PRK & TransPRK Laser Eye Surgery in Brisbane
PRK Eye Surgery Brisbane
A safe, effective alternative for long-term vision correction carefully tailored to
each patient using advanced technology and detailed assessment.
What is PRK eye surgery?
If you've been told you're not suitable for LASIK eye surgery, it doesn't mean you're out of options. At Dr Geoffrey Ryan's Brisbane practice, PRK is carefully tailored to each patient using advanced technology and detailed assessment.
Unlike LASIK, this vision correction procedure does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outermost layer of the cornea – known as the corneal epithelium – is gently removed, allowing an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.
This approach ensures your treatment is safe, appropriate, and designed for long-term visual outcomes.
This makes PRK particularly suitable for patients with:
- Thin corneas not suitable for LASIK
- Borderline or established dry eye
- Active lifestyles or involvement in contact sports
It is one of the most established forms of laser vision correction surgery, with strong long- term outcomes.
Personalised care from consult to recovery
Considering laser eye surgery?
Not sure whether PRK, TransPRK, LASIK or another vision correction procedure is right for you? A comprehensive assessment with Dr Geoffrey Ryan can determine the safest and most effective option for your eyes.
How PRK surgery works
During photorefractive keratectomy, the goal is to improve how light rays focus on the retina.
The procedure works by:
Remove the outer layer
The outer layer of the corneal surface is
removed, exposing the tissue beneath.
Precise laser ablation
An excimer laser performs precise laserablation of the corneal tissue.
Reshape the cornea
The corneal tissue is reshaped to correct refractive errors, so light focuses accurately.
Unlike LASIK, no femtosecond laser is used to create a flap — which means the corneal structural integrity is preserved.
Is PRK surgery right for you?
Not every patient is suited to LASIK – and that’s where PRK eye surgery becomes an important alternative.
You may be a suitable candidate for PRK if you
- Have thin corneas that may not be suitable for LASIK
- Experience dry eye symptoms or have a history of dry eye
- Participate in contact sports such as rugby, AFL, martial arts or boxing
- Work in aviation, defence, military or law enforcement roles
- Have certain corneal surface diseases or irregular corneal topography
- Require enhancement after previous LASIK surgery
- Have a stable prescription
- Have good overall eye health
PRK is often recommended when preserving corneal structure is an important consideration. Dr Geoffrey Ryan will assess your corneal thickness, refractive errors, and overall eye health to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Or call us on (07) 3239 5000
What conditions can PRK eye surgery treat?
If you've been told you're not suitable for LASIK eye surgery, it doesn't mean you're out of options. At Dr Geoffrey Ryan's Brisbane practice, PRK is carefully tailored to each patient using advanced technology and detailed assessment.
Short sightedness
Myopia — distant objects appear blurry while near vision stays clear.
Long sightedness
Hyperopia — difficulty focusing on near objects, sometimes at all distances.
Astigmatism
An irregularly shaped cornea causing distorted or blurred vision at any distance.
These conditions affect how light focuses inside the eye, often causing blurry vision or difficulty focusing on near or distant objects. PRK works to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, improving overall visual clarity.
TransPRK – a no-touch laser eye surgery option
Dr Geoffrey Ryan performs TransPRK, an advanced form of surface laser eye surgery that uses the laser to remove the corneal epithelium and reshape the cornea in a single continuous treatment.
Unlike conventional PRK, no alcohol solution, brush or surgical instrument touches the eye during the procedure.
Benefits of TransPRK may include:
- Fully no-touch treatment
- No blade, brush or alcohol application
- Precise laser-controlled epithelial removal
- Excellent long-term visual outcomes
- Suitable for many patients with thin corneas or active lifestyles
The PRK procedure – what actually happens
The PRK procedure is performed as a precise, controlled surgical procedure using advanced laser technology.
The entire procedure is relatively quick, and most patients experience minimal discomfort during treatment.
During treatment:
- Numbing drops are applied to ensure comfort
- The laser removes the corneal epithelium with TransPRK
- An excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue
- A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to support healing
What does PRK surgery feel like?
During the procedure, PRK surgery is typically pain-free due tonumbing drops. After surgery, you may experience:
- Mild to moderate discomfort
- Grittiness or irritation
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision during early recovery
This is part of the normal healing process as the outer layer of thecornea regenerates.
What conditions can PRK eye surgery treat?
PRK recovery typically takes longer than LASIK, but the long-term visual outcomes are comparable. The difference lies in the healing process, not the final result.
Because PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap, the surface layer of the eye naturally regenerates after treatment. While this means recovery is more gradual, many patients choose PRK specifically because it may be the safer option for their eye anatomy or lifestyle.
During the first few days
- A bandage contact lens protects the eye while healing occurs
- Vision is typically blurry or fluctuates
- Mild to moderate discomfort may occur
- Eye drops help support healing and comfort
During the following weeks
- Vision steadily improves
- Light sensitivity reduces
- Most patients return to normal daily activities within a week
- Visual clarity continues to refine as the cornea heals
Results — what can you expect?
PRK outcomes are comparable to LASIK in the long term, even though recovery takes longer.
