PRK is a laser refractive procedure developed in 1983 by Dr. Steven Trokel and colleagues, with the first procedure performed in 1987 by Dr. Theo Seiler in Berlin. It involves ablating the corneal stroma to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

PRK received FDA approval in 1996 and was initially preferred over incisional keratotomy for its predictability and stability. However, its popularity declined in the late 1990s with the rise of LASIK.

 Despite LASIK being the most commonly performed visual refractive surgery today, there are still specific situations where PRK may be preferred.