PRK Bellevue & Seattle, WA

Achieve sharp, lasting vision with PRK, an advanced laser eye surgery designed for those patients with minimal prescriptions or needing enhancements after prior refractive surgery procedures.

Sharp, Clear Vision—No Corneal Flap Required with PRK in Bellevue

If you’ve been told you’re not a LASIK candidate, PRK may be the perfect alternative to achieve crisp, long-lasting vision correction. This advanced laser procedure reshapes your cornea without creating a flap, making it ideal for those with thin corneas, active lifestyles, or a history of eye trauma. PRK delivers the same exceptional results as SMILE and LASIK while providing a safer option for patients with unique eye conditions. At Bellevue Precision Vision, we customize your treatment to ensure optimal vision clarity, precision, and long-term stability, giving you the confidence to see life clearly—without glasses or contacts.

What Is PRK?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is an advanced laser eye surgery that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea without creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outermost layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed, allowing the excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue underneath. The epithelium naturally regenerates over the following days. PRK is an excellent option for individuals with thin corneas, irregular corneal surfaces, or those who have had previous refractive surgical procedures. While the recovery period is slightly longer than SMILE or LASIK, PRK offers the same long-lasting vision correction and exceptional clarity.

The Benefits of PRK

Sharp, Long-Lasting Vision: PRK delivers exceptional clarity without the need for glasses or contacts.
Better for Thin Corneas: PRK is a great alternative for patients who aren’t SMILE or LASIK candidates due to thin or irregular corneas, or those patients needing enhancements with minimal prescriptions who had previous refractive surgery.
Reduced Risk of Flap-Related Complications: With no corneal flap, there’s no risk of flap dislocation or complications, ensuring greater long-term stability.
Permanent Vision Correction: Once healed, PRK results last a lifetime and offer the same high-quality correction as SMILE and LASIK.
Custom-Tailored Laser Treatment: PRK is performed with highly advanced excimer laser technology, ensuring precise, personalized vision correction.

Is PRK Right for Me?

If you want permanent vision correction but aren’t a SMILE or LASIK candidate, PRK may be the best alternative.

Because it doesn’t require creating a corneal flap, it’s ideal for those with thin corneas or active lifestyles where eye injuries are a concern.

You may be a good candidate for PRK if you:

Have mild nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Have thin or irregular corneas that make SMILE or LASIK less suitable.
Lead an active lifestyle (e.g., athletes, military personnel) and want to avoid flap-related complications.
Want a safer option for your eye structure while still achieving excellent vision.
Are willing to experience a slightly longer healing time for long-term results.

Are you unsure if SMILE, LASIK or PRK is right for you? A personalized consultation will help determine which option best suits your vision, eye health, and lifestyle.

What to Expect The PRK Process

Comprehensive Eye Evaluation

We perform a thorough eye exam to assess your prescription and corneal health.

Preparing for Surgery

Stop wearing contact lenses before surgery, as advised.
Arrive with clean eyes—no eye makeup or creams.
Plan for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

The PRK Procedure (10-15 minutes total)

Numbing eye drops are applied for comfort.
The outer corneal layer (epithelium) is gently removed.
A precision excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct your vision.
A protective contact lens is placed over the eye to aid healing.

The First Few Days After Surgery

Expect mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and hazy vision for the first 3-5 days.
The corneal epithelium regenerates naturally within a week.

Recovery & Follow-Ups

Most patients see significant vision improvement within a week.
Full visual clarity develops over the next few weeks to months.

Schedule a Consultation

"One of the best corneal surgeons in the country."

Dr. Rostov is one of the best corneal surgeons in the country and is exceptionally knowledgeable about optical health issues. Dr. Rostov performed two procedures on my eyes, and both were completed correctly and without complications. I have found...

Brian C.

I have had extreme myopia (almost pathological) and astigmatism in both eyes my entire life. Gas-permeable hard contact lenses were the only thing that corrected my vision perfectly, but as I reached middle age, it became increasingly painful to w...

Yvette Y.

I had surgery on both of my eyes, performed by Dr. Rostov. I am so thankful to Dr. Rostov for her kindness, talent, skills, and professionalism. She is top notch to say bluntly. And believe me, I could go on and on about how happy I am with my vis...

Marc M.

