PRK Surgery Princeton, Monroe Township, & Somerset, NJ

Name: PRK
Brand: Princeton Eye Group
Rating: 3.91 (295 reviews)

PRK is a proven, highly effective laser vision correction procedure that achieves the same exceptional results as LASIK, without the creation of a corneal flap, making it the preferred choice for patients who are not ideal LASIK candidates or who prefer a flapless approach.

Two masked clinicians operating ophthalmic diagnostic equipment during an eye procedure.

All the Benefits of Laser Vision Correction, Without the Flap

For many patients, LASIK is the first procedure that comes to mind when they think about vision correction. But LASIK is not the right choice for everyone — and for patients with thinner corneas, certain corneal irregularities, or active lifestyles where a corneal flap could pose a risk, PRK in NJ offers an equally powerful alternative. The same advanced excimer laser technology that makes LASIK so effective is used in PRK, producing the same quality of corneal reshaping and the same exceptional visual outcomes. The difference lies in how the corneal surface is accessed, and for the right patient, PRK is not a compromise. It is simply the better procedure.

What Is PRK?

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), also known as advanced surface ablation, is a laser vision correction procedure that uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, which creates a thin corneal flap before applying the laser, PRK removes the outer epithelial layer of the cornea entirely to expose the stromal tissue beneath, applies the excimer laser to sculpt the cornea to the desired shape, and then allows the epithelium to regenerate naturally over the following days. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye after surgery to protect the surface and improve comfort during healing for several days following the procedure.

Because no flap is created, PRK preserves more corneal tissue and eliminates all flap-related risks, at the cost of a longer recovery period compared to LASIK. The final visual outcomes achieved with PRK are equivalent to those of LASIK, and the same WaveLight EX500 excimer laser is used for both procedures at Princeton Eye Group.

The Benefits of PRK

No Flap, No Flap-Related Risks: Because PRK does not involve the creation of a corneal flap, it eliminates the small but real risks associated with flap creation and displacement, making it a particularly appropriate choice for patients engaged in certain contact sports, martial arts, or military service.
Ideal for Thinner Corneas: Patients whose corneal thickness does not meet the threshold for safe LASIK flap creation are often excellent PRK candidates, as the flapless approach conserves more stromal tissue and allows treatment to proceed safely.
Equivalent Visual Outcomes to LASIK: The excimer laser sculpting that produces LASIK's remarkable outcomes is identical in PRK — the same technology, the same precision, and the same quality of corneal reshaping produce equally excellent long-term results.
CONTOURA Vision Available: PRK at Princeton Eye Group can be performed with CONTOURA Vision topography-guided treatment, addressing the unique surface irregularities of each cornea for a higher quality of vision than standard laser correction.
Suitable for Irregular Corneas: PRK is the preferred laser correction option for patients with certain corneal irregularities, surface conditions, or a history of prior corneal procedures where LASIK flap creation would not be appropriate.
Long-Lasting Results: Like LASIK, PRK produces permanent changes to the corneal stroma, and the visual improvements achieved are durable for the vast majority of patients over the long term.

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Is PRK Right for Me?

PRK is an excellent option for patients who are motivated to achieve clear vision without glasses or contact lenses but who are not ideal LASIK candidates due to thin corneas, corneal surface irregularities, or lifestyle factors that make a corneal flap inadvisable. It is also a preferred option for some patients who have previously undergone LASIK and require an enhancement procedure, as creating a new flap may not always be appropriate. Military personnel, competitive athletes, and patients in contact sports frequently choose PRK eye surgery in NJ for the added security of a flapless procedure.

Patients considering PRK surgery should understand that the recovery period is longer than with LASIK; the epithelium typically heals over approximately five days, during which vision is blurred and some discomfort is expected. Most patients achieve good functional vision within one to two weeks, with final visual stabilization occurring over several weeks to months. A thorough consultation at The Princeton Eye Group will determine whether PRK or LASIK is the better choice for your eyes and lifestyle.

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The PRK Process What to Expect

Complimentary Consultation

Your surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your corneal thickness, topography, prescription, and ocular health to confirm your candidacy for PRK and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Contact lens wearers must discontinue lens use for a specified period prior to surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding pre-operative preparations and what to arrange for the day of your procedure.

Procedure Day

Patients typically arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled procedure. Numbing drops are applied to the eye. The epithelial layer is gently removed to expose the stromal tissue, and the WaveLight EX500 excimer laser sculpts the cornea to the prescribed shape. A bandage contact lens is then placed on the eye to protect the surface and support epithelial healing. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes per eye.

Epithelial Healing

The bandage contact lens remains in place for approximately five days while the epithelium regenerates. During this period, vision is blurred and may fluctuate. Some discomfort, light sensitivity, and tearing are normal. Your surgeon will remove the bandage contact lens at a follow-up appointment when appropriate. Prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops are used throughout the healing phase.

Visual Recovery

Once the epithelium has healed and the bandage lens is removed, vision begins to improve progressively. Most patients achieve good functional vision within one to two weeks, with continued improvement and stabilization over the following weeks to months.

Follow-Up Care

Your surgeon will monitor your healing and visual outcome at a series of follow-up appointments, adjusting your drop regimen as healing progresses and confirming the stability of your refractive result.

