PRK Eye Surgery in Manhattan, NYC

Diamond Vision offers PRK laser eye surgery — the flap-free alternative to LASIK — at locations in Hapeville GA, Atlanta, Paramus NJ, and Manhattan NYC. Led by former USAF Academy laser eye clinic chief Dr. Steven W. Stetson MD, Diamond Vision uses the Amoils Brush for fast, precise epithelium removal in just 10 seconds. PRK is ideal for patients with thin corneas or active lifestyles. Schedule a free PRK consultation or compare PRK vs LASIK.

Why Trust Diamond Vision With Your PRK Laser Eye Surgery?

While a Major in the US Air Force, Dr. Stetson (formerly Chief of the US Air Force Academy laser eye clinic) studied surface healing on PRK patients using many different methods to remove the epithelium such as alcohol and laser-assisted, before it became clear that using a rotational brush offered the most efficient and consistent surface preparation of the corneal surface in his hands. As a result, Diamond Vision uses a rotating brush (Amoils Brush) to gently and safely remove the surface cells in the treatment zone in just about 10 seconds! Though more expensive for us, this is far faster then alcohol-assisted removal, and allows us to maintain better control over the duration of the surgery while minimizing anxiety for our patients by reducing their time under the laser.

THE PRK LASER EYE SURGERY IS DONE UNDER TOPICAL ANESTHESIA AND TAKES ABOUT 5 MINUTES PER EYE

Mitomycin C (MMC) for PRK laser eye surgery treatments

We also use mitomycin C (MMC) for our PRK laser eye surgery treatments which require the removal of more than 30 microns of tissue. MMC has been shown to reduce the risk of corneal haze/scarring in many peer- reviewed studies while having a good track record of minimal adverse effects. For more on why we use the Amoil brush for our primary PRK treatments, and MMC in our larger PRK surgery treatments, and to review references to related studies, click below.

Advantages of PRK surgery:

You keep more corneal tissue than with LASIK, ensuring the long-term stability and integrity of your eyes.
You are also better able to have a ‘touch up’ procedure if necessary
There is no risk of flap-related complications.
You are at less risk for dry eyes, because there is less disruption in the nerves that tell your eyes to produce tears.
PRK is more comfortable during the procedure.

Disadvantages of PRK eye surgery:

Recovery takes longer after PRK. Most people do not work for at least 2 days after surgery to allow their eyes to rest. In a Diamond Vision survey of patients who have had surface ablations, seventy-five percentere back to work after 3 days.
Compared to LASIK, PRK is not as comfortable for a few days afterwards. However, advances in follow-up care have considerably improved the comfort of PRK. When patients in our Diamond Vision study were asked to rate their discomfort from zero to four, the majority (56%) said their discomfort was zero or one.

Benefits of PRK Surface Ablation Vision Correction in Hapeville GA Atlanta

Patients choosing PRK at Diamond Vision’s Hapeville GA, Atlanta, Paramus NJ, and Manhattan NYC offices benefit from a number of clinical advantages over flap-based LASIK procedures. PRK preserves greater corneal tissue thickness than any flap-based procedure, providing better long-term structural integrity of the eye. There is no risk of flap complications — no flap displacement, flap striae, or epithelial ingrowth. Patients with thin corneas who are not LASIK candidates are often excellent PRK candidates. PRK also carries less risk of post-surgical dry eye than LASIK, because it does not sever the corneal nerves responsible for tear production as deeply. For patients who lead active lifestyles, participate in contact sports, or have professions that increase the risk of eye trauma — including military applicants — PRK is the procedure of choice precisely because there is no flap to displace. Long-term vision stability is excellent, with results equivalent to LASIK after full healing.

How do I learn more about what is PRK surgery?

If you would like to discuss the procedure with patients who have had PRK (or a very similar procedure, LASIK), please ask our staff for a list of patient phone numbers. As always, we encourage you to speak to our knowledgeable doctors for any questions regarding this procedure

How PRK Laser Eye Surgery Differs From LASIK in Manhattan NYC

PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy, is the original laser vision correction procedure and the direct predecessor to LASIK. While LASIK eye surgery creates a corneal flap before reshaping the tissue beneath it, PRK applies the excimer laser directly to the surface of the cornea after removing the thin protective epithelial layer. No flap is created at any point — making PRK entirely free of flap-related complications. This surface ablation approach preserves more corneal tissue than LASIK, which is important for patients with thinner corneas or higher prescriptions. The long-term visual outcomes of PRK are equivalent to LASIK after a few weeks of healing, and long-term corneal stability is higher with PRK for many patients. At Diamond Vision’s Manhattan NYC and Paramus NJ locations, PRK is performed under topical anesthesia and takes approximately 5 minutes per eye.

