Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of refractive surgery. This kind of surgery uses a laser to treat vision problems caused by refractive errors. You have a refractive error when your eye does not refract (bend) light properly.

PRK is a laser surgery that’s designed to remove the need for glasses. It has a long history and is the oldest form of laser eye surgery.

After PRK, because the epithelium, or the skin of the eye, has been removed, a bandage contact lens needs to be placed on the eye. Otherwise, a patient will be in extreme pain.