Laser technology offers effective solutions for refractive surgery. Laser eye surgery has reduced many people’s need for corrective lenses.
When considering laser eye surgery, the choice often narrows down to 2 popular methods: PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). The 5 key differences between PRK and LASIK come down to its:
- Technique
- Recovery time
- Post-surgery discomfort
- Patient suitability
- Risk of complications
Once you understand what each type offers, you can better make an informed decision about which procedure may be right for you.
What Does Laser Eye Surgery Address?
Laser eye surgery is designed to correct refractive errors in the eye, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. These conditions occur when the eye’s irregular shape prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
Laser eye surgeries reshape the cornea—the clear front part of the eye—so that light can focus properly.
Who Is Eligible for Laser Eye Surgery?
Whatever type of corrective surgery you’re considering, there are a few basic eligibility requirements. Your optometrist can help determine if you’re a candidate, but there are the primary requirements to keep in mind. To qualify for laser eye surgery:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a stable vision prescription for at least 12 months
- You must have good overall eye health
- Your refractive error must be within the acceptable correction range
- Your pupils are an acceptable size to avoid complications
- You’re not pregnant or breastfeeding
It’s also important to have realistic expectations regarding this surgery’s outcomes. While significant vision improvement is likely, complete correction is not guaranteed, and you may still require corrective lenses occasionally. If surgery can improve your vision to at least 20/40, that’s considered a success.
What Is PRK?
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) was one of the first types of laser eye surgery developed for vision correction and remains a popular option. After your surgeon uses numbing drops to help you get comfortable, they then remove the cornea’s outer layer (the epithelium) and access the underlying corneal tissue. The laser then precisely reshapes the cornea to help correct vision.
Some people may notice their vision is better immediately after surgery, though you may not experience the full effects until your eye completely heals.
Since PRK removes the outer corneal layer, the healing process can be longer, often taking several days to weeks for full recovery. During this time, you’ll likely have to wear a contact-like bandage over your eyes as new epithelial cells regenerate.
However, this process also may be safer since you don’t have a corneal flap to cause complications, as is the case in LASIK.
PRK is often recommended for individuals with thin corneas or those who have certain corneal irregularities that make them unsuitable candidates for LASIK.
What Is LASIK?
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is another widely performed laser eye surgery, known for its quick recovery time and quick vision improvements. LASIK involves numbing your eyes before creating a thin flap in the cornea using a laser.
Your surgeon can then move the flap to allow the laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. After surgery is done, they replace the flap and healing can begin.
Due to the corneal flap protecting the eye, LASIK’s recovery time is generally faster than PRK, with many patients experiencing significant vision improvement within 24 to 48 hours. This, paired with less discomfort and quicker visual recovery compared to PRK, may be one of the reasons LASIK is such a popular type of corrective surgery.
Ideal candidates for LASIK typically have sufficient corneal thickness and stable vision prescriptions. Your optometrist can determine your suitability for laser eye surgery in a consultation.
5 Key Differences Between PRK & LASIK
Both PRK and LASIK have a high success rate and equal effectiveness when it comes to offering clearer vision. Here are the 5 key differences between the two procedures.
1. Technique
- PRK involves completely removing the corneal epithelium.
- LASIK involves creating a corneal flap which your surgeon replaces after the procedure.
2. Recovery Time
- PRK has a longer recovery period, with full healing taking several weeks.
- LASIK has a faster recovery period, with noticeable improvement in vision within days.
3. Post-Surgery Discomfort
- PRK may involve more discomfort during the initial healing period, so your doctor may prescribe eye drops or medication.
- LASIK is generally associated with less postoperative discomfort since the corneal flap is never completely removed.
4. Patient Suitability
- PRK is suitable for patients with thin corneas or other corneal irregularities.
- LASIK is suitable for patients with sufficiently thick corneas to handle the procedure.
5. Risk of Complications
- PRK has no risk of flap-related complications, such as infections or irregular healing.
- LASIK has possibilities of flap-related issues, though rare.
Looking to a Clearer Future with Total Vision
Both PRK and LASIK can offer effective solutions for correcting refractive vision problems, each with distinct advantages and considerations. We know it can feel overwhelming, and this is a huge lifestyle change so approach it with care.
Total Vision in Hercules can explain your options to help you make a well-informed decision about laser eye surgery. With our co-management process, we’re by your side from consultation to recovery. Schedule your consultation with us today!
