What Is the Success Rate of PRK Surgery?

As someone who has seen many people compare PRK with LASIK, SMILE and other laser options, I can tell you that the biggest concern tends to be accuracy. You want to know how sharp your vision will be, how long the results last and what the chances are of needing a second procedure. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to understand about PRK’s success rate, from studies and statistics to what influences outcomes, and how it compares with LASIK.

What Makes PRK Such a Successful Procedure?

PRK is actually the original version of modern laser vision correction and it still performs exceptionally well today. Although LASIK later became more popular because of the faster recovery, PRK remains the preferred option for many patients, especially those with thin corneas, dry eyes or lifestyles where flap-related injuries are a concern.

Here’s why PRK continues to be successful decades after its introduction:

  • It reshapes the cornea with exceptional precision
  • There is no corneal flap, so long-term structural integrity is excellent
  • The treatment zone can be customised for your exact prescription
  • Modern technology has significantly improved accuracy
  • Results tend to be extremely stable over time

When you look at long-term data, PRK consistently delivers excellent outcomes.

So, What Is the Actual Success Rate of PRK Surgery?

This is the question most people want answered and the numbers are incredibly reassuring.

Modern PRK success rates:

  • 92–98% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
  • 99%+ achieve 20/40 vision (enough to pass driving standards)
  • Less than 5% need any enhancement
  • Long-term stability is extremely high

These percentages can vary slightly based on prescription strength, corneal shape, healing response and surgeon experience, but overall the results are consistently strong.

Is PRK as Good as LASIK? The Data Says Yes

Many people assume LASIK is “better” because the recovery is faster. But when you look at long-term results, PRK and LASIK are almost identical in overall success.

When comparing outcomes, both procedures deliver excellent vision. PRK achieves 20/20 vision in about 92–98% of patients, while LASIK reaches around 96–99%. The need for enhancement is low for both typically 2–5% for PRK and 1–3% for LASIK. Long-term stability and safety are extremely high with either option.

However, PRK has some unique advantages. It has a lower risk of dry eye, and because it doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap, it eliminates flap-related complications entirely something LASIK still carries, even if the risk is small.

These differences explain why many surgeons still recommend PRK, especially if you:

  • Have thin corneas
  • Play contact sports
  • Have dry eyes
  • Have irregular corneal measurements
  • Have job-related restrictions

PRK provides the same high success rate as LASIK, and for certain patients, its long-term stability can be even better.

What PRK Success Really Means: Breaking Down the Results

Success in PRK is more than just getting 20/20 vision. Let’s break down what the procedure is actually designed to improve.

Visual Acuity (Clarity of Vision)

This is usually the main measure of success.

The majority of patients reach 20/20 vision, and almost all achieve at least 20/40 the driving standard in most countries. Higher prescriptions may end up with 20/25 or 20/30, which still provides excellent uncorrected vision for daily life.

Long-Term Stability

Unlike LASIK, where rare flap issues can cause complications decades later, PRK remains stable because the cornea isn’t structurally altered with a flap.

This is why:

  • Military pilots
  • MMA fighters
  • Boxers
  • Swimmers
  • Rugby players

often choose PRK for maximum stability.

Safety and Complication Rates

PRK has extremely low complication rates.

Complications occur in less than 1–2% of cases, and most are temporary issues related to healing, such as:

  • Dryness
  • Glare
  • Haze (rare with modern PRK)
  • Night halos

These usually resolve as the surface heals.

Predictability

Modern custom PRK uses highly advanced mapping technology, which allows the laser to create a customised treatment pattern based on your exact eye shape.

This level of precision significantly boosts the success rate.

Factors That Influence PRK Success

Even though PRK has an excellent track record, there are a few things that influence the final outcome. Understanding these helps you predict your own results more accurately.

Your Prescription Strength

Lower and moderate prescriptions usually achieve the best accuracy.

Success by prescription type:

  • Mild myopia (-1 to -3D): 98% reach 20/20
  • Moderate myopia (-3 to -6D): 95% reach 20/20
  • High myopia (-6D and above): 85–92% reach close to 20/20
  • Astigmatism (up to 4D): Excellent correction with modern PRK

Even with higher prescriptions, PRK remains highly effective, though you may need a small enhancement later.

Corneal Health and Thickness

PRK is ideal if you have thin corneas because it preserves corneal structure, but extremely thin or irregular corneas may reduce precision.

Your surgeon will perform a corneal mapping scan before recommending treatment.

Healing Response

Everyone heals differently.

Most people heal smoothly, but slower healers may notice longer initial dryness or temporary visual fluctuations. These don’t usually affect success just the speed of recovery.