Dr. Rostov took time to explain the SMILE procedure in detail and made sure to make me comfortable throughout. She and her team worked so seamlessly and efficiently that I felt like I was in the hands of experts the whole time. Dr. Rostov is highl...

A.W.

Dr. Rostov took time to explain the SMILE procedure in detail and made sure to me comfortable throughout. She and her team worked so seamlessly and efficiently that I felt like I was in hands of experts the whole time. Dr. Rostov is highly talente...

A. W.

Excellent vision recovery after a lifetime of one eye wildly off from the other with astigmatism and farsightedness. add in cataracts, happily by the time i went in for possible lasik surgery a new type of lens to correct multifocal vision plus as...

Anonymous

Dr. Audrey is a world-renowned surgeon, known for her skills and compassion. The Hawaiian Eye Foundation is inspired by her humanitarian efforts and is pleased to work with her to give the gift of sight around the world!

Anonymous

Amazingly knowledgeable as much as caring. Always with a big smile and willing to explain the procedures and alternatives. I had a cornea transplanted by her in 2011 and everything went perfect. I have referred a friend with my same problem and he...

Zelma

Always friendly and answered all questions. Recommended to sister and she had a good experience

Anonymous

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After Your PRK Surgery Recovery & Results

PRK has a slightly longer recovery period than SMILE and LASIK since the corneal surface needs time to regenerate. While vision may be hazy for the first few days, results are just as sharp and long-lasting as SMILE and LASIK once healing is complete.

Healing Timeline & Recovery Expectations

First 3-5 Days: Expect light sensitivity, discomfort, and blurred vision as the epithelium regenerates. A protective contact lens is placed to aid healing.
First Week: Vision gradually improves but may still fluctuate.
First Month: Most patients experience significant vision improvement, though it can take several weeks for full clarity.
Long-Term Results: Once healed, PRK provides permanent vision correction with excellent stability over time.

Tips to Support Healing and Comfort

Use prescribed eye drops and artificial tears to keep your eyes hydrated.
Avoid bright lights, screen time, and strenuous activities for the first few days.
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from UV exposure.

While PRK requires more patience during recovery, the outcome is just as effective as SMILE and LASIK, offering crisp, clear vision for life.

Why Choose Bellevue Precision Vision?

PRK requires specialized expertise to ensure optimal healing and results—and at Bellevue Precision Vision, we provide just that. Dr. Audrey Talley Rostov, MD, is a fellowship-trained corneal surgeon with decades of experience in laser vision correction, offering personalized PRK treatments. With the latest excimer laser technology and a patient-first approach, we help you achieve crisp, stable vision without the need for glasses or contacts. Schedule a consultation today to find out if PRK is the right choice for you.

FAQ PRK

How is PRK different from LASIK?

PRK does not create a corneal flap like LASIK. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed and regrows during healing, making PRK a great option for patients with thin corneas or active lifestyles.

How long does PRK recovery take?

Initial healing takes about 3-5 days, but vision may be hazy for up to a week. Full visual clarity develops over the next few weeks to months.

Is PRK more painful than SMILE or LASIK?

Because the corneal surface needs to regenerate, mild discomfort is common for the first few days. Medicated eye drops help manage any irritation.

Is PRK as effective as SMILE and LASIK?

Yes, once healed, PRK delivers the same high-quality, long-lasting vision correction as LASIK.

Am I a good candidate for PRK?

PRK is ideal for patients with thin or irregular corneas, those who aren’t SMILE or LASIK candidates, or those patients requiring enhancements following other refractive surgical procedures.

PRK Bellevue & Seattle, WA

Sharp, Clear Vision—No Corneal Flap Required with PRK in Bellevue

What Is PRK?

The Benefits of PRK

Is PRK Right for Me?

What to Expect The PRK Process

Comprehensive Eye Evaluation

Preparing for Surgery

The PRK Procedure (10-15 minutes total)

The First Few Days After Surgery

Recovery & Follow-Ups

Schedule a Consultation

"One of the best corneal surgeons in the country."

After Your PRK Surgery Recovery & Results

Healing Timeline & Recovery Expectations

Tips to Support Healing and Comfort

Why Choose Bellevue Precision Vision?

FAQ PRK

How is PRK different from LASIK?

How long does PRK recovery take?

Is PRK more painful than SMILE or LASIK?

Is PRK as effective as SMILE and LASIK?

Am I a good candidate for PRK?

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