PRK eye surgery in Newport Beach, with Dr. Alexandra®
Laser vision correction with no flap. PRK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, and is often the better choice for thin corneas or active lifestyles. Performed by Alexandra Chebil, M.D., F.R.C.S.C., at our Newport Beach office.
Book by phone and get an extra discount.
- 70,000+surgeries performed
- 25 yearsof laser eye surgery
- 0%financing from $59/mo
What is PRK eye surgery?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) was the first laser vision correction procedure and is still widely used. Like LASIK, it reshapes the cornea with an excimer laser. The difference: PRK works on the surface of the cornea, so no flap is created.
Nearsightedness
Far away looks blurry, close up stays sharp. Also called myopia.
Farsightedness
Close objects are harder to focus on. Also called hyperopia.
Astigmatism
An uneven cornea blurs or distorts vision at every distance.
How PRK surgery works
You stay awake, the eye is numbed, and both eyes are usually treated in the same visit at our Newport Beach office.
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1
Numbing drops
Drops numb the eye. No needles, no general anesthesia.
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2
Surface layer removed
Dr. Chebil gently removes the thin outer layer of the cornea. It grows back on its own within days.
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3
Laser reshaping
An excimer laser reshapes the cornea to your exact measurements.
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4
Bandage contact lens
A soft lens protects the eye while the surface heals. It is removed at a follow-up visit.
PRK vs LASIK: which is right for you?
Both correct the same problems and long-term results are comparable. The real differences are the flap and the recovery.
| PRK | LASIK | |
|---|---|---|
| Flap | No flap, the surface is treated | A thin flap is created |
| Often best for | Thin corneas, contact sports, physically demanding jobs | Most standard prescriptions |
| Discomfort | Soreness for the first few days | Usually a few hours |
| Back to work | Usually within about a week | Usually the next day |
| Vision settles | Over 1 to 3 months | Over days to weeks |
| Long-term result | Comparable to LASIK | Comparable to PRK |
PRK is often the better choice if
- Your corneas are too thin for LASIK
- You play contact sports or have a physically demanding job
- You were told you are not a LASIK candidate
- You are 18 or older with a prescription stable for 12 months
PRK may not be right if
- Your prescription is still changing
- You are pregnant or nursing
- Your cornea is irregular, as in keratoconus
- You have an active eye infection or disease
Want the faster recovery? Read about LASIK surgery in Newport Beach.
PRK recovery with one surgeon at every step
PRK takes longer to heal than LASIK, so follow-up matters more. At our Newport Beach practice, Dr. Chebil sees you at every visit.
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Evaluation
Measurements and a plan
A full eye exam, corneal mapping and a straight answer on PRK or LASIK.
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Surgery day
Home to rest
Someone drives you home. Keep your eyes closed as much as you can.
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Days 1 to 4
The hardest part
Expect soreness, light sensitivity and blurry vision while the surface grows back. Drops help.
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About 1 week
Lens comes out
Dr. Chebil removes the bandage lens. Most patients drive and work again once cleared.
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1 to 3 months
Vision settles
Vision keeps sharpening. Use your drops as directed and wear sunglasses outdoors.
Side effects to know about
The first few days are uncomfortable. Temporary haze, dry eye and glare or halos at night can occur and usually improve over time. Less often, the eye is under- or over-corrected and may need a touch-up. Infection is rare. Dr. Chebil reviews your personal risk at the evaluation.
Your PRK surgeon in Newport Beach
Alexandra Chebil, M.D., has performed more than 70,000 surgeries over 25 years. Because she performs both PRK and LASIK, she can recommend the one that fits your eyes instead of the one she happens to offer.
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (F.R.C.S.C.)
- Private practice at 4740 Von Karman Ave., Newport Beach
- Also offers facial aesthetics at the same office
"My experience in this clinic was great! My eyes were very bad, I had -7 vision. Dr. Alexandra Chebil did an amazing job. She changed my life!"
PRK cost in Newport Beach
The cost of PRK depends on your prescription and is confirmed at your evaluation. Three ways to bring it down:
$59/mo
0% financing
Up to 12 months at 0% with CareCredit, subject to approval.
$500 off
Laser eye surgery coupon
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Phone booking discount
Book by phone or text for an extra discount on top of the coupon.
Call (949) 251-0229PRK in Newport Beach: common questions
Does PRK hurt?
The procedure itself does not, thanks to numbing drops. The first few days afterwards are sore and sensitive to light while the surface of the eye heals. Drops and the bandage contact lens help.
How long is PRK recovery?
Most patients are back to work and driving within about a week, once Dr. Chebil has cleared them. Vision keeps improving for one to three months.
Is PRK better than LASIK?
Neither is better for everyone, and long-term results are comparable. PRK has no flap, which makes it a good fit for thin corneas and contact sports. LASIK recovers faster. Dr. Chebil performs both and recommends the one that suits your eyes.
Can I have PRK if I was told I am not a LASIK candidate?
Often, yes, especially if the reason was thin corneas. Some conditions rule out both procedures. Your evaluation will tell you which applies.
Is PRK permanent?
The correction to your cornea is permanent. Your eyes still age, so you may need reading glasses later in life, as almost everyone does.
What are the risks of PRK?
Discomfort during the first days is expected. Temporary haze, dry eye and night glare or halos can occur. Under- or over-correction can happen and is sometimes treated with a touch-up. Infection is rare. Your personal risk is reviewed at the evaluation.
How much does PRK cost in Newport Beach?
Your price depends on your prescription and is confirmed at your evaluation. You can lower it with the $500 coupon, an extra discount for booking by phone, and 0% CareCredit financing from $59 a month, subject to approval.
Do you see patients from outside Newport Beach?
Yes. Our office at 4740 Von Karman Ave. is close to the 405 and easy to reach from across Orange County, including Irvine, Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach.
Ready to see life clearly?
Book your PRK evaluation in Newport Beach with one quick call or text.
Lasik Center Medical Group4740 Von Karman Ave. Suite 150
Newport Beach, CA 92660 Get directions