While LASIK is the most popular laser vision correction procedure, PRK (and its modern evolution, TransPRK) remains the safer choice for specific patient profiles.
PRK is preferred for: patients with thin corneas, those in contact sports (boxing, MMA, martial arts), military and paramilitary aspirants, and patients with corneal surface irregularities.
The trade-off: PRK has a slightly longer initial recovery (4-7 days vs 1-2 days for LASIK), but the long-term corneal strength is preserved — eliminating any flap-related risk.
Modern TransPRK is completely touch-free — the laser performs the entire procedure in a single seamless step, with no instruments touching the eye.