Not suitable for LASIK? PRK may still help you see clearly in Sydney

PRK may be a suitable option if your eyes are not ideal for LASIK, offering a flap-free laser approach designed to support clearer everyday sight

Not suitable for LASIK? PRK may still help you see clearly in Sydney

PRK may be a suitable option if your eyes are not ideal for LASIK, offering a flap-free laser approach designed to support clearer everyday sight

With PRK, you may enjoy clearer vision without glasses

Get fast answers about how this treatment works and whether it may be right for you
  • PRK may be recommended for people who are not suitable for LASIK.
  • Furthermore, it can be an option for those with thinner corneas, contact lens-related dryness, active lifestyles or certain professions that increase the chance of trauma to the eye surface.
  • Additionally, suitable candidates are over 18 with a prescription that is stable for at least 12 months and healthy eyes aside from their refractive error.
  • In order to determine your suitability, an in-depth assessment includes corneal mapping, tear film evaluation and vision tests.
  • Based on this information, Dr Daya Sharma will explain whether PRK is the safest and most effective option for your eyes and visual goals.
  • PRK uses a laser to reshape the surface of the cornea so light focuses on the macular to give patients a clear image.
  • In order to ensure comfort, anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye. Instead of creating a flap like in LASIK, the epithelium of the cornea (very top layer) is gently removed before the laser reshapes the underlying tissue.
  • Additionally, a protective contact lens is placed to support healing.
  • Over the following days and weeks, the surface layer regenerates and vision improves as the eye adapts.
  • The aim is to reduce or remove the need for glasses or contacts for many everyday activities.
  • PRK laser eye surgery may suit people seeking greater freedom from glasses or contact lenses, particularly when LASIK is not the best option.
  • Because PRK does not create a corneal flap, it is often considered by athletes and people with active lifestyles or higher risk of eye injury.
  • Although recovery is usually slower than LASIK, long-term visual outcomes are often similar. Vision typically improves gradually over several weeks as the surface heals and stabilises.
  • Importantly, some patients may still require glasses for certain activities after treatment.
  • A personalised PRK assessment with Daya Sharma helps determine whether PRK laser eye surgery is the most suitable option for your eyes, lifestyle, and visual goals.
  • PRK, like any other medical procedure, carries risks. These include temporary side effects such as eye discomfort, light sensitivity, glare, halos and fluctuating vision while the eye surface heals.
  • Furthermore, in uncommon cases, scarring, haze or under- or over-correction can occur and may require additional treatment. Although infection is rare as it is possible we encourage compliance with close follow-up in the postoperative period and using prescribed eye drops as instructed is important.
  • Dr Daya Sharma will assess your eye health thoroughly and discuss potential risks so you can make a confident, informed decision about whether PRK is the best option for you.
  • Your visual freedom journey begins with a detailed laser vision correction assessment with Daya Sharma. During this consultation, your eye health, corneal imaging, lifestyle, and visual goals are carefully assessed to help determine the most suitable treatment for your eyes
  • Once your planning is complete, you can confirm your Vision Correction Day — an exciting step toward clearer vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
  • On the day of treatment, anaesthetic eye drops help keep your eyes comfortable while advanced laser technology gently reshapes the cornea in a precise, no-touch treatment.
  • Afterward, a protective contact lens is placed on the eye to support healing, while eye drops help the surface recover smoothly over the following days.
  • Follow-up appointments with Daya Sharma and the Eye & Laser Surgeons team help monitor your recovery and visual progress.
  • As healing continues, vision gradually sharpens and stabilises, helping many patients enjoy clearer everyday vision with reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
  • Many people experience clearer vision without glasses or contacts after PRK once healing is complete.
  • Final visual results can take longer to achieve than with LASIK, but the long-term outcomes are often similar.
  • Some individuals may still need glasses for certain activities, especially as age-related changes like presbyopia occur.
  • A personalised treatment plan and ongoing care help support a comfortable recovery and good visual function aligned with your lifestyle and goals.

Find out if vision correction could suit your eyes

Book an appointment to learn whether refractive surgery may be an option for you

Find out if vision correction could suit your eyes

Book an appointment to learn whether refractive surgery may be an option for you

GAIN VISUAL FREEDOM IN 3 EASY STEPS

Eye treatment options can be confusing, we’ve made the path to healthier vision easy to follow

STEP 1: GET IN TOUCH

Every eye is different. The first step is to find out which treatment could help you see more clearly and protect your long-term vision. Call our caring team or use our online calendar to book an appointment.

STEP 2: WE’LL MEET

During your appointment, we’ll examine your eyes and explain which treatment options may suit your condition and lifestyle. You’ll receive expert advice and a clear, personalised plan.

STEP 3: ENJOY FREEDOM

After treatment, many people feel relief knowing their eyes are healthier and their sight is clearer. With proper care, you can look forward to years of confident, comfortable vision.

Find out if laser eye surgery could suit your eyes

Take our quick 2-minute test to learn which vision correction options may fit your eyes, lifestyle, and goals

Find out if laser eye surgery could suit your eyes

Take our quick 2-minute test to learn which vision correction options may fit your eyes, lifestyle, and goals

Academic resources on laser eye surgery

Learn more from authoritative clinical publications. These links will take you off our website

This article explains how laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct vision issues like short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. It covers who’s suitable, what the procedure involves, how recovery works, and possible risks.

Read more

This article outlines how laser eye surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. It covers suitability, risks, recovery and long-term outlook.

Read more

Laser eye surgery offers a range of procedures to reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the cornea. From LASIK to SMILE, these treatments address conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Read more

Dr Shanel Sharma ophthalmologist in Sydney providing wet macular degeneration and anti-VEGF injection care

Hi, I’m Dr Shanel Sharma

I’m an ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in paediatric eye conditions, strabismus, medical retina and general ophthalmology from leading hospitals in Sydney and London, including Moorfields Eye Hospital. I hold a Fellowship with RANZCO and have published widely in peer-reviewed journals. My focus is providing careful, individualised care using evidence-based treatments. I’m accredited to treat a range of conditions and perform procedures including intravitreal injections, strabismus surgery and botulinum toxin treatments. I always aim to make the process clear, calm and supportive.

Hi, I’m Dr Daya Sharma

I’m a cataract, corneal and refractive surgeon with subspecialty training from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and Sydney Eye Hospital. I perform laser vision correction procedures, refractive lens surgery, and advanced cataract surgery using the latest diagnostic and surgical technology. My work is focused on helping people reduce their dependence on glasses and improve their quality of vision at all distances. I’m actively involved in research, publication and surgical education, and I take pride in offering honest, thorough guidance to every patient. My approach is personal, careful and always tailored to individual needs and lifestyles.