How Long Does PRK Last?

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is an FDA-approved surgery for correcting refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

It reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina to improve visual acuity. You might wonder if it lasts forever because of how PRK reshapes the cornea.

In this article, we’ll go over how long PRK results last, if you need to get them redone, and what this means for long-term vision.

The results of PRK typically last a lifetime. However, someone who has undergone PRK surgery may still face the same age-related eye deterioration as everyone else.

Studies tracking PRK outcomes over ten years reveal that about 70% to 75% of people stay within ±1 diopter of their intended vision correction.

Small drifts, usually less than 0.5 diopter, may occur up to 20 years later, particularly if the original correction was for higher refractive errors.

Do You Need To Get PRK Again?

It’s possible to get PRK multiple times. As long as your cornea is healthy, you can have PRK enhancement.

It’s similar to the initial procedure and typically involves removing the epithelium and reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser.

Factors That Affect How Results Last

Although the corneal reshaping from PRK is permanent, several factors influence how long your results last:

Age. Younger adults might experience slight vision drift over decades, mainly due to age-related changes in the eye.
Prescription strength. Higher myopia (stronger prescriptions) can see a more noticeable regression than lower prescriptions.
Hormonal and systemic health. Pregnancy, diabetes, or hormonal changes can temporarily affect vision stability.
Eye surface health and UV protection. Keeping your eyes healthy, managing dryness, and wearing sunglasses help maintain clarity long-term.

These variables highlight the importance of realistic expectations. Your eyes naturally age, and changes unrelated to your cornea may influence your long-term vision.

How to Maintain Stable Vision

After the procedure, you’ll receive post-operative care instructions. Your surgeon will also prescribe antibiotic eye drops, lubricating eye drops, and pain relievers to ease discomfort during healing.

While you’re recovering, it’s best to avoid the following:

Strenuous activities involving physical exertion (such as heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise)
Reading or watching TV for too long.
Contact sports such as football or boxing.
Rubbing your eyes.
Contact with water (because it has bacteria that can cause infections).

To maximize your results, try managing dry eye symptoms and protecting your eyes from UV exposure during the initial healing period. After 24 to 48 hours, follow up with your surgeon to monitor your eyes for potential complications.

Maintenance and Touch-Up Options

Surgeons typically recommend any touch-up or enhancement procedures only after confirming your prescription has stabilized, usually around the six-month check-up.

While it’s normal to experience vision changes as we age, noticeable changes affecting your daily activities may require PRK enhancement surgery.

How Much Does PRK and PRK Enhancement Cost?

The cost of PRK refractive surgery varies depending on the type of refractive error(s), facility, location, and the surgeon's experience.

Insurance companies consider PRK an elective surgery, so they don’t usually cover it. Expect to pay about $2,000 to $4,000 for both eyes.

Your surgeon may provide a PRK touch-up for free as long as it’s within the 1-year window. If you’re getting it outside that window, you can expect to pay $200 to $2,800 per eye.

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