PRK

An Excellent LASIK Alternative – Advanced PRK at Cool Springs Surgical Associates

$Firefly_Photorefractive Keratectomy ith thinner corneas, irregular corneal shapes, 228836$

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK, especially those with thinner corneas or certain lifestyle factors or medical diagnoses. For these patients, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) offers a safe, effective alternative to achieve clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. At Cool Springs Surgical Associates, Dr. Hatcher and his experienced team offer PRK using the same advanced technology as our LASIK procedures—including the Alcon EX500 Excimer Laser—to provide precise, customized treatment tailored to each patient’s eyes.

What Makes PRK Different?

Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the very outer layer of the cornea (the “epithelium”) is gently removed before reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with the excimer laser. This means:

There is no risk of flap-related complications, such as dislocation or wrinkling, even if you accidentally experience an eye injury in the healing period. This is part of the reason why many active duty military members choose PRK instead of LASIK.

PRK is often a better choice for patients with thinner corneas, irregular corneal shapes, or those with jobs or hobbies where eye trauma is a concern (e.g., athletes, first responders).

The final visual outcomes of PRK are comparable to LASIK, with excellent long-term results.

Our Advanced Technology

As with LASIK, we use the Alcon EX500 Excimer Laser, which features:

Wavefront-optimized treatment

for enhanced precision, meaning we customize your treatment based on a 3D map of your eye to reduce your astigmatism and lead to more crisp vision.

Fast ablation speed

for greater comfort, with treatments generally taking less than 30 seconds.

Advanced eye-tracking

tracking for accurate laser placement throughout the procedure, so you don’t have to worry about whether your eye moving will affect your treatment accuracy.

What to Expect with PRK

PRK typically involves a slightly longer healing period than LASIK—since the surface layer takes 3-4 days to heal—but most patients notice a remarkable amount of vision improvement in the first week, and experience continued improvement and crispness of the vision over the next several weeks. We provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout the recovery process.

Whether LASIK or PRK is right for you, Dr. Hatcher and his team are here to help you make the most informed decision for your vision and your lifestyle—with today’s safest and most advanced laser eye surgery technology.