PRK

Medical abbreviation · Surgical

PRK
Stands forPhotorefractive keratectomy
CategoriesMedical

PRK stands for Photorefractive keratectomy, a surgical abbreviation.

Laser vision correction that removes the corneal surface layer (epithelium) and reshapes the cornea with an excimer laser without cutting a flap. It suits people with thin corneas and those in contact sports or military careers, where a flap could be dislodged.

Example: PRK both eyes; bandage contact lenses placed, follow-up in 4 days.

Usage notes

PRK received FDA approval in 1995, before LASIK. Recovery is slower and more uncomfortable for the first several days while the epithelium regrows, but long-term visual results are similar. Variants include LASEK and epi-LASIK.

More surgical abbreviations

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  • PE – Pressure equalization (tubes)
  • Phaco – Phacoemulsification
  • POD – Postoperative day
  • Post-op – Postoperative
  • Pre-op – Preoperative
  • RCR – Rotator cuff repair
  • SLNB – Sentinel lymph node biopsy
  • STSG – Split-thickness skin graft
  • T&A – Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
  • TAPP – Transabdominal preperitoneal (hernia repair)
  • TEP – Totally extraperitoneal (hernia repair)

See all 51 surgical abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.