When it comes to correcting short sightedness, PRK works well and inside a year after the surgery, four fifths of patients have 20/20 vision without the aid of either contact lenses or glasses. It is estimated that as many as 98% of short sighted patients who have PRK have 20/40 vision without contacts or glasses within a year of surgery.

Whilst most patients will experience discomfort for the first two or three days after PRK surgery, and a sensitivity to light, some may experience other, longer lasting side effects. Longer term side effects may include halos around images, loss of best or corrected vision with glasses, and a possibly permanent minor glare. The potential side effects of PRK are the main reason that most ophthalmologists will suggest LASIK rather than PRK surgery.