Why is PRK recovery longer?
PRK recovery is longer because the outer layer of the cornea has to regrow, and vision stays soft while it does. Flap and lenticule procedures leave that layer intact, so the surface settles sooner.
- Subject
- Vision correction
- Topic
- PRK & TransPRK
- Kind of question
- Why…
- Procedures
- PRK, TransPRK
- Last reviewed
- 22 September 2026
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It is one of 483 answers in the vision and eye health knowledge base, filed under Vision correction & laser eye surgery in PRK & TransPRK . The subject page carries the answers either side of it, and the hub is searchable.
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- Procedure PRK
- Procedure TransPRK
- Comparison LASIK vs PRK
- Comparison SMILE vs PRK
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace an examination by a qualified eye-care professional.
General answers cannot tell you what is happening in your own eyes. Only an examination by a qualified ophthalmologist can do that.