PRK Laser Vision Correction in Walnut Creek
The same lasting result as LASIK, without a corneal flap — often the better choice for thin corneas, dry eye, and high-impact occupations.
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the surface of the cornea with the Alcon WaveLight Allegretto excimer laser. No flap is created. Long-term results match LASIK; the trade-off is a recovery of about a week. Dr. Feiz recommends PRK when corneas are thin, when dry eye is a concern, or when a patient's work or sport carries a risk of eye trauma. The price is the same as LASIK: $2,650 per eye, all-inclusive.
How PRK differs from LASIK
Both procedures use the same Allegretto excimer laser and produce the same corneal shape. LASIK treats beneath a flap, so the surface epithelium is undisturbed and vision clears within a day. PRK gently removes the epithelium, treats the surface, and lets the epithelium regrow over 3–5 days under a soft bandage contact lens. Because no flap is made, PRK preserves more corneal strength and avoids every flap-related risk.
Who is a good PRK candidate?
- Corneas too thin for a safe LASIK flap
- Mild corneal irregularity where a flap is inadvisable
- Dry eye that is controlled but would likely worsen with a flap
- Occupations and sports with impact risk: law enforcement, military, martial arts, boxing, rugby
- Prior LASIK needing a touch-up
- Patients who simply prefer a no-flap procedure
What recovery looks like
- Day of surgery — about ten minutes in the laser suite at InVision Laser Center; bandage contact lens placed; home to rest with eyes closed as much as possible.
- Days 1–3 — the uncomfortable stretch: scratchiness, tearing, light sensitivity. Prescribed drops and oral medication manage it. Vision is blurry but functional.
- Days 4–6 — the epithelium has healed and Dr. Feiz removes the bandage lens. Most patients return to work.
- Weeks 2–8 — vision sharpens steadily as the surface smooths. Anti-inflammatory drops taper over several weeks.
Because the recovery is longer, Dr. Feiz will sometimes treat one eye at a time for patients who cannot afford a week of blurry vision, or both eyes together for those who prefer a single recovery.
Find out whether PRK is right for youCall 925-705-7299
Frequently asked questions
Is PRK as good as LASIK?
Yes. Long-term visual outcomes of PRK and LASIK are equivalent. The difference is recovery: PRK takes about a week of blurry vision and some discomfort, while LASIK is comfortable within a day.
Why would Dr. Feiz recommend PRK instead of LASIK?
Thin or slightly irregular corneas, moderate dry eye, a history of corneal scarring or erosions, very active occupations and sports (martial arts, boxing, law enforcement, military), or a previous LASIK flap that should not be re-lifted. In those cases PRK is the safer procedure with the same end result.
How long is PRK recovery?
Expect 3–5 days of discomfort and blurry vision while the surface heals under a bandage contact lens, functional vision by about a week, and continued sharpening over 4–8 weeks. Most people take four to five days off work.
Does PRK cost more than LASIK?
No — both are $2,650 per eye, all-inclusive. Pricing them the same means the recommendation is based purely on which procedure is safer and better for your eyes.
Can PRK be done if I already had LASIK?
Often yes. PRK over a prior LASIK flap is a common way to fine-tune vision years later without re-lifting the flap. Dr. Feiz's cornea training is particularly relevant in these cases.