Why is PRK laser surgery becoming more and more popular?

Many studies show that LASIK and PRK produce the same visual results after a few weeks or month. Now that the disadvantages of the “old PRK” have been conquered, doctors like the extra long-term safety afforded by PRK in many patients.

Why Diamond Vision Leads PRK Laser Eye Surgery in Paramus NJ Bergen County

Diamond Vision’s PRK expertise begins with Medical Director Dr. Steven W. Stetson, MD, who extensively studied PRK surface healing techniques during his service as a Major and Chief of the US Air Force Academy laser eye clinic. Dr. Stetson evaluated multiple epithelium removal methods — including alcohol-assisted removal and laser-assisted removal — before determining that the rotating Amoils Brush offered the most efficient and consistent surface preparation in his hands. This commitment to evidence-based technique refinement defines Diamond Vision’s approach to PRK surgery at every location, from Paramus NJ and Manhattan NYC to Hapeville GA and Atlanta. Patients across Bergen County and the greater New Jersey metro area choose Diamond Vision for PRK because of this combination of surgical pedigree, proven technique, and accessible free consultations at all 10 locations. Schedule your free PRK consultation with Diamond Vision today.

About the PRK Procedure

Otherwise known as Photorefractive Keratectomy is a “surface Ablation” procedure where the laser is applied directly on the cornea’s surface and not under the flap, like in the case of LASIK. It removes the tissue from the surface of the cornea and thus, depending on the problem, may treat astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness. A lot of patients wonder whether PRK surgery hurts. Our eye surgeons use eye drop anesthesia to numb the eyes prior to the procedure. Then, they will remove the epithelium, which is the thin protective skin covering the cornea. Then, patients are told to look at the target light directly, and in only a few seconds, the brush will remove the unnecessary tissue.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRK Eye Surgery Near Me in Paramus NJ

PRK is recommended at Diamond Vision’s Paramus NJ, Manhattan NYC, Hapeville GA, and Atlanta locations for patients who do not qualify for LASIK due to thinner corneas, mild corneal irregularity, or pre-existing dry eye risk. It is also the procedure of choice for patients who prefer not to have a corneal flap created — including personal preference, occupational requirements, military applicants, and athletes involved in contact sports. Patients should be at least 18 years old with a stable prescription and be in good general health. Those who are pregnant should wait until after delivery. Diamond Vision’s comprehensive free consultation includes corneal topography, pachymetry, and dry eye screening at all 10 locations to determine whether PRK, LASIK, or iLASIK is the right choice for your eyes and lifestyle.

PRK Eye Surgery Recovery Time at Our Manhattan NYC Vision Center

PRK recovery takes longer than LASIK because the epithelium must regenerate over the treated corneal surface. At Diamond Vision’s Manhattan NYC and Paramus NJ locations, patients typically experience blurry vision and light sensitivity for four to seven days after PRK. Most patients return to work within three to four days — in Diamond Vision’s internal patient survey, 75 percent of surface ablation patients were back at work by day three. Prescription antibiotic and steroid eye drops are used for several weeks following surgery. Preservative-free artificial tears should be used at least eight times daily for two months to support surface healing. Sunglasses are recommended outdoors for the first three weeks. While final visual stabilization after PRK takes three to six months, the end result delivers equivalent visual acuity to iLASIK with greater long-term corneal structural integrity.

MEDICATIONS TO TAKE BEFORE YOUR PRK PROCEDURE

Your vision will depend on good post-operative care. Please carefully follow these instructions and record your daily medication usage on the form that was given to you.

Shake all bottles before using. Place one drop in each operated eye. Wait one minute between drops. When using drops, do not let the bottle top touch your eye. You do NOT need to wake up to put drops in if you are napping or sleeping.

