LASIK Isn't Your Only Choice

The number of different vision correction procedures can be overwhelming. While you may have heard of LASIK, you might not have come across the term Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK). This article will give you a better understanding of PRK, whether it could be a solution for you, and how it compares to LASIK.

Testimonials

Took my 8yr old here for the first time because of her pediatrician recommendation. As soon as I walked in the office front desk was very welcoming. The gentleman who helped me ...

Took my 8yr old here for the first time because of her pediatrician recommendation. As soon as I walked in the office front desk was very welcoming. The gentleman who helped me was very polite and friendly.

Yaritza O.

Had such a great experience at Cohen Eye Institute! The whole process was super smooth—from booking my appointment to the actual LASIK procedure. The staff was so friendly...

Had such a great experience at Cohen Eye Institute! The whole process was super smooth—from booking my appointment to the actual LASIK procedure. The staff was so friendly, patient (especially with how nervous I was) and made me feel comfortable the entire time.

Dr. Cohen took the time to explain everything about LASIK, answered all my questions, and made me feel completely at ease. You can tell he genuinely cares about his patients and their results.

If you’re thinking about getting LASIK, I highly recommend this place. Professional, efficient, and overall just a great experience!

Debby R.

I had an amazing experience at Cohen Eye institute! From start to finish they went above and beyond to ensure everything was ok The clinic itself is super clean and neat with st...

I had an amazing experience at Cohen Eye institute! From start to finish they went above and beyond to ensure everything was ok The clinic itself is super clean and neat with state of the art equipments. Their attention to detail and professionalism made the entire process seamless . I want to thank the staff but foremost Kenia she’s at front desk she went above and beyond making it very clear and simple experience I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone for there Eye needs ill definitely will go there again.

Elvis S.

It’s been always great experience from last two years. Doctors and other staffs have been amazing. Ms Sarany and Ms Karlee are outstanding with their customer service. I w...

It’s been always great experience from last two years. Doctors and other staffs have been amazing. Ms Sarany and Ms Karlee are outstanding with their customer service. I will definitely recommend

Razib E.

First time patient and the doctor that took care of me was Karlee she did such an amazing job so knowledgeable feel very comfortable. Now this my new home The past experience th...

First time patient and the doctor that took care of me was Karlee she did such an amazing job so knowledgeable feel very comfortable. Now this my new home The past experience that I had in other locations has just been horrible thank you guys for making me feel comfortable. The place is so impeccable clean.

Oscar O.

Everything was great from beginning to end. All the staff were friendly and professional. I’ve been with them for many years and it’s been amazing since my 1st visit...

Everything was great from beginning to end. All the staff were friendly and professional. I’ve been with them for many years and it’s been amazing since my 1st visit.

David C.

I’m a first time patient i came 6mins late my schedule but the staff assist me right away. They are very friendly and they work fast i was in and out the building.Dr. Kris...

I’m a first time patient i came 6mins late my schedule but the staff assist me right away. They are very friendly and they work fast i was in and out the building.Dr. Krishna Morar explained to me clearly whats going on with my eyes so clearly understand what I need to do with his advice. God blessed every one

Bhel G.

From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted by Kenia, whose bubbly personality and efficiency truly made my day. Her knowledge and fast service stood out, making the entir...

From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted by Kenia, whose bubbly personality and efficiency truly made my day. Her knowledge and fast service stood out, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. The office was spotless and well-organized, creating a welcoming atmosphere. I’ll definitely be returning!

Manuel S.

My experience was all together great regarding the medical part, where I think there’s room for improvement is the wait time and the efficiency of the front desk staff. Bu...

My experience was all together great regarding the medical part, where I think there’s room for improvement is the wait time and the efficiency of the front desk staff. But they’re all professional and friendly and my eyes are better now, that’s what matters!

Adriana N.

Professional and courteous staff. Well organized and comfortable facility. They answered all my questions and were very friendly when I asked to have my prescription sent to a d...

Professional and courteous staff. Well organized and comfortable facility. They answered all my questions and were very friendly when I asked to have my prescription sent to a different farmacy. This was my first visit and will see the surgeon in 2 weeks.

Joe C.

I recently had the pleasure of being treated at the Cohen Eye Institute, and I couldn't be more impressed. From the moment I walked in, the staff were warm, welcoming, and incre...

I recently had the pleasure of being treated at the Cohen Eye Institute, and I couldn't be more impressed. From the moment I walked in, the staff were warm, welcoming, and incredibly professional. The doctors and medical team were knowledgeable, compassionate, and took the time to answer all my questions.