Your PRK Results and Recovery

PRK recovery requires more patience than LASIK, but the destination is the same. The first week following surgery involves the most significant visual blurring and discomfort as the epithelium heals, and most patients find this period manageable with prescribed medications. Once the bandage contact lens is removed at approximately five days, vision begins to improve steadily. Most patients are seeing well enough to drive and return to most normal activities within one to two weeks, with final visual acuity stabilizing over the following weeks to months. The long-term results of PRK are equivalent to those of LASIK—the vast majority of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, with outcomes that are durable and lasting. Steroid eye drops are typically used for a longer period following PRK than LASIK to support the healing process and optimize the refractive outcome.

Why Choose The Princeton Eye Group for PRK?

The Princeton Eye Group offers the same world-class technology, surgeon expertise, and personalized care for PRK as for every procedure in our refractive program, ensuring that patients who are best served by a flapless approach receive outcomes every bit as exceptional as those achieved with LASIK.

The Same Advanced Technology as LASIK

PRK at Princeton Eye Group uses the WaveLight EX500 excimer laser, Vario technology and CONTOURA Vision topography-guided treatment system, the same advanced technology platform used for LASIK. Patients choosing PRK have access to the full suite of precision tools that define our refractive program, with no compromise in the quality of corneal sculpting.

Surgeons Experienced in Both LASIK and PRK

Princeton Eye Group's refractive surgeons are experienced in both LASIK and PRK and approach every consultation without bias toward either procedure. Recommendations are based solely on what is best for each patient's individual corneal profile and lifestyle, not on convenience or volume considerations.

A Center of Excellence Refractive Program

The Princeton Eye Group’s LASIK and Vision Correction Center has been designated a Center of Excellence by Wills Eye Hospital, reflecting a standard of surgical care and outcomes that applies equally to every procedure performed at the facility, including PRK.

Surgeon-Led, Personalized Care

Every PRK patient at Princeton Eye Group is evaluated, treated, and followed by their surgeon personally throughout the entire process. This continuity of care is particularly important in PRK, where close monitoring during the healing and recovery phase directly affects the final visual outcome.

Convenient Locations Across Central New Jersey

All PRK surgeries are performed at our LASIK and Vision Correction Center in our Princeton location. However, our offices in Princeton, Monroe Township, and Somerset allow consultations and follow-up vision options, making expert laser vision correction accessible to patients throughout the region.

Affordable Vision Correction, Transparent Pricing

At Princeton Eye Group, vision correction is priced simply and honestly. Our global fee covers everything—the surgeon's fee, facility fee, laser royalties, eye drops, and all necessary follow-up care—with no hidden upcharges for higher prescriptions, astigmatism, or additional testing. The fee is the same regardless of the complexity of your case.

For patients who prefer to spread the cost over time, we offer flexible monthly payment options through CareCredit. HSA and FSA funds are also accepted, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars toward your investment in better vision.

Learn More About Financing

PRK Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between PRK and LASIK?

Both PRK and LASIK use the same excimer laser to reshape the cornea and produce equivalent long-term visual outcomes. The difference is in how the cornea is accessed. LASIK creates a thin flap that is lifted before laser treatment and replaced afterward. PRK removes the outer epithelial layer entirely, which then regenerates naturally over approximately five days. PRK has a longer recovery but eliminates all flap-related risks and is preferred for patients with thin corneas or active lifestyles.

How long does PRK recovery take?

The epithelium typically heals within five days, at which point the bandage contact lens is removed and vision begins to improve progressively. Most patients achieve good functional vision within one to two weeks, with final visual stabilization occurring over several weeks to months. The recovery timeline varies by individual and pre-operative prescription.

Is PRK painful?

The PRK procedure itself is pain-free. Some discomfort, light sensitivity, and tearing during the epithelial healing phase are normal in the first few days following PRK. Prescribed medications help manage these symptoms, and most patients find the recovery period tolerable. Significant pain is uncommon.

Will my vision be blurry after PRK?

Yes, vision is blurry during the epithelial healing phase and improves progressively once the bandage contact lens is removed. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within one to two weeks, with continued refinement over the following months.

Can PRK be performed with CONTOURA Vision?

Yes. CONTOURA Vision topography-guided treatment is available for PRK at Princeton Eye Group, allowing the unique surface irregularities of each cornea to be addressed for a higher quality of visual outcome than standard laser correction alone.

Is PRK a good option for athletes or military personnel?

Yes. Because PRK does not involve the creation of a corneal flap, it eliminates the risk of flap displacement from physical contact or impact, making it the preferred laser vision correction option for patients engaged in certain contact sports, martial arts, or military service where blows to the face are a possibility.

How long do PRK results last?

PRK produces permanent changes to the corneal stroma, and the results are long-lasting for the vast majority of patients. Minor prescription fluctuations may occur over time as part of the natural aging process, and presbyopia develops independently of PRK. Most patients enjoy their results for many years without the need for enhancement.

Does insurance cover PRK?

PRK is an elective refractive procedure and is not covered by most medical insurance plans. FSA and HSA funds are generally accepted, and financing options are available. Your surgeon will discuss all costs during your complimentary consultation.