Not suitable for SMILE® or LASIK?
PRK was a first in laser eye surgery. And for some patients, it’s still the best. If you have thin corneas or lead an active lifestyle, PRK could be your recommended route to visual freedom.
Are you a suitable candidate? Let’s find out.
PRK eye surgery has given millions of people across the globe clearer vision and long-term satisfaction. While SMILE® and LASIK are popular due to faster recovery times, PRK remains a trusted alternative – especially for those who aren’t suited to flap-based procedures.
If you have thin corneas, dry eyes, an active lifestyle, or if budget is a factor, PRK laser eye surgery could be the best vision correction treatment for you.
Great communication throughout, any questions have always been answered quickly. Dr Anton and Kathy are very thorough and gave me the confidence through the process. Highly recommend.
Brad F, ELS patient
Benefits
No risk of flap-related complications.
Preserves corneal strength and integrity.
Gentle on the corneal nerves that impact tear production.
Studies show 95% patients achieve 20/40 vision or better.
Strong, visual outcomes retained decades after surgery.
Ideal for contact sports and physical tasks.
I had PRK surgery with Dr Anton and it was the best decision ever! The process was so thorough and professional and aftercare is exceptional too. Highly recommend the friendly team at ELS!
Giselle B, ELS patient
Suitability
Suitability criteria for PRK laser vision correction are similar to those for LASIK surgery. However, for patients who are more at risk of future eye injuries, have pre-existing dry eye or thin corneas, PRK eye surgery is often the preferred solution. Here’s what our ideal PRK patient looks like:
Tech talk
PRK is the original laser eye surgery, first performed in the 1980s. Modern excimer lasers and refined techniques now make it the safest option for patients when flapless treatment is clinically preferred.
Treatment involves removal of the corneal epithelium (the thin layer of cells on the corneal surface), then reshaping the underlying tissue with a high precision excimer laser. This precisely refocuses light onto your retina to provide clear vision.
PRK is a two-step procedure performed by our laser eye surgeons in our comfortable, state-of-the-art Armadale eye clinic.
We numb your eyes with eye drops and offer you a mild sedative for increased comfort.
We gently remove the surface cells of the cornea using a surgical brush.
We carefully sculpt the corneal tissue to correct your refractive error using the MEL 90 excimer laser.
We place a soft bandage contact lens in your eye to protect the underlying tissue and promote comfort and healing as the epithelium naturally regenerates.
The entire PRK procedure typically takes 15 minutes for both eyes.
After PRK surgery, you can expect some discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. These temporary symptoms can be managed with the eye drops we provide.
Following clear post-operative instructions will help you enjoy a smooth visual recovery. This includes regular use of eye drops and taking care not to rub your eyes.
We’ll monitor your progress throughout follow-up appointments, and remove the bandage contact lens once we’re satisfied that the surface cells covering your cornea have fully healed.
Although great results take longer to achieve, they get there! Typically, you’ll take at least a week off work and achieve full visual recovery and crystal-clear vision within a month.
Compared to other laser eye surgeries, like LASIK and SMILE, PRK has a longer recovery period. And just like any surgical or invasive procedure, PRK carries some risks. Rest assured, our clinical team will explain all these at your first consultation and provide clear guidance all the way.
Pricing
Investment in PRK is $3,150 per eye, which includes:
All your diagnostic tests, scans and measurements.
Your laser eye surgery in our state-of-the-art Melbourne clinic.
Pre- and post-op medication and a dry eye kit.
Our interest-free payment plan can make fees easier to manage. It lets you pay half now and see the full benefits of your PRK surgery in an instant, then spread the rest over 6 months, interest-free.
You’ll find a top-tier team of laser eye surgeons and optometrists at our laser eye clinic. Each has advanced training, precision skills and a friendly approach. Since we offer a full range of vision correction options, we can tailor a solution for most patients who come in for an assessment. And we’ll make sure you have all the details you need to make a decision you can feel confident and excited about.