Most patients achieve:
- Improved vision
- Reduced reliance on corrective lenses
- Stable, long-term vision correction
Most patients achieve functional vision within the first week, with ongoing improvement over the following weeks. Full visual stabilisation may take several weeks to a few months, depending on the individual.
Why the Alcon WaveLight EX500 matters
Not all excimer lasers are the same. Dr Geoffrey Ryan erforms PRK and TransPRK using the Alcon WaveLight EX500, one of the most advanced excimer laser platforms available for laser vision correction.
500 Hz
Faster treatment
Treatment is completed in just seconds, helping maintain corneal consistency throughout the procedure.
1,050 Hz
Advanced eye tracking
Continuously monitors eye movement and adjusts treatment in real time for exceptional precision.
3 profiles
Personalised treatment
Wavefront-optimised, wavefront-guided and topography-guided (Contoura) treatments tailored to each eye.
Why this matters for PRK
Because PRK reshapes the surface of the cornea directly, laser precision is particularly important. Advanced laser technology may contribute to smoother treatments, predictable healing and excellent visual outcomes.
Questions to ask when comparing PRK providers
- What laser platform do you use?
- Does your laser include real-time eye tracking?
- Do you offer wavefront-guided or topography-guided treatments?
- How often is your technology updated?
Risks and considerations
All eye surgery carries some level of risk, although complications are uncommon. PRK may involve a longer healing process compared to LASIK, but it avoids risks associated with a corneal flap.
Dr Geoffrey Ryan will explain all risks clearly to help you make an informed decision. Potential risks include:
- Corneal haze
- Infection
- Delayed healing
- Temporary blurred vision
- Dry eye symptoms
Every eye is different
Find out if PRK is right for you
A detailed consultation with Dr Geoffrey Ryan can determine whether PRK, TransPRK, LASIK or another vision correction procedure is the best option for your needs. An exact cost can only be provided after your consultation, once your eye health and vision needs have been fully assessed.
Book your consultationCost of PRK eye surgery
from$3,000
per eye · indicative only
The cost of PRK varies depending on your individual eyes and treatment plan.
PRK vs other laser eye surgery options
Several laser vision correction procedures can produce excellent results. The best option depends on your corneal anatomy, prescription, lifestyle and visual goals.
All three procedures can achieve excellent long-term vision correction when matched to the right patient. Dr Geoffrey Ryan offers a comprehensive assessment to determine which procedure is most appropriate for your eyes.
| FEATURE |
PRK / TransPRK
PERFORMED BY DR RYAN
|
LASIK | SMILE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corneal flap created | No | Yes | No |
| How the procedure works | Laser reshapes the corneal surface | A flap is created before the cornea is reshaped with a laser | A small lenticule is removed through a tiny incision |
| Recovery to functional vision | Typically 5–7 days | Typically 1–2 days | Typically 2–5 days |
| Dry eye risk | Lower | Moderate | Lower |
| Suitable for thin corneas | Often preferred | May be limited | May be limited |
| Suitable for contact sports | Excellent | Good | Very good |
| Aviation, military & law enforcement | Often preferred | May be less suitable in some situations | May be suitable depending on requirements |
| Previous LASIK enhancement | Often preferred | Not always possible | Not typically used |
| Treatment for hyperopia (long-sightedness) | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Long-term visual outcomes | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Find out if PRK is right for you
Every eye is different. A detailed consultation with Dr Geoffrey Ryan can determine whether PRK, TransPRK, LASIK or another vision correction procedure is the best option for your needs.
Why choose Dr Geoffrey Ryan
Choosing an experienced laser eye surgeon is essential for achieving safe outcomes. Every treatment is tailored to your eyes, ensuring safety and long-term results.
Dr Geoffrey Ryan offers:
- Over 10 years of surgical experience
- A personalised, patient-focused approach
- Advanced diagnostic technology
- Access to a full range of refractive surgery options
Or call us on (07) 3239 5000
What happens at your PRK consultation?
Your consultation is designed to determine whether PRK eye surgery is right for you. This includes:
01
Corneal mapping and
measurements
02
Assessment of refractive
errors
03
Evaluation of eye health
04
Discussion of your lifestyle and vision goals
These conditions affect how light focuses inside the eye, often causing blurry vision or difficulty focusing on near or distant objects. PRK works to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, improving overall visual clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Give us a call, we're happy to help.
Or call us on (07) 3239 5000
Is PRK surgery painful?
PRK is not painful during the procedure due to numbing drops. Some discomfort is normal during the first few days of recovery.
Does PRK surgery hurt?
You may experience temporary irritation or discomfort as the cornea heals, but this is usually manageable with medication and eye drops.
How long does PRK surgery last?
The results of PRK are long-lasting, although natural changes in vision can occur with age.
Can you drink alcohol after PRK surgery?
It’s generally recommended to avoid alcohol in the early recovery period, as it can affect healing and interact with medications. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance.
Take the next step towards clearer vision
If you’re considering PRK eye surgery in Brisbane, the first step is a comprehensive assessment. Dr Geoffrey Ryan will determine whether PRK laser eye surgery or another treatment is the right option for your vision.