THE DAY OF SURGERY

Please use in the following order:

Antibiotic (Endsin — Floxacin) 4 times a day;
Steroid (Durezol or Prednisolone) every 2 hours;
Prolensa or Ketorolac (in clear package) 3 times a day for 3 days;
Artificial Tears (Refresh Plus Preservative Free) every 2 hours (at least 8 times per day) for 3 months. Keep refrigerated when at home;

FILL PRESCRIPTION:

800 mg Ibuprofen or 4 Advil tablets 3 times a day. To take the first 3 days by mouth even if you do not experience any pain!
Vicodin 1 to 2 tablets by mouth every 6 hours as needed if you still have pain. Vicodin is a narcotic prescription drug. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this medication!

MEDICATIONS TO TAKE AFTER YOUR PRK PROCEDURE

THE DAYS AFTER SURGERY

Starting the day after surgery until the contact lenses are removed BY THE DOCTOR, please use in the following order:

Antibiotic (Endsin-Floxacin) 4 times a day;
Steroid (Durezol) 2 times a day. If it’s prednisolone, then 4 times a day;
Acular (in clear package) 4 times a day for pain for the 1st 3 days following your procedure;
Artificial Tears (Refresh Plus Preservative Free) every 2 hours (at least 8 times per day) keeping refrigerated when at home.

FILL PRESCRIPTION:

800 mg Ibuprofen or 4 Advil tablets 3 times a day. To take the first 3 days by mouth even if you do not experience any pain!
Vicodin 1 to 2 tablets by mouth every 6 hours as needed if you still have pain. Vicodin is a narcotic prescription drug. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this medication!

Precautions

DO NOT REMOVE CONTACT LENSES!
Follow the prescribed course of eye drops (see medications);
Do not read, watch television or work on a computer AFTER your surgery for the rest of the day;
If the contact lenses happen to fall out, DO NOT try to put them back in! CALL 888–678-4341
The doctor will remove contact lenses about 5–7 days after surgery;
Wear your eye shields at night for 1 week (optional);
Do not rub your eyes for 3 weeks;
You may take a shower the day AFTER surgery but keep your eyes closed. Do not allow water to spray directly onto your face. Avoid soap or shampoo in your eyes for 1 week;
Eye cosmetics should not be used for 1 week;
Avoid excessive workouts for 5 days;
Do not swim, use a sauna or hot tub for 2 weeks following your surgery;
No scuba diving for 3 weeks;
Sunglasses are recommended when outdoors for the first 3 weeks to protect your eyes from wind and dust;
You may fly 3 days after surgery.

How the PRK Procedure Works at Diamond Vision Hapeville GA

The PRK procedure at Diamond Vision’s Hapeville GA, Atlanta, Paramus NJ, and Manhattan NYC locations begins with topical anesthesia eye drops to numb the eye for patient comfort. Dr. Stetson and his team then remove the corneal epithelium — the thin surface skin of the cornea — using Diamond Vision’s preferred Amoils Brush technique. This rotating brush method removes the epithelium gently in just 10 seconds, faster and more consistently than alcohol-assisted removal. This speed minimizes the patient’s time under the laser while providing superior control over surface preparation quality. Once the epithelium is removed, the excimer laser applies the custom correction pattern to the corneal surface, reshaping it to correct the patient’s prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. For treatments requiring removal of more than 30 microns of tissue, Diamond Vision applies Mitomycin C (MMC) to reduce the risk of corneal haze — a practice supported by peer-reviewed clinical evidence. A soft protective contact lens is placed on the eye following PRK surgery and remains in place for five to seven days while the epithelium regenerates naturally.

This treatment is designed to restore the natural oil flow to the tear film that covers the eye’s surface.

Preservative-free artificial tears should be used 8 times a day for two months.

After the contact lenses are removed, continue the steroid and antibiotic for 2 days and then use Lotemax or fluorometholone. Your use of Lotemax will depend on your prescription before surgery.

If you had ‑3 diopters of prescription or less, use Lotemax or fluorometholone as follows: 4 times a day for 2 weeks, 3 times a day for 2 weeks, 2 times a day for 1 week

If you had between ‑3.00 and ‑6.00, use Lotemax or fluorometholone as follows: 4 times a day for 2 weeks, 3 times a day for 3 weeks, 2 times a day for 2 weeks

If you were over ‑6.00 and for all hyperopes, use Lotemax or fluorometholone as follows: 4 times a day for 3 weeks, 3 times a day for 3 weeks,2 times a day for 2 week, 1 times a day for 1 week

Please return for an eye examination 6 weeks after contact lenses are removed.