PRK surgery and boxing: What fighters need to know

If you're a boxer, MMA athlete or someone who enjoys high-contact sports, you're likely familiar with the challenges that come with glasses or contact lenses. Laser vision correction is an option many fighters consider to stay competitive. But which procedure is best when your sport involves getting hit in the face?

In this blog, we explore whether PRK surgery is a safer choice for boxers compared to LASIK, what recovery looks like, and how to know if you're suitable for surgery.

To learn more about the procedure, visit our PRK Surgery Brisbane page.

PRK vs LASIK for fighters: Which is safer?

Boxers and MMA athletes have a higher risk of direct trauma to the face. For this reason, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is often the preferred option over LASIK.

LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea. This flap can become dislodged in high-contact situations—even months or years after surgery. In contrast, PRK does not involve a flap. Instead, the surface layer of the cornea is gently removed and allowed to grow back naturally during recovery¹https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik#efficacy.

This makes PRK a safer, more durable option for anyone at high risk of ocular injury.

Risks of eye surgery in combat sports

Any surgery comes with risks. For athletes in contact sports, the key risk with laser eye surgery is trauma to the eye during recovery or after healing.

With PRK, the risk of flap-related complications is eliminated. However, trauma to the eye during the recovery phase could still affect healing²https://www.allaboutvision.com/treatments-and-surgery/vision-surgery/lasik/prk-vs-lasik/.

Your surgeon will advise you on how to reduce risk after your procedure and when it's safe to resume contact.

PRK recovery: When can you train and spar again?

Recovery from PRK takes longer than LASIK, but it provides a more stable outcome for fighters. Here’s what a typical timeline looks like:

• Week 1: No training. Eyes may be light-sensitive and blurry
• Weeks 2–3: Light cardio may be allowed. Avoid sweat near the eyes
• Week 4: You may be cleared to resume sparring or pad work if healing is on track
• After 4–6 weeks: Return to full-contact training, with your surgeon’s approval³ https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/prk-recovery-time-what-to-expect/.

Healing varies between individuals. Follow-up appointments help ensure your eyes are recovering properly before returning to contact.

Can you box after laser eye surgery?

Yes, many athletes return to full-contact sports after laser eye surgery. PRK is particularly suited to boxers and martial artists because of its flap-free design.

It allows you to train, spar, and compete without worrying about dislodging a corneal flap—something that could happen with LASIK if struck hard enough.

Which laser eye surgery is best for combat sports?

PRK is often the best choice for fighters⁴https://www.allaboutvision.com/treatments-and-surgery/vision-surgery/lasik/prk-vs-lasik/ because:

• It has no flap that could be damaged later
• It offers long-term stability
• It is approved for military and defence personnel for similar reasons⁵https://www.smh.com.au/national/laser-surgery-for-our-sas-troops-fighting-terrorism-20041226-gdkdt1.html.

Final thoughts

PRK is a strong option for vision correction in contact sports like boxing and MMA. While recovery takes a bit longer, it offers peace of mind and long-term results with less risk of complications in the ring.

Whether you're a professional fighter or a weekend warrior, you don’t need to be held back by glasses or contact lenses.

Take the PRK suitability self-test to find out if you're a candidate.