The facility itself is state-of-the-art, with modern equipment and a clean, comfortable environment. The entire experience, from initial consultation to post-op care, was seamless and stress-free.

I highly recommend the Cohen Eye Institute to anyone seeking top-notch eye care. Their expertise, combined with their caring approach, makes them stand out in the field. I'm so grateful for the care I received and would trust them with my family's eye health without hesitation.

Lisa F.

I have great faith in Dr. Morar. He answers my questions and explains things so I can understand. Sammy did my initial eye check and was efficient, courteous and kind. It was a ...

I have great faith in Dr. Morar. He answers my questions and explains things so I can understand. Sammy did my initial eye check and was efficient, courteous and kind. It was a great vision checkup.

Marie T.

I have been going to Dr. Morar for years. He is very thorough, caring, compassionate and he always takes his time. He explains everything in detail. My son went with me once and...

I have been going to Dr. Morar for years. He is very thorough, caring, compassionate and he always takes his time. He explains everything in detail. My son went with me once and Dr. Morar answered all of my son’s concerns. I leave there satisfied never second guessing what Dr. Morar has done. You won’t sit around for a long time like most places. I’m always called in around my appointment time.

His staff is very helpful, professional and kind. I’m always greeted with a smile no matter who is taking care of me. The entire office is always clean. I wouldn’t change this practice. I highly recommend Cohen Eye Institute!

Zenda P.

I enjoyed the friendly staff and the courtesy of the tech's it was very clean and up to date. With the equipment. And Dr Mora was quite friendly and knowledgeable I enjoyed my v...

I enjoyed the friendly staff and the courtesy of the tech's it was very clean and up to date. With the equipment. And Dr Mora was quite friendly and knowledgeable I enjoyed my visit exceptionally

Marc P.

The facility is equipped with the most advanced technology, ensuring top-notch care for every patient. The staff is exceptionally friendly, professional, and attentive, making e...

The facility is equipped with the most advanced technology, ensuring top-notch care for every patient. The staff is exceptionally friendly, professional, and attentive, making every visit a pleasant experience. The doctors are incredibly knowledgeable and take the time to answer all questions with patience and clarity. I always feel heard and cared for here. Thank you for providing such outstanding service!

Mehdi T.

Great place. Everyone friendly, competent and respectful. Doctor was excellent. Very modern and clean office. Very little wait time

Great place. Everyone friendly, competent and respectful. Doctor was excellent. Very modern and clean office. Very little wait time

M. W.

Everyone was attentive, friendly and respectful. The place is clean and Dr Morar is amazing, he addresses any concerns thoroughly and makes sure he provides an excellent custome...

Everyone was attentive, friendly and respectful. The place is clean and Dr Morar is amazing, he addresses any concerns thoroughly and makes sure he provides an excellent customer service.

Hazel N.

I was just seen 2 weeks ago and I will continue to come here! The staff is always so helpful and the doctors have very good bedside matter along with being very informative. He ...

I was just seen 2 weeks ago and I will continue to come here! The staff is always so helpful and the doctors have very good bedside matter along with being very informative. He took the time to answers my questions and I did not feel rushed in anyway. I have seen two different doctors here and I would recommend any of the doctors here.

Jill N.

Clean office friendly staff excellent doctor interactions. Listened to questions n not pushy. Good experience.

Clean office friendly staff excellent doctor interactions. Listened to questions n not pushy. Good experience.

Angela P.

Dr. Morar has been doing an excellent job on diagnosing my eye issues for 7yrs now. He has always been very cordial, professional and compassionate. Thanks Doc

Dr. Morar has been doing an excellent job on diagnosing my eye issues for 7yrs now. He has always been very cordial, professional and compassionate. Thanks Doc

Daryl W.

Dr. Morar is a great and smart doctor. All my relatives using him as their eye doctor. He is very caring and always spends time with you, listens to you and gives you good advis...

Dr. Morar is a great and smart doctor. All my relatives using him as their eye doctor. He is very caring and always spends time with you, listens to you and gives you good advises. The practice is very clean, all the staff are super friendly. If you have an emergency, they will help you even without appointments.

Ivanka G.

Facility is clean and the marjority of the front desk is pleasant. The doctor was amazing, kind and caring. My mother is very satisfied with the service.

Facility is clean and the marjority of the front desk is pleasant. The doctor was amazing, kind and caring. My mother is very satisfied with the service.

Maria C.

Very professional and courteous staff. Little to no waiting time on the day of your appointment. No matter what questions you ask they are always willing to take the time to exp...

