SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is an advanced, flap-free form of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea without creating a corneal flap or making an incision.
By preserving the deeper structural integrity of the cornea, SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is particularly valuable for suitable patients with thinner corneas, active lifestyle, or when a flap-based procedure such as FemtoLASIK is less appropriate.
SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is a flap-free laser vision correction procedure that offers a highly precise way to correct refractive errors while preserving the natural structure of the cornea.
Rather than creating a corneal flap, treatment is performed directly on the surface of the eye using an excimer laser. The laser first removes the thin outer epithelial layer before reshaping the cornea according to your prescription, all as part of a single continuous treatment. This means there is no blade, no flap, and no surgical instrument used to remove the epithelium.
By refining the curvature of the cornea, SafeSight Transepithelial PRK allows light to focus more accurately on the retina, correcting short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Treatment is carefully planned using detailed measurements of each eye to achieve a precise and personalised correction.
Because the deeper layers of the cornea remain undisturbed, SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is particularly well suited to selected patients with thinner corneas, active lifestyles, or those who would benefit from a completely flap-free approach. The surface layer of the cornea then regenerates naturally over the following days as vision progressively clears.
Our SafeSight Transepithelial PRK treatment is performed using the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS excimer laser, a high-performance laser platform designed for fast, precise, and highly controlled corneal treatment. Its combination of rapid laser delivery, advanced eye tracking, and SmartSurfACE technology allows treatment to remain accurately centred while delivering a smooth, touch-free surface ablation.
SafeSight Transepithelial PRK combines the results of surface laser vision correction with a completely flap-free, no-touch treatment approach. It is particularly valuable for patients whose corneal anatomy or lifestyle makes preservation of the corneal structure especially important.
SafeSight Transepithelial PRK reshapes the cornea directly from the surface, avoiding the creation of a corneal flap and eliminating flap-related complications.
Because no flap is created, more of the corneal structure is preserved. This can make SafeSight Transepithelial PRK an excellent option for suitable patients whose corneas are too thin for FemtoLASIK.
The SCHWIND AMARIS excimer laser removes the epithelium and reshapes the cornea in a single continuous treatment, without blades, alcohol, or manual removal of the surface layer.
With no corneal flap to protect after surgery, SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is particularly attractive for patients involved in contact sports, physical occupations, or activities where direct eye trauma is a consideration.
SafeSight Transepithelial PRK can correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism in suitable patients, with treatment individually planned according to the characteristics of each eye.
Once healing is complete and the cornea has stabilised, the reshaped cornea provides lasting refractive correction, reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
By reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses, SafeSight Transepithelial PRK reduces the recurring costs of replacing prescription eyewear, purchasing contact lenses, and buying cleaning solutions over the years.
SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is particularly well suited to adults who require a flap-free approach to laser vision correction. Because treatment is performed directly on the corneal surface, it can be an excellent option for patients with thinner corneas, certain corneal shape characteristics, or lifestyles where avoiding a corneal flap is preferred.
You are eligible for SafeSight Transepithelial PRK if you:
During your SafeSight Transepithelial PRK suitability assessment, we will also assess whether other vision correction options we offer may be suited to your eyes, lifestyle, and visual goals. Alternatives such as FemtoLASIK, SMILE Pro 2.0, and EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (EVO ICL) may also be suited to your eyes.
| FemtoLASIK | SMILE Pro 2.0 | SafeSight Transepithelial PRK | EVO ICL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | A thin corneal flap is created before the cornea is reshaped with a laser | Flapless procedure where a lenticule is removed through a small corneal incision | Flapless surface laser treatment | A lens is implanted between the iris and natural lens |
| Procedure Time (per eye) | 10 to 15 minutes | 3 to 5 minutes | 3 to 5 minutes | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Correction | Myopia, hyperopia & astigmatism | Myopia & astigmatism | Myopia, hyperopia & astigmatism | Myopia, hyperopia & astigmatism |
| Downtime | 2 to 3 days | 2 to 3 days | 5 days | 2 to 3 days |
Depending on your corneal thickness and shape, corneal cross-linking may be recommended alongside laser vision correction to provide additional strengthening. Learn more about the procedure here.
From finding out whether SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is right for you to returning to clearer vision, we will guide you through each stage of the process. Your journey begins with a detailed suitability assessment, followed by personalised treatment planning, your all-laser, no-touch SafeSight Transepithelial PRK procedure, and structured aftercare as the surface of your eye heals and your vision gradually settles.
