Authored by: Dr. Fareed Ali
Are you thinking about getting your vision corrected, but are unsure of whether PRK or LASIK is right for you? Although there are differences between the two procedures, both leave you with the same unparalleled, crystal clear vision. Once your eyes have healed, you’ll no longer have to deal with glasses/contacts and you can begin experiencing life without worrying about your eyesight!
It is up to your eye doctor to determine which procedure your eyes are best suited for. In a consultation, they should evaluate:
- The moistness of your eyes
- The size of your pupils
- Corneal curvature
- Corneal thickness
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PRK is often the best procedure for those who have extremely dry eyes, thin corneas, or suffer from myopia, hypermetropia, or astigmatism.
What is PRK?
- PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy
- PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction
- Although LASIK has become the most widely known method, PRK is still often performed and may offer advantages for some patients
What’s the main difference from LASIK?
PRK is used for people whose cornea may be too thin for the creation of a corneal flap (required for LASIK).
So, what is LASIK?
- LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis
- The procedure requires permanently changing the shape of the cornea through the creation of a flap
The recovery process also differs between the two procedures. Recovery from PRK is longer, as the outer layer of the cornea needs more time to heal. On the other hand, LASIK recovery is much faster, as many patients report improved vision within several hours. Regardless of procedure, it does take a few months before your vision will reach its peak quality.
Before you undergo any procedure, you must determine if you’re a candidate. If you have any more questions regarding PRK or LASIK, contact us! We’d love to help you see life more clearly!