Zac Brooks
Patient Story
Professional Football Player Zac Brooks Chooses PRK with Dr. Andrew Salem at Diagnostic Eye Center
Zac Brooks is a professional football player whose career demands sharp focus, fast reaction time, and total confidence in his vision. After years of playing with glasses and contact lenses—and dealing with the frustrations that came with them—Zac underwent PRK vision correction with Dr. Andrew Salem at Diagnostic Eye Center to simplify his life on and off the field.
Zac has worn glasses since he was about six years old, but as an active kid and athlete, they were rarely practical. “They were either broken or lost all the time,” he says. Even as his football career progressed, relying on corrective lenses remained a challenge.
Vision Challenges in a Contact Sport
Football is a fast-paced, physical game, and contact lenses don’t always cooperate. During games, Zac found that intense focus often caused his contacts to dry out. “Next thing you know, vision goes away because you get blurry,” he explains.
Like many football players, Zac also experienced contact lenses falling out during play after being hit or poked in the eye. “Got poked in the eye, contact comes out—but you gotta keep playing,” he says. “It’s competitive. You ain’t trying to go out because you lost the contact.”
Between the unpredictability of contacts and the risks that came with wearing them long-term, Zac knew he wanted a more reliable solution.
Choosing PRK as an Athlete
Zac had considered laser vision correction as early as college and again when he entered professional football, but timing and vision stability kept him waiting. When the time finally felt right, Dr. Salem evaluated Zac’s eyes and recommended PRK as the best option based on his specific eye measurements. Zac had thin corneas, so he did not have enough tissue for LASIK. Less corneal tissue is treated with PRK, so this was the safer choice for him. As Zac learned more about the procedure, the long-term safety and outcomes gave him confidence in the decision.
For athletes—especially those in contact sports—PRK can also have an advantage over LASIK. Because there is no corneal flap, there is no risk of flap displacement from impact. This risk is still very low with LASIK, but PRK may be a preferred option for some patients. A comprehensive preoperative exam is critical to evaluate corneal thickness and curvature, as well as the patient’s lifestyle and visual needs.
The PRK Experience
The procedure itself was quick, and Zac felt prepared going in. Rather than focusing on discomfort, he describes the recovery as manageable. “It wasn’t as bad as I was expecting,” he says.
With a supportive recovery setup at home, Zac was able to rest and heal comfortably. Understanding why PRK was recommended—and trusting the data behind it—helped reinforce his confidence. “I trust the numbers,” Zac says.
Advice for Others Considering Vision Correction
Now free from the hassles of glasses and contact lenses, Zac is relieved to have one less thing to worry about—on the field and in everyday life. For athletes considering vision correction, he believes PRK is worth the wait and the recovery.
Thank you, Zac, for trusting Dr. Andrew Salem and Diagnostic Eye Center with your vision and for sharing your PRK journey. We’re proud to support athletes at every level in seeing clearly, competing confidently, and performing at their best.
The doctors at Diagnostic Eye Center have reviewed and approved this content.