Your first step is a comprehensive assessment of your vision, prescription and eye health. Detailed measurements of your cornea are taken to assess its shape, thickness and overall suitability for SafeSight Transepithelial PRK.
To ensure these measurements are accurate, contact lenses should be stopped before your assessment:
We will review these findings together with your lifestyle, visual needs and expectations, while also considering other vision correction options such as FemtoLASIK, SMILE Pro 2.0, and EVO Implantable Collamer Lenses.
Your suitability assessment and SafeSight Transepithelial PRK procedure are performed on separate days. Before treatment, we will provide clear preparation instructions and explain your post-operative eye drops, aftercare and temporary activity restrictions. You should also arrange for someone to accompany you home, as you will not be able to drive immediately after the procedure.
SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is performed while you are awake using anaesthetic eye drops to keep your eyes comfortable. A small device gently keeps your eyelids open, so you do not need to worry about blinking during treatment.
Throughout the procedure, a dim green fixation light helps you keep your gaze steady while the laser corrects your vision.
The laser then removes the thin outer epithelial layer of the cornea and reshapes the underlying corneal tissue in a single continuous treatment. Advanced eye-tracking technology follows the position of your eye throughout the procedure, helping the laser deliver the planned correction accurately.
Once the laser treatment is complete, a protective bandage contact lens is placed over the eye while the epithelial surface naturally regenerates. Both eyes can usually be treated during the same session.
Your vision will usually be blurred or hazy immediately after treatment and will improve progressively as the surface of the cornea heals.
As the anaesthetic drops wear off, it is common to experience watering, light sensitivity, a gritty sensation or some discomfort during the first few days. This is part of the normal healing process as the epithelial layer regenerates. Your prescribed eye drops and protective bandage contact lens help support healing and keep the eyes comfortable during this period.
You should rest your eyes after treatment and avoid rubbing them. Swimming, strenuous exercise, contact sports and eye makeup should also be avoided temporarily while the corneal surface heals.
Your first follow-up allows us to assess your vision and ensure that the corneal surface is healing as expected. The bandage contact lens is usually removed once the epithelium has sufficiently regenerated.
Vision typically improves progressively over the first several days and continues to sharpen and stabilise over the following weeks. Further follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your corneal healing, assess your visual result and manage any temporary dryness, glare, light sensitivity or fluctuations in vision while your eyes settle.
Caring for Your Eyes AfterSafeSight Transepithelial PRK
Our team remains available throughout your recovery should you have any questions or concerns after your procedure.
Discover whether a flap-free, no-touch approach to laser vision correction is suitable for your eyes. A comprehensive suitability assessment will evaluate your prescription, corneal shape and thickness, and overall eye health to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
Schedule a consultation to explore your options for clearer vision and greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
Both procedures reshape the cornea to correct refractive error, but they access the cornea differently. FemtoLASIK creates a thin corneal flap before an excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue. SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is performed entirely from the surface without creating a flap. The epithelium is removed by the excimer laser before the cornea is reshaped, making it a completely flap-free treatment.
In conventional PRK, the epithelium is removed separately using a surgical instrument, brush, or alcohol solution before laser treatment begins. With SafeSight Transepithelial PRK, the excimer laser removes the epithelium and reshapes the underlying cornea as part of a single continuous treatment. This eliminates the need for manual epithelial removal.
The surface of the cornea usually heals over the first several days, although visual recovery continues beyond this period. Vision is commonly blurred or variable during the first week and becomes progressively clearer over the following weeks. Fine visual quality can continue to improve as the cornea stabilises over the next few months.
Anaesthetic eye drops are used during the procedure, so patients generally do not feel pain while the laser treatment is being performed. As the anaesthetic wears off, discomfort, watering, light sensitivity, and a gritty or burning sensation can occur during the first few days while the corneal surface heals. Medication, lubricating drops, and a bandage contact lens are used to keep this period as comfortable as possible.
SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is an established form of surface laser vision correction with a strong safety profile in appropriately selected patients. As with any eye procedure, complications are possible, which is why detailed corneal measurements, eye health assessment, and careful treatment planning are important before surgery.
It can be particularly useful in patients whose corneas are not well suited to a flap-based procedure. Because no flap is created, more of the corneal structure is preserved. Suitability still depends on the overall corneal thickness, shape, prescription, and amount of tissue required for correction.
