How long does PRK last?

If you're considering PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), you're probably asking the big question: "How long does PRK last?"

The short answer? For most people, PRK results can last for decades—and often for life. But let’s take a deeper look at what influences how long your results last, and what you can do to protect your new vision.

What PRK actually does

PRK is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the surface of your cornea to correct:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances)

By changing how light enters your eye and focuses on the retina, PRK helps you see clearly—without needing glasses or contact lenses.

Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t involve creating a flap in the cornea. Instead, the outer surface layer is gently removed, the laser reshapes the eye, and then the surface heals over the next few days.

So, how long do the effects last?

For the majority of patients, PRK provides permanent vision correction.

That means once your eyes are fully healed and your vision has stabilised (usually around 3 to 6 months), you can expect clear, stable vision for many years—often decades.

But does anything change over time?

Yes—but not because PRK “wears off.”

Over time, your eyes will continue to age—just like the rest of your body. This can lead to natural vision changes that are unrelated to your laser surgery.

These include:

• Presbyopia – the age-related loss of near vision, usually starting after age 40. This is when reading glasses come into the picture—even if you had perfect vision before.
• Cataracts – clouding of the eye’s natural lens, usually developing later in life (60s+). Cataracts can affect clarity and focus and may eventually require surgery.
• Changes in the shape of the eye – rare, but possible over time, especially if your prescription was very high before surgery.

Can your vision change after PRK?

It’s possible, but not common.

Some people may experience a slight shift in prescription 5 to 10 years after their procedure. This is usually due to natural eye changes—not because PRK didn’t work.

If this happens, a PRK enhancement or touch-up procedure might be offered. Not everyone needs it—but it’s an option if your vision changes enough to affect your lifestyle.

Does PRK stop you from needing reading glasses?

No. PRK corrects your distance vision—but it doesn’t prevent the natural decline in near vision (presbyopia) that happens as we age.

If you’re over 40 or approaching that age, ask about Presbyond during your consultation. These can help you maintain good near vision too.

How can you keep your results lasting as long as possible?

Great question. Here’s what helps:

• Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses outdoors
• Avoid eye rubbing, especially in the early months
• Keep up with regular eye checks, even if your vision is good
• Manage your health—conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your eyes over time
• Use artificial tears if you have dry eye symptoms after surgery.

So, is PRK a lifelong fix?

For many people, yes.

You might still need reading glasses one day—or develop age-related conditions like cataracts—but for distance vision, PRK often delivers long-term, stable results that dramatically reduce or eliminate your need for glasses.

Is PRK worth it in the long run?

If you’re looking to simplify your life, ditch glasses or contacts, and enjoy sharp distance vision without constant correction—then yes, PRK is often well worth it.

Not sure if PRK is right for you?

Take our quick, free self-test to find out if you might be a good candidate.