Age

Younger adults (18–40) tend to achieve the highest precision.

After 40, presbyopia (age-related near vision changes) becomes a factor. The distance vision success rate is still very high, but you may still need reading glasses.

Adherence to Aftercare

Aftercare is crucial for success.

You must follow instructions like:

  • Using prescribed drops
  • Avoiding rubbing your eyes
  • Wearing protective shields
  • Avoiding dust, smoke and sweat exposure
  • Not wearing eye makeup for the recommended period

Good aftercare leads to faster healing and more stable results.

Surgeon Skill and Technology

This is one of the biggest factors and a highly experienced PRK surgeon using the latest technology can significantly improve accuracy.

How Long PRK Results Last

This is another key measure of success.

PRK results are considered permanent.

The cornea shape does not regress unless you:

  • Have age-related changes
  • Develop a new prescription
  • Experience hormonal or medical conditions that affect vision

For most people, PRK results last forever, with only normal age-related changes appearing later in life.

What Percentage of PRK Patients Need Enhancements?

Enhancements mean an additional laser procedure performed later to fine-tune vision.

PRK enhancement rate: 2–5%

This is similar to LASIK.

Most enhancements are done because:

  • Prescription was very high
  • The cornea takes longer to stabilise
  • Healing causes slight irregularities
  • Vision settles slightly off target

Enhancement procedures also have extremely high success rates.

PRK Success Rates for Different Conditions

Let’s look at how PRK performs across different refractive errors.

Short-Sightedness (Myopia)

This is where PRK performs best.

  • Up to -6D: Outstanding results
  • -6D to -10D: Very good results with slightly higher chance of enhancement

Because PRK preserves corneal structure, it’s often safer for high prescriptions than LASIK.

Long-Sightedness (Hyperopia)

PRK is effective but slightly less predictable than for myopia.

Success rates are still high, but enhancements may be more common.

Astigmatism

Modern PRK handles astigmatism extremely well.

Using topographic-guided treatments, surgeons can reshape the cornea with outstanding precision.

  • Success rate for mild-to-moderate astigmatism: 90–98%
  • For high astigmatism: 85–92%

Still highly successful.

Is PRK Safer Than LASIK?

Both PRK and LASIK are incredibly safe, but PRK has one unique advantage:

PRK involves no flap.

This eliminates flap-related risks such as:

  • Flap displacement
  • Air pockets
  • Wrinkles
  • Trauma-related complications

For athletes, military personnel, police officers or anyone exposed to impact risks, PRK is often recommended as the safer choice.

Does PRK Have Lower Dry Eye Risk?

Yes, PRK has a significantly lower dry eye risk than LASIK.

That’s another reason why many people choose PRK over LASIK, especially if they already suffer from dryness.

Does PRK Success Depend on Pain or Recovery Speed?

No success is measured by final visual outcome, not the speed of early healing.

What PRK patients must understand:

  • Recovery is slower
  • Vision may fluctuate during healing
  • The final results are just as good as LASIK

If you’re patient during the initial healing period, the long-term success is excellent.

Common Myths About PRK Success Rates

Myth 1: PRK is outdated

Not true PRK uses modern lasers and technology just like LASIK.

Myth 2: PRK results are worse than LASIK

False the long-term results are virtually identical.

Myth 3: PRK causes corneal haze

Extremely rare now due to advanced technology and medication.

Myth 4: PRK is only for people with thin corneas

Incorrect many people choose PRK for safety and stability.

FAQs:

