Is PRK Less Painful when Done over a Pre-existing LASIK Flap Than when Done on an Untouched Cornea?

PRK is not significantly less painful when done over a LASIK flap. There may be some minor difference but in most cases the nerves of the cornea completely heal after LASIK. However, there are lots of tricks your surgeon can do to make PRK more comfortable. Modern PRK is very well tolerated thanks to improvement in pain control with topical NSAIDS, steroids, oral medications, and even dilute anesthetic (comfort) drops.