PRK · Rochester Hills, Bloomfield Hills & Troy
See clearly with PRK — laser vision correction with no flap.
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is laser vision correction that reshapes the surface of the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, with no flap. It’s often the best laser option for thinner corneas or contact sports, and the whole procedure takes about 15 minutes.
Complimentary consultation. No obligation. No pressure. Just honest answers about your vision.
Consultations in Rochester and Bloomfield Hills, serving Troy, Birmingham and all of Metro Detroit
Your PRK surgeon
Joshua Vrabec, MD
Dr. Vrabec has spent 20 years helping patients see clearly, with more than 10,000 cataract and vision correction procedures personally performed. His approach is simple: the right procedure for the right patient — or no procedure at all. If PRK isn’t your best option, we’ll tell you, and tell you what is.
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor
- Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
- Fellowship-Trained Refractive Surgeon
- Fellow, World College of Refractive Surgeons
- QUAD A Accredited On-Site Laser Suite
What PRK is
The original laser vision correction
PRK, short for photorefractive keratectomy and sometimes called surface laser vision correction, uses an excimer laser to reshape the surface of the cornea. It corrects nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, no flap is created — the surface layer of the cornea heals back on its own — so PRK keeps more of the cornea’s natural strength. That makes it a strong choice for thinner corneas, contact sports and some professions. Recovery takes a little longer than LASIK, but long-term vision results are the same in published studies.
- Corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
- No flap — often the right laser option for thinner corneas
- A good fit for contact sports and active careers
- Personalized Contoura® treatments for those who qualify, at no extra cost
The Clear Vision Way
We’d rather tell you no than tell you what you want to hear.
PRK is an excellent procedure for the right eyes. Careful screening lets us recommend the procedure that fits you best — PRK, LASIK, SMILE Pro, EVO ICL or another option.
A treatment mapped to your eye
We photograph your eye’s unique “fingerprint.” If you qualify, Contoura® custom PRK is designed around it; if not, Wavefront Optimized PRK still delivers outstanding results.
Screening that protects you
We look at the shape and thickness of your cornea, your prescription, your profession and your goals before any recommendation. Some people are better served by another procedure, and we’ll say so.
An experienced refractive surgeon
Two decades of laser vision correction and more than 10,000 procedures stand behind every recommendation Dr. Vrabec makes.
A private, on-site procedure suite
Your procedure happens in our own accredited suite in Rochester Hills, not a hospital. Post-procedure eye drops, follow-up visits and enhancements for two years are included, with no hidden fees.
Is PRK right for you?
Compare your vision correction options
Your prescription, corneal thickness and age decide which procedure fits best. We offer the full range, and your consultation decides which is right for your eyes.
LASIK
Personalized laser vision correction
The most familiar laser vision correction, with a faster visual recovery than PRK, for mild to moderate prescriptions. Learn about LASIK →
ZEISS SMILE Pro
Laser vision correction without a flap
The laser works through a tiny keyhole opening instead of creating a flap — a strong choice for nearsightedness and astigmatism with drier eyes or an active lifestyle. Learn about SMILE Pro →
EVO ICL
A lens placed inside the eye
Corrects moderate to high nearsightedness without reshaping the cornea — often the answer when the cornea is too thin for any laser procedure. Learn about EVO ICL →
Refractive lens exchange
For adults 45 and over
Replaces the eye’s aging lens with an advanced lens, correcting distance and reading vision in one procedure — and you’ll never develop a cataract. Learn about refractive lens exchange →
The cost of waiting
What you’re already spending to see
Glasses and contacts feel small month to month. Over the years ahead, they’re often the more expensive choice.
Estimates only, for illustration. PRK pricing is confirmed at your consultation; ask about 0% financing over 24 months and HSA/FSA eligibility.
That’s money spent renting your vision. PRK is a one-time investment — and the end of that recurring bill.
Find where you fitSimple & reassuring
Your path to PRK
Complimentary consultation
Detailed measurements and pictures of your eye’s unique “fingerprint,” and a conversation about your goals, recovery and pricing.
