • Light-sensitive
  • Slightly gritty
  • Blurry

This is normal and expected.

The first 3–5 days are the most delicate, as the epithelium regrows.

The First 24 Hours:

– You’ll likely want to rest.
– Most people prefer to close their eyes or nap.

Vision will still be quite blurry, and that is completely normal.

Day 2 to Day 4:

– This is usually the most uncomfortable stage, and the clinic will prepare you with drops and medications so you feel comfortable.

– Vision may fluctuate a lot during this time.

Day 5: Bandage Lenses Removed:

– Most clinics remove the protective lenses between day 3 and day 5.

– You’ll feel more comfortable once they’re removed.

Week 1 to Week 2:

– Vision becomes much clearer.
– Light sensitivity reduces.
– Everyday activities become easier.

You should still avoid:

  • Swimming
  • Heavy workouts
  • Eye makeup
  • Rubbing your eyes

Month 1:

– Vision continues to stabilise.

– You may still have mild fluctuations, especially at night.

Month 3:

– Most people reach their final visual outcome.

– This is where the success rate becomes very clear.

Why PRK Sometimes Takes Slightly Longer Than LASIK

You may wonder why recovery takes longer even though surgery time is so short.

The reason is simple:

– PRK involves removing the corneal surface layer (epithelium), which must regenerate.

– This is what creates the longer healing period.

But the actual laser reshaping the part that improves your vision is identical to LASIK and just as precise.

How Long Will You Be at the Clinic on the Day of Surgery?

Most clinics recommend planning to be there for around 1–2 hours.

Most clinics advise patients to plan for a total visit of around one to two hours on the day of their PRK surgery. This timeframe includes every part of the process, from the initial preparations to the short recovery period immediately after the procedure. When you arrive, you’ll first go through a brief check-in and a final review of your medical details. After that, the team will carry out pre-surgery checks and confirm that all measurements taken earlier are still accurate.

Once everything is verified, you’ll be guided into the treatment room, where the actual surgery takes place. Even though the laser portion is extremely quick, the staff will take their time ensuring you are comfortable, relaxed, and fully prepared. After the procedure is complete, you’ll spend a short period in a recovery area. During this time, the team will assess your eyes, provide protective eyewear if needed, and explain the aftercare routine you must follow at home.

Before leaving, you’ll receive your prescribed eye drops, written instructions, and advice on what to expect over the next few days. Since you won’t be able to drive afterward due to blurred vision and light sensitivity, it’s essential to arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you and help you get home safely.

What Affects the Length of PRK Surgery?

Even though PRK is quick, a few things can influence the exact timing.

Your Prescription: Higher prescriptions may require a few more seconds of laser time.

Surgeon Technique: Some surgeons use slightly different steps for epithelium removal.

Technology Used:

Newer lasers are:

  • Faster
  • More precise
  • More comfortable

This can reduce laser time even further.

Whether You Treat One or Both Eyes

Treating both eyes usually adds 5–10 minutes.

What You Can Do to Make the Day Smoother

Prepare ahead of time:

  • Wear comfortable clothes
  • Avoid makeup or skincare around the eyes
  • Don’t wear contact lenses before surgery (your clinic will advise how long)
  • Arrange a lift home
  • Bring sunglasses