Very professional and courteous staff. Little to no waiting time on the day of your appointment. No matter what questions you ask they are always willing to take the time to explain things to you and where necessary use visual aides in their explanations. Great service all around.

Ron F.

Great experience, excellent customer service. Gentlemen at desk was very knowledgeable, pleasant, compassionate. Rest of staff excellent service. Thank you all God Bless all of ...

Great experience, excellent customer service. Gentlemen at desk was very knowledgeable, pleasant, compassionate. Rest of staff excellent service. Thank you all God Bless all of you!

Lily

Cohen Eye Institute is one the best in New York City. Extremely professional and well educated people. They take good care of their patients immediately and lead you to the righ...

Cohen Eye Institute is one the best in New York City. Extremely professional and well educated people. They take good care of their patients immediately and lead you to the right track of your treatment.

Wisdom E.

Loved my doctor. As a new patient they were able to accomidated me for same day emergency appointment. I never had an issue with scheduling. The doctor was very caring for my ey...

Loved my doctor. As a new patient they were able to accomidated me for same day emergency appointment. I never had an issue with scheduling. The doctor was very caring for my eye and gave recommendations. Very professional, nice and knowledgeable.

Damaris P.

My experience in this facility is one of gratitude. I appreciate their professionalism and level of care they demonstrated throughout my visit .I thank the whole staff for their...

My experience in this facility is one of gratitude. I appreciate their professionalism and level of care they demonstrated throughout my visit .I thank the whole staff for their efficiency and their prompt services.

Tiffany

I didn't wait to much for them to call me inside,the staff are very nice and the Dr is polite & gentle. The place is affordable,nice & clean.

I didn't wait to much for them to call me inside,the staff are very nice and the Dr is polite & gentle. The place is affordable,nice & clean.

Blanca I.

Everyone was very professional, patient, and friendly . The Institute is very clean, the examination was thorough and the doctor made me feel confident and secure that he would ...

Everyone was very professional, patient, and friendly . The Institute is very clean, the examination was thorough and the doctor made me feel confident and secure that he would take care of my vision problems.

Larry A.

From entering into the office through completing my appointment, the staff and doctor were prompt, courtesy & professional, which is much appreciated.

From entering into the office through completing my appointment, the staff and doctor were prompt, courtesy & professional, which is much appreciated.

Alfred S.

Life-Changing Experience!I recently had LASIK surgery with Dr.Cohen and his team, and I honestly can’t believe I waited this long to do it. From start to finish, the...

Life-Changing Experience!I recently had LASIK surgery with Dr.Cohen and his team, and I honestly can’t believe I waited this long to do it. From start to finish, the entire process was smooth, professional, and surprisingly quick. The consultation was thorough—they explained everything in detail and answered all of my questions, which really helped ease any nerves I had.The actual procedure took less than 15 minutes, and I was seeing better almost immediately. By the next day, my vision was crystal clear—no glasses, no contacts, just perfect vision. It’s still wild to wake up and see without fumbling for glasses.The staff was incredibly kind and knowledgeable, and they made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. Recovery was easy, just a few days of taking it easy and using eye drops.Getting LASIK was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re on the fence—go for it. It’s truly life-changing!

Anonymous
Reviews media

What Do I Need to Know About Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?

PRK is a type of laser eye surgery that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, and then using a laser to reshape the cornea. The outer layer typically fully regenerates in about 4-7 days.

During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the epithelium (a thin layer of tissue that covers the external surface of your cornea) from the cornea using a brush or sometimes a laser beam. In certain situations a diluted alcohol solution may also be used.

The laser will then be used to reshape the corneal surface, following a custom map created by your eye doctor and based on your individual prescription. This procedure will correct your vision according to your personal prescription.

Once the laser reshaping is complete, the epithelium will heal and re-grow over the next several days. The procedure has been successfully used since the late 1980s and has evolved over the years to become a safe and effective alternative to LASIK. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap, making it a good option for patients with thin corneas or other corneal conditions that would make them poor candidates for LASIK.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) infographic

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) infographic

Banner media
Profile of a man smiling

What Happens during Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?

The PRK procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes about 15 minutes to complete. Before the procedure, your eye surgeon will administer a local anesthetic to numb your eye. You will also be given a mild sedative to help you relax.

Once your eye surgeon has removed the epithelium, a laser is used to reshape the corneal tissue according to your prescription. A contact lens will then be placed over your eye to protect your corneal and help the eye to heal and re-grow the epithelium. You will receive instructions about the healing process and what you should do to allow your eye to heal optimally.

column media

Dr. Ilan Cohen Has Performed Over 80,000 Vision Correction Procedures.

