LASIK Vs PRK – What Are the Differences?

Today there are two main surgeries available to patients that suffer from myopia but who do not want to wear spectacles or contact lenses. These are known as LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy).

Which exact treatment is suitable for your condition will depend upon the degree to which the problem is present and the recommendation of your Ophthalmologist. LASIK vs PRK is a decision that should be made only after eye examination results. Both can also be used in the treatment of astigmatism and hypermetropia.

Before undergoing any type of eye surgery it is best to be informed of the similarities and differences between these two procedures and what each entails. Most surgery can be frightening but knowledge can help to calm nerves.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): This surgery involves the use of an excimer laser to sculpt the front of the patient’s cornea. The first step is to carefully remove the corneal epithelium, otherwise known as the surface of the eye. Although this sounds dangerous it is not as this layer can easily regenerate itself over the course of a couple of days. The newly exposed surface, stroma, is then bombarded by laser pulses that are controlled by a computer. This process does not affect any deep layers of the cornea, in total only around ten per cent of the cornea is altered.

LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis): As with the PRK surgery, the excimer laser is used to alter the shape of the cornea. But with this procedure no epithelial cells are damaged as it is carried out underneath a thin flap in the cornea. This flap is created by the surgeon using a specialized medical instrument called a microkeratome which works be creating a minute flap that is still attached by an area of tissue. The flap can be carefully lifted exposing the corneal stroma for treatment. The laser can then be positioned to shoot pulses at the exposed stroma. This part of the procedure lasts approximately one minute. Once the laser has done its job, the flap that was created with the microkeratome can be gently positioned back in place.

As you can see, there are a number of differences between the two procedures. Surgery for myopia that uses LASIK treatment is preferential as compared to that using PRK treatment as there is usually a faster improvement in the vision of the concerned patient. This is due to the fact that the epithelial cells have not been damaged in any form. For this reason many eye surgeons will recommend the LASIK procedure over PRK, especially when a quick recovery time is a priority.

There are certain patients in which PRK surgery is still preferential. It can be said that it is a safer treatment overall. Also, if the individual undergoing surgery has a very thin cornea or corneal scars or irregularities then PRK is the right course of action.

Neither treatment should be looked upon as frightening. Thousand of patients undergo each form every year without any problems and are grateful for not having to wear any spectacles or lenses. Ask your physician to help you weigh LASIK Vs PRK so that you can make the right choice.