Who is eligible for PRK surgery?

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It’s an option for people looking to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses, particularly those who may not be eligible for LASIK.

In this article, we explore who is eligible for PRK surgery, what makes someone a good candidate, and how PRK compares to LASIK. If you're considering laser eye surgery, take the first step and complete our PRK suitability self-test.

Who is an ideal candidate for PRK surgery?

To be considered for PRK surgery, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have had a stable prescription for at least 12 months
• Be in good general health
• Have healthy eyes, free from conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eye disease

PRK is especially suited for:

• People with thin corneas who may not be good candidates for LASIK
• Those who play contact sports or work in high-risk environments (PRK doesn’t involve a corneal flap)
• People with dry eyes who want a flap-free option that may minimise long-term dryness

A comprehensive eye examination will help confirm if you meet the medical and anatomical criteria for the procedure.

Who is not eligible for PRK?

Some individuals may not be suitable for PRK if they:

• Are under 18 years of age
• Have unstable vision or changing prescriptions
• Have active eye diseases or severe dry eyes
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (due to hormone-related vision changes)
• Have unrealistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery

Your eye surgeon will discuss your health history and examine your eyes thoroughly to make sure PRK is safe and likely to succeed in your case.

How eye shape and corneal health impact PRK eligibility

PRK works by reshaping the surface of the cornea. This makes the shape and thickness of your cornea especially important.

You may be a better fit for PRK than LASIK if:

• You have thin corneas that would not support the LASIK flap
• You have surface irregularities that can be smoothed by PRK
• Your corneal shape is otherwise normal and healthy

Your surgeon will use imaging technology to evaluate your corneal shape and thickness during the initial assessment.

Comparing PRK and LASIK surgery

Both PRK and LASIK are effective forms of laser eye surgery. Here’s how they compare:

PRK may be a better choice for people with certain lifestyle needs, eye shapes, or medical conditions.

Questions to ask before PRK or LASIK surgery

Before committing to any laser eye procedure, make sure to ask:

• Is PRK or LASIK better suited to my eyes?
• What results can I realistically expect?
• How long is the recovery process?
• What are the risks involved?
• Will I need glasses in the future?

An open conversation with your surgeon will help ensure you understand your options and feel confident in your decision.

Final Thoughts

If you meet the age, prescription, and health requirements, PRK could be a life-changing solution for your vision. It offers a safe, long-term alternative to glasses and contacts, especially if you are not suitable for LASIK.

To find out if you’re eligible for PRK, take our PRK Suitability Self-Test today or book a consultation with our team.