PRK reshapes the cornea from the surface without creating a flap, correcting your focusing so you rely less on glasses or contact lenses.
What is PRK?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and the closely related LASEK are surface laser treatments. The thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed or moved aside, an excimer laser reshapes the surface, and the epithelium regrows over the following days. There is no corneal flap.
Who is PRK suitable for?
PRK and LASEK are often recommended for people with thinner corneas, certain prescriptions, or higher-risk lifestyles such as some sports or occupations where a flap-based procedure is less ideal. A full corneal assessment determines the best option.
Recovery after PRK
Vision settles over one to two weeks as the surface heals, which takes a little longer than LASIK or SMILE. A protective contact lens and lubricating drops are used in the first few days.
PRK cost
Precision Vision London lists PRK (listed as LASIK & LASEK / TransPRK) from £1,950 per eye, or from £3,900 for both eyes (its own figure for laser eye surgery), and says every price is all-inclusive — the consultation and diagnostics, the procedure, medications, protective eyewear, 12 months of follow-ups and any enhancement within the first year. Dr CT Pillai, who leads its laser service, says LASIK, LASEK, PRK and TransPRK all cost the same there (it lists them as LASIK & LASEK / TransPRK) and that PRK and TransPRK are flapless surface treatments; the clinic selects the right technique for each patient. Precision Vision London’s laser consultation is free, with a £100 holding fee refunded when you attend and meet its eligibility checks. Other clinics set their own prices. See our PRK cost guide for the full breakdown and our London laser eye surgery cost page for the clinic, at 22A Harley Street.
Source: Precision Vision London pricing page, read 23 October 2026; its consultants’ corrections of 15 and 16 October 2026.
Not sure whether PRK or a lens-based option is right for you?
The lens-based alternative if you are over 45
Laser reshapes the cornea and does not stop age-related focusing loss (presbyopia) or future cataracts. If you are over 45, refractive lens exchange replaces the natural lens with a multifocal implant — correcting distance, intermediate and near vision and preventing future cataracts. Sapphire Eye Care, the clinic group we work with across the south of England, lists refractive lens exchange from £4,300 per eye; Precision Vision London lists it from £3,150 per eye. Compare lens replacement (RLE).