Dr. Cohen is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist and has devoted his career to fine-tuning and perfecting surgical techniques that can change your vision and your life. This is perhaps the reason that more than 1,000 physicians have chosen him for the correction of their own vision.

Dr. Cohen featured in the media

Enhance Your Vision

Book Appointment
logomark

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) – Risks and Benefits

There are several benefits to PRK, including:

  • No corneal flap and flap-related complications: Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap (making a small circular incision that allows to separate and lift the cornea for treatment). This can reduce the risk of complications such as flap displacement, irregular flaps or infection.
  • Safe for thin corneas: PRK is a good option for patients with thin corneas or other corneal conditions that would make them poor candidates for LASIK.
  • Quick healing time: Most patients experience significant improvement in their vision within the first few days after the procedure, with full recovery taking about a few weeks.
  • Good for high prescriptions: PRK has been shown to be effective for patients with high prescriptions, including those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

An experienced eye surgeon like Dr. Cohen can reduce risks to a minimum. In over 25 years, Dr. Cohen has successfully performed PRK on thousands of patients with excellent results. This experience gives Dr. Cohen the ability to plan and execute the surgery with great precision, achieving the best outcomes. The fact that more than 1,000 doctors have entrusted their eyes to Dr. Cohen speaks for itself.

Background media

However, We Would Like to Make You Aware of Certain Risks That Can Occur on Rare Occasions:

  • Risk of infection: Photorefractive keratectomy is a surgical procedure, and as with all surgery, there is a risk of infection.
  • Glare and halos: These can be caused by haze in the cornea which may take several weeks to heal.
  • Dry eyes: Some patients can experience dry eyes for a period of time.

Comparing PRK to LASIK

While both PRK and LASIK are effective options for correcting vision problems, there are some key differences between the two procedures:

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) infographic

Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. This makes PRK a good option for patients with thin corneas or other corneal conditions that would make them poor candidates for LASIK.

LASIK tends to have a faster visual recovery time and a lower risk of corneal haze. LASIK is also a better option for some patients as it does not require a lengthy healing period and does not cause the same level of postoperative discomfort as PRK.

During our extensive screening examination, we will advise you on the most suitable procedure for you and your personal situation.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Banner media

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Post-Operative Care

Post-operative care after Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is an important aspect of ensuring a successful outcome. It is essential for patients to follow the instructions provided by their eye surgeon to minimize the risk of complications and to maximize the benefits of the procedure. The first step in post-operative care is to rest the eyes and avoid any strenuous activities that can put stress on the eyes. This typically includes avoiding physical activities such as heavy lifting and sports for several days after the procedure. Additionally, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes and should use artificial tears as directed by their surgeon to keep the eyes hydrated. 

In some cases, the surgeon may prescribe a mild pain reliever, a steroid or antibiotic drops to reduce discomfort and prevent infection. It is important for patients to attend all follow-up appointments with their surgeon, as the surgeon will monitor the healing process and make any necessary adjustments. In the days and weeks following the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, including light sensitivity, glare, and blurred vision, which is normal and should gradually improve over time. With proper post-operative care and monitoring, patients can expect to achieve the benefits of PRK, including improved vision and freedom from glasses or contacts.

In Conclusion…

Both PRK and LASIK are effective options for correcting vision problems, and the best choice will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. If you’re considering refractive surgery, speak with our team at the Cohen Eye Institute about the options that are available to you. Together, we will decide which solution is best for you.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Banner media

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Ilan Cohen

President and Medical Director

Dr. Cohen

Dr. Nancy Argano

Clinic Leader, Old Bridge

Dr. Argano

Dr. Nathalie Chen

Dry Eye Clinic Leader, Old Bridge

Dr. Chen

Dr. Krishna Morar

Clinic Leader, Ridgewood

Dr. Morar

Dr. Brian Krawitz

Glaucoma Specialist

Refractive Surgery Quiz

At Cohen eye Institute we offer a wide menu of Refractive Surgery. From Lasik to EVO- ICL. This quiz will help us help you tailor your vision to your lifestyle needs.

This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit
logomark logomark

Enhancing Your Vision

Guiding you toward the procedure that fits your unique needs, so you can see the world clearly and confidently.

Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 917-398-4011.
Contact Us

Book an appointment

If you do not see your preferred date and time please call the office, so we can accommodate your request (917) 398-4011.