Your personalized plan
We recommend the procedure with the best chance of success for your eyes — PRK or another option — and walk you through scheduling and financing. No pressure.
Vision correction day
Bring a driver. Numbing drops keep you comfortable, the laser itself takes seconds, and a soft contact lens protects each eye while it heals. The whole visit for both eyes is about 15 minutes in the procedure room.
Find where you fit
See where you fit — in 60 seconds
Candidacy is confirmed only at your consultation. If PRK isn’t the right procedure for you, we’ll tell you — and tell you what is.
Good to know
PRK questions, answered
What is PRK?
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy. It’s laser vision correction that uses an excimer laser to reshape the surface of the cornea, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. No flap is created — the surface layer of the cornea heals back over a few days.
What is custom PRK?
With Contoura® custom PRK, the laser treatment is designed around your eye’s unique “fingerprint” for the best vision with the fewest side effects. Not everyone qualifies for a custom treatment, and standard Wavefront Optimized PRK also delivers outstanding results. We’ll recommend the treatment with the greatest chance of success for you.
Am I a candidate for PRK?
The best candidates are adults roughly 20 to 49 with mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. We look at the shape and thickness of your cornea, your prescription, your profession and your vision goals. If you’re over 49, or laser vision correction isn’t right for your eyes, we’ll recommend a different procedure — or no procedure at all.
PRK vs. LASIK — which is better?
Long-term vision results are the same in published studies; the difference is how you get there. LASIK creates a thin flap and recovers faster. PRK treats the surface with no flap, so it keeps more of the cornea’s natural strength — a better fit for thinner corneas and contact sports — but vision takes a few weeks to fully sharpen. SMILE Pro is another no-flap laser option.
| PRK | LASIK | SMILE Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Laser reshapes the surface of the cornea; no flap | Laser reshapes the cornea under a thin flap | Laser works through a tiny keyhole; no flap |
| Often best for | Thinner corneas, contact sports, some professions | Mild to moderate prescriptions | Nearsightedness and astigmatism, active lifestyles |
| Visual recovery | Slower — a few weeks to fully sharpen | Faster | Faster |
| Long-term results | Comparable in published studies | ||
How long does the PRK procedure take?
The whole procedure for both eyes typically takes about 15 minutes in the procedure room; the laser itself takes only seconds per eye. You’ll need someone to drive you home.
Does PRK hurt?
Numbing drops keep you comfortable during the procedure, and you can choose a relaxation medication if you’d like. The first few days afterward can be uncomfortable as the surface of the eye heals; a soft contact lens protects each eye during that time.
What is PRK recovery like?
Expect dryness, light sensitivity, redness and blurry vision for the first few days. Vision improves steadily and can take a few weeks to fully sharpen as the eye heals — a little longer than LASIK. We’ll see you for every follow-up visit along the way.
What are the side effects of PRK?
Common short-term effects are dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision and redness while the eye heals. Serious complications are rare, and careful screening, an experienced surgeon and modern laser technology help avoid them. We’ll review the risks with you in detail at your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
How much does PRK cost?
Your price depends on the procedure you’re a candidate for, and you’ll receive a detailed, 100% transparent quote at your consultation. Pricing is all-inclusive: Contoura custom treatment if you qualify, post-procedure eye drops, follow-up visits and enhancements for two years are included, with no hidden fees. We offer 0% financing over 24 months for qualified patients — you can apply for financing online — and see pricing & insurance for more.
Where do you perform PRK?
In our private, accredited on-site procedure suite in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Consultations are available in Rochester and Bloomfield Hills, and we serve patients from Troy, Birmingham and all of Metro Detroit.
Take the first step
Find out if PRK is right for you
See where you fit in about 60 seconds, or call to speak with our team. Your consultation is complimentary, and there’s no pressure to proceed.
Medically reviewed by Joshua Vrabec, MD, board-certified ophthalmologist · Updated October 2026 · Clear Vision Center, Rochester and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan