Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is an established surface ablation laser vision correction method that remains a popular option, especially for those with thin or irregular corneas. Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn't involve the creation of a corneal flap, making it suitable for patients who may not qualify for LASIK. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and the underlying tissue is reshaped using an excimer laser.

"At our state-of-the-art eye care centre in Delhi, we provide a comprehensive range of PRK procedures, including the latest Trans PRK (touchless PRK) and Topo-Guided PRK, to ensure the highest level of precision, comfort, and visual outcomes."
- No Corneal Flap: Ideal for individuals with thin corneas or those who want to avoid flap-related complications.
- Safer for Active Lifestyles: No risk of corneal flap displacement, making PRK better suited for individuals involved in contact sports or other activities with a higher risk of eye trauma.
- Good for Thin Corneas: PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas who may not qualify for LASIK.
- Long-Term Stability: PRK provides stable, long-lasting visual outcomes with minimal risk of regression over time.
Specific Advantages of Trans PRK:
- Completely Touchless: Reduces the risk of infection and ensures faster healing of the epithelial layer.
- Enhanced Comfort: Minimizes manual intervention for a more comfortable experience.
Specific Advantages of Topo-Guided PRK:
- Customized Treatment: Tailored to the unique corneal topography of each patient, leading to better results, particularly for those with irregular corneas or previous corneal surgery.
- Superior Visual Quality: Improves contrast sensitivity and reduces higher-order aberrations, leading to sharper, clearer vision.
PRK surgery is quick and painless, but the recovery process is longer than LASIK due to the epithelial healing. Here's the step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Epithelial Removal
In standard PRK, the surgeon gently removes the thin outer layer of the cornea. In Trans PRK, the excimer laser performs the epithelial removal for a completely touchless experience.

Step 2: Corneal Reshaping
The excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea to correct the refractive error. For Topo-Guided PRK, the reshaping is customized to the specific topography of the patient’s cornea.

Step 3: Bandage Contact Lens Placement
A soft bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect it during the epithelial regeneration process, which takes about 3-5 days.

PRK has a longer recovery period than LASIK because the epithelium needs time to regenerate. Here’s what to expect during recovery:
- Discomfort:
Patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort, light sensitivity, and a gritty feeling in the eye during the first 2-3 days post-surgery. Discomfort lasts longer in PRK compared to LASIK.
- Visual Recovery:
Initial improvement in vision can be noticed within a week, but full recovery may take several weeks to months. While PRK has a longer recovery period, it provides excellent long-term results.
- Healing Process:
The epithelial layer heals within 3-5 days. During this time, patients are advised to use prescribed medications to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
Both PRK and LASIK are used to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Here’s how PRK differs from LASIK:
PRK:
- No Corneal Flap: Instead of creating a flap, the outer epithelial layer is removed to access and reshape the cornea.
- Ideal for Thin Corneas: PRK is ideal for patients with thin corneas or those who may not be good candidates for LASIK.
- Longer Recovery: Because the epithelial layer needs time to regenerate, recovery is slower and can involve more discomfort than LASIK.
LASIK:
- Corneal Flap Creation: LASIK involves the creation of a thin flap on the cornea, which is lifted to reshape the underlying tissue.
- Faster Visual Recovery: LASIK provides quicker recovery, with many patients achieving clear vision within 24–48 hours.
- Less Post-Operative Discomfort: LASIK is generally associated with less discomfort post-surgery due to the corneal flap.
Standard PRK
Standard PRK involves the removal of the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium), followed by reshaping the cornea with the excimer laser to correct refractive errors.
Benefits
- Suitable for patients with thin or irregular corneas.
- Ideal for individuals at risk of eye trauma, as no flap is created.
- Long-term stability and reliable outcomes.
Trans PRK (Touchless PRK)
In Trans PRK, both the removal of the epithelial layer and the reshaping of the cornea are performed by the excimer laser, making it a completely touchless procedure. This method improves precision, reduces discomfort, and shortens surgical time.
Benefits
- Touchless epithelial removal for greater comfort.
- Reduced risk of infection or contamination.
- Faster healing of the epithelial layer compared to traditional PRK.
Topo-Guided PRK
Topo-Guided PRK is an advanced, customized version of PRK that uses detailed topography (mapping) of the cornea to guide the laser treatment. It is particularly effective for patients with corneal irregularities or higher-order aberrations that cannot be corrected with standard PRK.
Benefits
- Customization: Each treatment is tailored to the unique curvature and irregularities of the patient’s cornea.
- Enhanced Visual Outcomes: Topo-guided PRK can significantly improve visual quality, particularly for patients with irregular astigmatism or other corneal abnormalities.
- Improved Contrast Sensitivity: Patients often experience better contrast sensitivity and sharper vision after topo-guided treatment.
- Ideal for patients with irregular corneal surfaces or who have previously undergone corneal surgery.
To determine if PRK is the right procedure for you, our specialists will conduct a thorough evaluation, including corneal mapping and assessment of your refractive error and overall eye health.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Thin or irregular corneas.
- Stable prescription for at least one year.
- No history of corneal disease or eye infections.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active eye infections or inflammation.
- Severe dry eyes or autoimmune conditions.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Who Powers be Treated?
- Nearsightedness: 0 to –12 dpt*
- Farsightedness: 0 to +6 dpt*
- Astigmatism: 0 to +3 dpt*
(The diopter range is defined by the approval of laser devices from different manufactures and may vary)
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we use state-of-the-art technology for refractive surgery to ensure precise, safe, and effective outcomes. Below are the key devices utilized in our procedures.
MEL 80 Excimer Laser-Workhorse Excimer Laser System
The MEL 80 is a cutting-edge excimer laser system designed for performing laser vision correction procedures like LASIK and PRK with unparalleled precision.
Advantages
- High-Speed Ablation: Reduces treatment time for enhanced patient comfort and faster recovery.
- Wavefront-Optimized Treatments: Customizes the laser application to each patient’s eye, minimizing visual aberrations and improving night vision.
- Thermal Control Technology: Ensures minimal corneal heating, reducing the risk of complications and improving post-surgical healing.


Oculus Pentacam – Gold Standard Tomography
The Oculus Pentacam is an advanced diagnostic device that provides comprehensive imaging of the cornea and anterior segment, crucial for pre-surgical evaluations and post-operative monitoring. The device is first of its kind to be capable of detailing posterior corneal surface amking it gold standard for decision making in laser refractive procedure.
Advantages
- Detailed Corneal Analysis: Measures corneal thickness, curvature, and elevation to detect abnormalities like keratoconus or irregular astigmatism.
- 3D Anterior Segment Imaging: Offers a complete view of the eye's front structures, aiding in customized treatment planning.
- Safety Screening: Helps identify patients who may not be suitable candidates for refractive surgery, ensuring safe and effective outcomes.
Why Mahajan Eye Centre?
Expertise and Experience
Our experienced surgeons have been performing SPRK surgeries for decades, ensuring high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Advanced Technology
Our investment in latest technology (Zeiss Mel Excimer Laser System, Pentacam etc.) enables us to provide safer, precise, and efficient surgeries.
Personalized Care
We customize every aspect of your PRK surgery, from pre-surgical measurements to selecting the procedure that best suits your lifestyle and vision needs.
Comprehensive Post-Op Care
Our team will guide you through a smooth recovery process, ensuring that any post-surgery issues are promptly addressed as needed.