SafeSight Transepithelial PRK can correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism within suitable treatment ranges. The amount that can be safely corrected varies between individuals and depends on factors including corneal thickness, corneal shape, prescription, and overall eye health.
Yes. The excimer laser can reshape different meridians of the cornea to correct astigmatism as part of the treatment. Detailed pre-operative measurements are used to plan the amount and orientation of correction required.
The choice depends on your corneal anatomy, prescription, ocular surface, lifestyle, and treatment goals. SafeSight Transepithelial PRK may be preferred when avoiding a corneal flap is advantageous, particularly in some patients with thinner corneas or certain corneal characteristics. The aim is not simply to choose the newest procedure, but the procedure that offers the best balance of safety and visual outcome for your eyes.
Yes, it is often considered for patients involved in contact sports or occupations where there is a greater chance of direct eye trauma. Because no flap is created, there is no flap that could potentially be displaced following significant trauma.
Temporary dryness can occur after any form of laser vision correction. Because SafeSight Transepithelial PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap, there is generally less disruption to deeper corneal nerves compared with flap-based LASIK. Lubricating eye drops are commonly prescribed during recovery while the ocular surface settles.
The laser treatment itself is brief and is usually completed within a few minutes per eye. The exact laser time depends on the prescription being treated. Additional time is required for preparation, eye drops, positioning, and placement of the bandage contact lens.
Yes. The procedure is performed while you are awake. Anaesthetic eye drops numb the surface of the eye, and a small device gently keeps the eyelids open so you do not need to worry about blinking during treatment.
Modern excimer laser systems incorporate high-speed eye-tracking technology that continuously monitors the position of the eye during treatment. Small involuntary movements are detected and compensated for so that laser pulses remain aligned with the planned treatment area.
A soft bandage contact lens is placed over the cornea at the end of treatment to protect the healing surface and improve comfort while the epithelium regenerates. It is usually removed once the corneal surface has healed sufficiently.
You will usually be able to see after treatment, but vision is expected to be blurred and hazy initially. Unlike FemtoLASIK, visual recovery is gradual because the corneal surface needs time to heal. Vision typically becomes clearer as the epithelium regenerates and the cornea stabilises.
Many patients require several days away from work, particularly while the epithelium is healing and vision remains blurred or light-sensitive. Patients whose work involves prolonged screen use or visually demanding tasks may benefit from allowing additional recovery time.
You should not drive immediately after surgery. Driving can resume once your vision has recovered sufficiently and meets the required driving standard. This differs between patients and should be confirmed during your post-operative review.
Light activity can usually be resumed relatively early, although strenuous exercise, swimming, and contact sports should be avoided during the initial healing period. Your surgeon will advise when specific activities can be safely restarted based on how the cornea is healing.
Screen use does not damage the laser correction, but prolonged use can make the eyes feel more dry or uncomfortable during the early recovery period. Short periods of screen use with regular breaks are generally more comfortable while the corneal surface is healing.
The healing corneal surface can be more sensitive to bright light and ultraviolet exposure. Sunglasses improve comfort outdoors and provide UV protection while the cornea continues to heal and stabilise.
The corneal reshaping performed during SafeSight Transepithelial PRK is intended to provide long-term correction. However, the eyes can still undergo natural changes over time, and a small degree of regression can occur in some patients. Age-related changes such as presbyopia can also affect near vision later in life.
Enhancement treatment may be possible in selected patients if a clinically significant residual or recurrent prescription develops. Suitability depends on the remaining corneal thickness, corneal shape, stability of the prescription, and overall eye health.
Temporary effects can include discomfort, light sensitivity, tearing, dryness, blurred vision, and fluctuating vision during healing. Less commonly, infection, corneal haze, delayed epithelial healing, under-correction, over-correction, or residual astigmatism can occur. Careful patient selection and structured post-operative follow-up help minimise these risks.
Being unsuitable for SafeSight Transepithelial PRK does not necessarily mean that vision correction is not possible. Depending on your prescription, corneal anatomy, age, and eye health, alternatives such as FemtoLASIK, SMILE Pro 2.0, EVO Implantable Collamer Lens surgery, or Refractive Lens Exchange may be considered. The most appropriate option is determined after a comprehensive refractive assessment.
