Posted by: Clear Advantage in Uncategorized on August 11, 2025
When considering a vision correction procedure, most people immediately think of LASIK. However, PRK is an excellent alternative that may actually be the better choice for certain patients.
Understanding whether you might be a good candidate for PRK can help you make an informed decision about your vision correction journey. Here are eight signs that PRK could be right for you.
1. You Have Thin or Unusually Curved Corneas
One of the most common reasons patients choose PRK over LASIK relates to corneal thickness and shape. PRK is specifically designed for patients whose corneas have an unusual curvature or are too thin for LASIK surgery.
During LASIK, a flap must be created in the corneal tissue, requiring sufficient thickness to maintain structural integrity. PRK eliminates this concern entirely by removing the surface of the cornea.
Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center uses advanced diagnostic technology, including Orbscan, to precisely measure corneal thickness and curvature. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether your corneal structure makes you a better candidate for PRK than traditional LASIK.
2. You Have Dry Eye
PRK is often the better option for patients with dry eye. LASIK surgery can temporarily worsen dry eye symptoms because the creation of the corneal flap can affect nerve function.
Since PRK doesn’t involve creating a flap, it typically causes less disruption to the corneal nerves responsible for tear production. If you already struggle with dry eye symptoms, PRK may offer a more comfortable path to clear vision without exacerbating your existing condition.
3. You Lead a Very Active Lifestyle
Athletes, military personnel, and individuals with physically demanding jobs often discover that PRK suits their lifestyle better than LASIK. Because PRK doesn’t create a corneal flap, there’s no risk of flap dislocation from contact sports or physical trauma.
The fully healed PRK surface becomes as strong as your natural cornea, making it ideal for those who don’t want to worry about flap complications.
4. Your Prescription Hasn’t Changed in the Last Year
Like other forms of laser vision correction, PRK is most effective when your vision has stabilized. Ideal candidates should have a stable prescription for at least one year.
This stability ensures that the correction performed during surgery will remain effective in the long term.
5. You’re Over 18 Years Old
PRK candidates must be at least 18 years of age, though Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center prefers patients to be 21 or older. This age requirement ensures that your eyes and vision have matured sufficiently for permanent correction.
Younger patients may still experience vision changes as their eyes continue developing.
6. You Have Refractive Errors PRK Can Treat
PRK effectively corrects three main types of refractive errors: nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During your evaluation at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center, your eye doctor will determine whether your specific prescription falls within the treatable range for PRK surgery.
7. You Have Realistic Expectations
The best PRK candidates understand both the benefits and limitations of the procedure. While PRK can dramatically reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contacts, it’s important to have realistic expectations about outcomes.
Most PRK patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, enabling them to perform most or all daily activities without glasses or contacts. However, you may still need reading glasses after age 40 due to presbyopia, the natural age-related decline in near vision that can affect anyone regardless of whether they’ve had refractive surgery.
8. You Don’t Have Certain Disqualifying Conditions
Several conditions can make PRK unsafe, including uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders, active eye infections, advanced glaucoma, or cataracts. PRK candidates need healthy corneas and good overall eye health.
Additionally, pregnant or nursing women should wait until after their hormones have stabilized to undergo PRK, as pregnancy can cause temporary vision changes.
PRK at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center
What makes PRK particularly appealing at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center is that their expert team uses the same advanced laser technology for PRK as they do for LASIK and customized treatments. Their eye surgeons have modernized PRK by utilizing the Technolas 217z excimer laser, which delivers the same precision and accuracy as LASIK procedures.
PRK itself takes about 15 minutes, though you should plan to spend approximately an hour at your appointment. While PRK has a slightly longer initial healing period than LASIK, the end results are comparable in terms of visual clarity and satisfaction.
The key is working with experienced professionals who can properly evaluate your candidacy and help you understand what to expect. Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center’s comprehensive pre-operative evaluation includes the same advanced testing used for all our laser vision correction procedures.
This thorough assessment ensures that they recommend the procedure best suited to your unique eyes and lifestyle needs. Ready to find out if you’re a good candidate for PRK?
Schedule your consultation at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center in Portsmouth, NH, today!