  1. How successful is PRK surgery overall?
    PRK surgery has one of the strongest long-term success records in laser eye treatments. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision, and nearly everyone reaches at least the driving standard of 20/40. Its accuracy is well-proven in both low and high prescriptions, and the results are stable for decades because the procedure does not involve a corneal flap. The combination of predictable visual outcomes, long-term stability, and excellent safety makes PRK a consistently successful procedure.
  2. How does PRK compare to LASIK in terms of success rate?
    When comparing PRK and LASIK, the long-term vision outcomes are almost identical. LASIK tends to offer a quicker recovery, but PRK matches it in clarity, stability, and overall predictability once healing is complete. Many studies show that PRK delivers 20/20 vision in a similar percentage of patients as LASIK, and both have very low enhancement rates. The main difference is that PRK avoids flap-related risks, making it safer for certain lifestyles.
  3. How long do PRK results last?
    PRK results are designed to be permanent. Once the cornea heals and stabilises, the new shape created by the laser remains stable for life unless natural age-related changes occur, such as presbyopia in the 40s or cataracts much later. The long-term durability of PRK is one of the main reasons it is preferred for people who need maximum structural stability, including athletes and individuals in high-impact professions.
  4. Will I need an enhancement after PRK?
    Most PRK patients never need an enhancement, but a small percentage may benefit from a secondary procedure later. Enhancements are typically considered if the original prescription was very high or if the eye heals slightly differently than expected. Even when enhancements are needed, they are straightforward, effective, and provide excellent results when performed after the cornea fully stabilizes.
  5. Why do some surgeons prefer PRK over LASIK?
    Surgeons often recommend PRK because it maintains the natural strength of the cornea by avoiding the creation of a flap. This makes the procedure safer for people with thin corneas, irregular corneal measurements, or professions where eye trauma is a possibility. PRK can also be a better option for those who already experience dryness, since it disrupts fewer corneal nerves and reduces dry-eye symptoms after surgery.
  6. Does PRK cause more pain or discomfort than LASIK?
    PRK does involve more early discomfort than LASIK because the surface layer of the cornea needs several days to regenerate. During this time, patients may feel irritation, sensitivity to light, or fluctuating vision. However, this discomfort is temporary and does not affect the final success of the procedure. Once complete healing occurs, the visual results are just as sharp and stable as LASIK.
  7. Is PRK safe for people with high prescriptions?
    PRK is considered very safe for high prescriptions and is often preferred over LASIK for this reason. Because PRK removes less corneal tissue and does not involve a flap, it preserves more structural integrity, which is beneficial when treating stronger degrees of myopia or astigmatism. Many high-prescription patients achieve excellent results, although some may have a slightly higher chance of needing an enhancement.
  8. Does PRK increase the risk of dry eyes?
    PRK actually has a lower risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK. Since no flap is created, fewer nerves responsible for tear production are affected. This allows the tear film to recover more naturally during healing. People who already struggle with dryness often find PRK a more comfortable option because it minimizes the severity of dry-eye symptoms after surgery.
  9. What affects the final outcome of PRK?
    The success of PRK depends on several individual factors, including prescription strength, corneal shape, healing speed, age, and the technology used by the surgeon. A person with a stable prescription, healthy corneas, and good healing habits is likely to achieve the most precise outcome. Following aftercare instructions closely, using prescribed drops correctly, and avoiding eye rubbing or environmental irritants also contribute directly to the final clarity and stability of vision.
  10. Is PRK still relevant with modern LASIK and SMILE technology available?
    PRK remains highly relevant and widely performed even with newer technologies in the market. The reason is that each laser procedure is suitable for different eye types, and PRK continues to excel in situations where maximum safety and corneal stability are essential. Many surgeons still prefer PRK for athletes, military personnel, swimmers, and individuals with thin corneas. Modern PRK uses advanced lasers and mapping systems, making it just as precise and effective as the latest LASIK and SMILE methods.

Final Thought: PRK Success Rates

PRK continues to be one of the most stable and reliable forms of laser vision correction, offering excellent long-term clarity, precision, and safety especially for individuals with thin corneas, active lifestyles, or higher prescriptions. Its decades-long track record, combined with modern custom laser technology, makes it a strong alternative to LASIK with equally impressive visual outcomes.

If you’re considering PRK surgery in London and want to know if it’s the right option, you’re welcome to reach out to us at Eye Clinic London to book a consultation. You can also learn more about the procedure through our dedicated page for a detailed overview of how PRK works, what to expect, and whether it’s the best fit for your vision goals.

References:

  1. Shojaei, A., Mohammad-Rabei, H., Eslani, M., Elahi, B. & Noorizadeh, F. (2009). Long-Term Evaluation of Complications and Results of Photorefractive Keratectomy in Myopia: An 8-Year Follow-Up. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, 35(10), pp.1786-1791. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19387232/
  2. O’Brart, D., Rajan, M., Jaycock, P., & PERK Study Group (2004). A long-term prospective study of photorefractive keratectomy; 12-year follow-up. Ophthalmology, 111(10), pp.1813–1824. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15465541/
  3. Seven, I., Lloyd, J.S. & Dupps, W.J. (2020). Differences in Simulated Refractive Outcomes of Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) for Myopia in Same-Eye Virtual Trials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 287. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/1/287
  4. García-Lázaro, S., López-de-la-Urz, A., Berra, M., Sánchez-Martínez, M., et al. (2020). Long Term Follow-Up Safety and Effectiveness of Myopia Refractive Surgery. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(23), 8729. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/23/8729
  5. Diakonis, V.F., Kankariya, V.P., Kymionis, G.D., Kounis, G., Kontadakis, G., Grentzelos, M.A., et al. (2014). Long Term Follow-Up of Photorefractive Keratectomy with Adjuvant Use of Mitomycin C. Journal of Ophthalmology, 2014, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4020169/