PRK in Orange County
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PRK in Orange County is offered at NVISION Newport Beach, where the surgeons who perform LASIK also perform PRK for patients whose corneas, lifestyle or prescription make it the better choice. It's a laser procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism without creating a corneal flap.
PRK in Orange County at a Glance
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) reshapes the cornea with a laser after its thin surface layer is gently removed, so no flap is created. It's often recommended for people with thin corneas or jobs and sports where an eye injury is likely. Recovery takes longer than LASIK, but long-term results are comparable. NVISION Newport Beach offers a free consultation to confirm whether PRK is right for you.
Is PRK Right for You?
PRK is often the better choice when LASIK isn’t a good fit. Your surgeon may recommend it if:
- Your corneas are thinner than average, since PRK leaves more of the cornea untouched.
- You play contact sports or work where eye injuries are a risk, such as the military, law enforcement or firefighting, because there’s no flap that could be dislodged.
- You’ve had previous corneal surgery or have an irregular corneal surface.
Like LASIK candidates, PRK patients are usually 18 or older with a prescription that has been stable for at least a year. Your consultation measures your corneal thickness and shape to confirm which procedure fits.
How PRK Works
After numbing drops, the surgeon removes the cornea’s thin outer layer, called the epithelium. An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea underneath to correct your prescription, which takes less than a minute per eye. A clear bandage contact lens protects the eye while the surface layer grows back over the next several days. Plan on a few hours at the center on treatment day, and bring someone to drive you home.
PRK Recovery and Results
Expect some discomfort, light sensitivity and blurry vision for the first few days while the surface heals. The bandage lens usually comes out at a follow-up visit four to seven days later. Most people can drive and return to work within about a week, and vision keeps sharpening over several weeks, with final results often taking up to three months. In the long run, PRK and LASIK produce similar vision, which is why surgeons treat PRK as an equal alternative rather than a fallback.
PRK at NVISION Newport Beach
NVISION Newport Beach, at 4220 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 100, performs PRK alongside LASIK, Contoura Vision LASIK, SMILE and EVO ICL, so your surgeon can compare every laser and lens option in one visit. Dr. Jonathan Pirnazar counts PRK among his specialties and has performed more than 90,000 refractive and cataract surgeries, and Dr. Duna Raoof has extensive experience with all-laser procedures, including PRK. The center is minutes from Irvine, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana and is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Read more about the procedure on our PRK page.
Meet Your PRK Surgeons at NVISION Newport Beach
- LASIK
- LASIK
- Cataract
- LASIK
- Cataract
- LASIK
- Cataract
NVISION Eye Centers - Newport Beach
4220 Von Karman Ave #100Newport Beach, CA 92660
Mon - Fri: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PRK recovery take?
Most people feel comfortable and can drive within about a week. Vision improves steadily over the following weeks and usually stabilizes within one to three months. You’ll have follow-up visits at the Newport Beach center so your surgeon can check how the surface is healing.
Does PRK hurt?
The procedure itself isn’t painful because numbing drops are used. Afterward, many patients notice scratchiness, light sensitivity and watering for two to three days. You’ll go home with drops and instructions to keep you comfortable while the surface heals.
Is PRK better than LASIK?
Neither is better for everyone. LASIK has a faster recovery, while PRK avoids a flap and preserves more corneal tissue. Long-term vision is similar. The right choice depends on your corneal measurements, prescription and lifestyle, which is exactly what your free consultation is for.
Does insurance cover PRK?
Like LASIK, PRK is usually considered elective, so most medical insurance doesn’t cover it, though some vision plans offer member discounts. PRK is an eligible expense for most FSA and HSA accounts, and financing is available with approved credit.
Ready for PRK in Orange County?
Book your free consultation at NVISION Newport Beach today