These simple steps make the whole process easier.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How long does the PRK procedure itself take?
    The actual PRK procedure is surprisingly quick, usually taking about ten to fifteen minutes per eye from start to finish. The laser portion, which reshapes the cornea, typically lasts less than a minute, while the rest of the time is spent preparing the eye, removing the thin surface layer, and placing the protective bandage lens. Even though the full appointment lasts one to two hours, the time spent in the treatment room is very short.
  2. Why does the recovery take longer even though the surgery is so fast?
    Recovery takes longer because PRK involves removing the epithelium, the thin surface layer of the cornea. This layer needs time to regenerate naturally, which can take several days and is the main reason patients experience discomfort and blurry vision at first. While the laser work is quick, the eye’s healing process is what determines the length of recovery, not the duration of the surgery itself.
  3. Does the speed of PRK surgery affect its safety or results?
    The speed of PRK does not compromise results. The short treatment time reflects the efficiency of modern excimer laser technology, which reshapes the cornea with extraordinary precision. Because the laser tracks eye movements automatically and removes tissue with micrometre accuracy, the outcomes are consistently high, and the quick procedure time is simply a reflection of the technology’s capability.
  4. Will I feel anything during the surgery?
    You will not feel pain during PRK because numbing drops are applied before the procedure begins. These drops work quickly and keep the eye comfortable throughout the process. Patients often describe feeling only mild pressure or awareness that the surgeon is working on the eye, but no sharp or painful sensations occur.
  5. Do both eyes take the same amount of time to treat?
    Yes, both eyes generally take the same amount of time to complete. After the first eye is treated, the team simply repeats the exact steps for the second. The only variation may come from minor differences in prescription or individual anatomy, but such differences usually affect only a few seconds of laser time.
  6. How long will I spend at the clinic on surgery day?
    Most people spend between one and two hours at the clinic. This time includes checking in, final measurements, preparation, the surgery itself, and the immediate recovery period. Even though the surgical portion is short, the clinic ensures you have enough time before and after the procedure to feel informed, calm, and ready to go home safely.
  7. When will I be able to drive again after PRK?
    Driving is usually possible between five and ten days after PRK, depending on how quickly your eyes heal and when your vision meets legal requirements. The epithelium needs time to regenerate, and vision can fluctuate during the early days, so your surgeon will confirm when it’s safe for you to get back behind the wheel.
  8. How soon can I return to work after PRK surgery?
    Most people take between three and seven days off work after PRK. The exact timing depends on how quickly your discomfort settles, how soon your vision clears enough for your job duties, and whether your work involves screen time or detailed tasks. While some people recover faster, it’s best to give yourself several days to rest.
  9. Does a higher prescription affect how long PRK surgery takes?
    A higher prescription can add a small amount of laser time, but the difference is minimal. The excimer laser removes tissue in micrometre-thin layers, so even moderately high prescriptions usually require only a few additional seconds. Whether your prescription is mild or strong, the overall surgery time remains fast and efficient.
  10. Can anything make the surgery take longer than usual?
    The surgery itself rarely takes longer than expected because modern PRK protocols are highly standardised. The only factors that may slightly extend the timeline include variations in surgeon technique, additional cleansing of the corneal surface, or patient movement that requires the laser to pause automatically. These moments are normal and do not affect the quality of the final result.

Final Thought: Is PRK the Right Choice for You?

If you’re considering vision correction and want a clearer understanding of the procedure, knowing the full PRK timeline can make the entire experience feel far more predictable and reassuring. The surgery itself is remarkably fast, with only a few minutes of laser time per eye, while the rest of your visit focuses on preparation, comfort, and ensuring a smooth recovery. Although PRK takes longer to heal than LASIK, its precision, safety, and long-term stability make it an excellent option for many people especially those with thin corneas, active lifestyles, or concerns about flap-based procedures. If you’re exploring whether PRK surgery in London could benefit you, get in touch with us at Eye Clinic London to schedule your consultation.

References:

  1. Kamiya, K., Shimizu, K. & Igarashi, A. (2019) ‘Predictability and safety of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for myopia’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(3), p. 289. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/3/289
  2. Shetty, R., Nagaraj, H., Jayadev, C., Kurian, M. & Nuijts, R.M.M.A. (2013) ‘Wavefront-guided vs. topography-guided PRK: clinical outcomes’, Clinical Ophthalmology, MDPI Edition, 7, pp. 1063–1071. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9721/7/3/1063
  3. Fadlallah, A. et al. (2011) ‘Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy: clinical results’, Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, 37(10), pp. 1852–1857. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3209770/
  4. Gauthier-Fournet, O. et al. (2016) ‘Long-term outcomes of PRK and LASIK’, International Journal of Ophthalmology, 9(4), pp. 610–614. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4832484/
  5. O’Brart, D.P.S. (2016) ‘Modern photorefractive keratectomy: safety, efficacy and stability’, Eye, 30(2), pp. 245–262. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26769106/