FDA-Approved & Proven
The first refractive procedure approved by the FDA — a safe, tried-and-true laser vision correction option.
PRK Eye Surgery in Los Angeles
As the first refractive procedure approved by the FDA, PRK is a tried-and-true vision correction alternative that continues to help patients reach their full vision potential.
What Is PRK?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a proven laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts — without creating a corneal flap.
No Corneal Flap
Unlike LASIK, PRK creates no corneal flap; the excimer laser is applied directly to the cornea’s outer layer.
CustomVue Wavefront-Guided
Your surgeon gently reshapes the cornea using CustomVue Wavefront-guided treatment for a personalized correction.
Treats Common Refractive Errors
PRK may be recommended to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
A Comfortable Procedure
Your doctor administers anesthetic, then the laser reshapes each eye’s cornea in very little time.
PRK Eye Surgery vs. LASIK
Before LASIK, PRK was the refractive procedure doctors and patients trusted — and it remains a safe, effective option, especially for patients who may not qualify for LASIK.
LASIK
Creates a thin corneal flap and reshapes the inner layer of the cornea. Its healing time is typically a little more rapid than PRK.
Similar Visual Results
Both PRK and LASIK use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and deliver comparable visual results.
Flap-Free Option
PRK
- No corneal flap is created
- Reshapes the cornea’s outer layer directly
- A good option for thin or steep corneas
- Suitable for moderately dry eyes
A safe, effective alternative for patients who may not qualify for LASIK.
Request a ConsultationPRK Recovery & What to Expect
PRK has a slightly longer healing time than LASIK, but recovery is straightforward — here is what most patients can expect.
A Comfortable Procedure
Anesthetic is administered and the laser reshapes each eye in very little time — with no corneal flap created.
Healing Timeline
The eye’s protective layer generally heals in about 5–7 days, and most patients regain natural vision within 5–7 days.
Back to Daily Life
Most PRK patients return to work within a few days and resume exercise and other activities as directed by their doctor.
Clear, Lasting Vision
Vision continues to stabilize over the following months; PRK is designed to be a permanent correction of the cornea.
Your healing time and progress depend on your overall health, medical history, and how closely you follow your post-operative instructions — your Berg-Feinfield team will guide you every step of the way.
Why Patients Choose Berg-Feinfield
Your outcome depends on the hands and the technology behind your procedure. For more than four decades, ours have set the standard in Los Angeles.
40+Years of refractive expertise
50,000+Laser vision procedures performed
5Los Angeles-area locations
Our board-certified ophthalmologists pair FDA-approved, all-laser technology with personalized treatment planning and attentive follow-up care — the combination that delivers exceptional, lasting results.
PRK may be the right choice for patients who want proven laser vision correction — especially those who aren’t ideal candidates for LASIK.
- Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
- Thin or steep corneas
- Moderately dry eyes
- A stable prescription unchanged over the past year
PRK FAQs
Although the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea in both PRK and LASIK, with PRK there is no creation of a corneal flap. The laser is applied directly to the outer layer of the cornea, whereas with LASIK the inner layer is targeted. PRK has a slightly longer healing time than LASIK, and improved vision may take up to a week to become apparent. The results of both LASIK and PRK are similar.
The majority of patients who choose to have PRK will enjoy the benefits of 20/20 vision or better. The complication rate associated with PRK is extremely low. Dr. Berg will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect during your free eye consultation.
Laser surgery presents a small amount of risk to patients. Some patients may experience light sensitivity, glare, or halo effects following the procedure. A fluctuation of vision is also possible until stability is achieved, usually between 6 months and one year. Patients with high levels of nearsightedness may be at an increased risk of developing corneal haze. The majority of PRK patients do not experience negative side effects, with the exception of mild discomfort during healing.
Your healing time and progress will depend on a variety of factors, such as overall health, medical history, and adherence to post-operative instructions. Most of our PRK patients are able to return to work within a few days and can return to exercise and other activities as directed. The protective layer of the eye generally takes up to 5–7 days to heal, so it is especially important to follow your doctor’s care recommendations. Patients regain natural vision an average of 5–7 days following the procedure.
Patients who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism can benefit from PRK. After a thorough eye examination and evaluation of your overall health, Dr. Berg will let you know if PRK can help your vision.
Yes. Many patients choose to have both eyes treated together, but one eye can also be treated at a time.
PRK is designed to be a permanent correction of the cornea, although it will not prevent vision changes that occur as a result of aging. It is important that patients considering PRK make sure their prescriptions are stable, meaning the degrees of correction have not changed over the last year.
Schedule Your PRK Consultation
Find out whether PRK is right for you. Request your complimentary one-on-one vision consultation with the team at Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction today.