PRK Laser Eye Surgery Perth | Perth Laser Vision

WHAT IS PRK LASER EYE SURGERY?

PRK Laser Eye Surgery

PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) is one of the original forms of laser vision correction. Unlike LASIK, no corneal flap is created. Instead, the laser is applied directly to the surface of the cornea after gently removing the thin outer layer (epithelium). The cornea is then reshaped with the excimer laser to correct your prescription.

After surgery, a temporary contact lens is placed over the eye to protect it during healing. The epithelium naturally regenerates over several days, adapting to the new corneal shape.

Although recovery can be longer compared to LASIK or SMILE, PRK remains a safe and effective option for many patients, particularly those who are not suited to other procedures.

Who is PRK Suitable For?

PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas, irregular corneal shapes, or those not suitable for LASIK or SMILE. It remains a safe, reliable procedure with excellent results for the right candidates. Dr Phillip McGeorge has performed thousands of laser procedures, including PRK, and will provide expert guidance to determine the best option for your eyes.

Benefits of PRK Laser Eye Surgery

01

PRK does not require a corneal flap, making it suitable for patients with thin or irregular corneas.

02

PRK delivers proven, long-term results, with more than three decades of safe use worldwide.

03

The procedure avoids flap-related complications, such as displacement or movement.

04

PRK provides precise correction for short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.

05

It is a strong option for active lifestyles or occupations where the risk of eye trauma is higher.

Am I suitable for
laser eye surgery?

We want to get you out of those glasses or contact lenses! Find out if you would make a good candidate.

Am I suitable for
laser eye surgery?

We want to get you out of those glasses or contact lenses! Find out if you would make a good candidate.

How is PRK Laser Eye Surgery performed?

At Perth Laser Vision, PRK is performed using advanced excimer laser technology.

Anaesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye.
The thin surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed.
The excimer laser precisely reshapes the cornea to correct your vision.
A soft contact lens is placed on the eye to protect it and support comfort while healing.

The entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes.

MEET YOUR SURGEON

Why choose Dr Phillip McGeorge at Perth Laser Vision?

When it comes to your vision, experience and trust matter most. At Perth Laser Vision, you’ll be cared for by Dr Phillip McGeorge, one of Australia’s most experienced laser eye surgeons, and a dedicated team committed to delivering the very best outcomes.

Perth Laser Vision has consistently led the way in eye surgery, with groundbreaking achievements and firsts in WA, including:

Over 30,000 laser eye surgeries – more than any other surgeon in Australia
SMILE lenticule extraction
Bladeless femtosecond LASIK
Multifocal implant surgery
Corneal inlays for reading improvement and keratoconus treatment
Rapid (3-minute) corneal cross-linking for keratoconus
PanOptix Trifocal lenses to reduce dependence on reading glasses

With a proven record of innovation and results, you can feel confident knowing your vision is in the most experienced hands.

FAQs

Is PRK painful?

No, you won’t feel any pain during the surgery, thanks to anaesthetic drops, but mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or watering can occur in the days following surgery while the surface heals.

How long does PRK recovery take?

Healing after PRK takes a little longer than LASIK or SMILE. The epithelium regrows over 4-7 days, during which time vision may be blurred and some discomfort is expected. Most patients notice steady improvement after the first week, with sharper vision continuing to develop over several weeks. You’ll have follow-up appointments to ensure your eyes are healing well. Dr Phillip McGeorge and the Perth Laser Vision team are available to support you throughout your recovery.

Can PRK treat astigmatism?

Yes, PRK can correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism in suitable patients.

Is laser eye surgery covered by Medicare?

Unfortunately, the Federal Government has determined that laser eye surgery will not be covered by Medicare as it is considered a lifestyle surgery. It is covered to a variable extent by some private health insurances, including Bupa, Medibank, AHM, Defence Health, Navy Health and HBF. We also provide finance options.

How much is laser eye surgery?

As every eye is unique, the extent of your surgery requirements will determine your exact costs. After an assessment to determine your needs, we will provide you with a quote for surgery. An initial assessment including refraction and consultation costs $200. A referral is not necessary, but Medicare will provide a higher rebate ($84.15) if you obtain a referral from your GP or an optometrist. If no written referral is provided, Medicare will only provide a rebate of around $21.00 on consultations. At Perth Laser Vision, laser eye surgery generally costs around $6,900 for both eyes. Most private health funds do not cover laser eye surgery. It’s best to check directly with your health fund.