PRK Eye Surgery

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a laser vision correction procedure that uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The entire in-office procedure takes approximately 15 minutes and can eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.

The visual results of PRK and LASIK are often equally excellent, and published data shows identical long-term outcomes. PRK has a slightly longer visual recovery time, but is often the preferred option for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, or active lifestyles — since it doesn't require creating a corneal flap.

Contoura Custom PRK maps the unique topographic "fingerprint" of your eye to design a fully customized laser treatment. This can result in better vision with fewer side effects compared to standard PRK. Not every patient qualifies for Contoura — but standard PRK still delivers outstanding results. Dr. Vrabec will recommend whichever gives you the best chance of success.

You'll arrive at the office and have the option to take a mild relaxation medication (Valium). After relaxing in our private waiting area, numbing drops are applied to your eyes. You'll lie flat while the eye surface is rinsed, then the laser is applied — typically less than 10 seconds per eye. A temporary bandage contact lens is placed for comfort, and the same steps are repeated for your other eye. Total time is around 15 minutes.

No. Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure, so you won't feel pain during the laser treatment itself. The first few days afterward may involve some discomfort as the eye surface heals, which is normal and manageable with prescribed drops.

The full PRK procedure — both eyes — typically takes about 15 minutes in total. The actual laser treatment itself is less than 10 seconds per eye.

No — you will need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Plan to arrange a ride in advance.

The best candidates for PRK are generally:

• Between 20 and 49 years old
• Have mild-to-moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
• Have had a stable prescription for at least a year
• Have healthy eyes with no active conditions
• Have thin corneas or an active lifestyle (which may make PRK preferable to LASIK)

PRK may not be appropriate for patients with significant dry eye, corneal shape or thickness that doesn't meet safety requirements, or certain occupational concerns. Patients over 49 may be better suited to a lens-based procedure. About 20% of consultation patients at Clear Vision Center do not qualify for laser vision correction — and Dr. Vrabec will always be transparent about this.

Your consultation at Clear Vision Center includes a detailed eye examination — including imaging of your eye's unique topographic "fingerprint" — and a personal meeting with Dr. Vrabec. Unlike many laser centers, the surgeon himself conducts your consultation. He'll discuss your vision goals, the procedure, recovery, restrictions, and provide all-inclusive pricing. If you're ready to proceed, you'll schedule your procedure date at that visit. The consultation is free with no obligation.

Clear Vision Center also offers LASIK, SMILE, EVO ICL, and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). If you don't qualify for any surgical option, Dr. Vrabec will tell you honestly — including recommending no surgery at all when that's the right call.

Yes. PRK has a greater than 99% safety and efficacy rate as published in numerous peer-reviewed scientific journals, making it one of the safest surgical procedures in the history of modern medicine. Over 800,000 laser vision procedures are safely performed worldwide each year. As with any medical procedure, some risk exists — which is why thorough screening and an experienced surgeon matter so much.

Common temporary side effects include:

• Eye dryness, typically managed with prescription drops
• Light sensitivity in the first few days
• Blurred vision for a few weeks while the cornea heals (expected and normal)
• Eye redness and mild discomfort in the first few days

Serious complications are extremely rare. The vast majority of laser vision complications can be avoided through rigorous pre-screening, modern laser technology, and an experienced surgeon. All potential risks will be reviewed in detail at your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision before proceeding.

Clear Vision Center uses all-inclusive, transparent pricing — no hidden fees. This includes:

• Custom Contoura treatment, if you're a candidate
• All post-procedure eye drops
• All follow-up appointments
• Enhancement procedures for up to 2 years after surgery

Detailed pricing is provided at your consultation appointment.

Yes. 0% financing is available over 24 months, making vision correction accessible without a large upfront cost.

On average, PRK can save patients over $20,000 compared to the lifetime cost of glasses and contacts — making it a sound long-term investment for most patients.

All procedures are performed by Dr. Josh Vrabec, MD — a board-certified refractive surgeon and Charter Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgeons. Dr. Vrabec has over 20 years of experience and has personally performed more than 10,000 vision-correcting procedures in Rochester and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Yes — unlike many laser vision centers where consultations are handled by technicians, Dr. Vrabec personally meets with every patient before their procedure. He remains involved from your initial screening through your final post-procedure appointment.

Clear Vision Center serves patients in the Rochester and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan area — and the greater Detroit metro region. All procedures are performed on-site in our modern procedure suite — no transfers between facilities.