Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis or LASIK are two types of vision correction surgeries that make use of a laser. PRK came first and is still being used by many eye surgeons today. Both procedures are effective and safe and both use the same shaping of the cornea approach to correct vision.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) corrects nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. In PRK, the surgeon reshapes the cornea using laser light. Its main difference with LASIK is that the laser reshapes the surface of the cornea whereas with LASIK, reshaping is done under the cornea. PRK is very effective in correcting vision. In fact, around 90% of those who had this type of laser surgery have 20/20 vision a year after the surgery event without wearing glasses. When it comes to the surgery itself, patients usually experience slight discomfort up to two days after the surgery. Side effects of PRK include possible loss of vision if one does not wear glasses, glare, and halo around objects depending on the light.
Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is similar to PRK since an incision is done on the cornea using a laser. The eye surgeon creates a cornel flap and lights it to reshape the inner part of the cornea. Unlike PRK, the cornea is reshaped underneath or under the corneal flap. The surgical laser is controlled by a computer, so reshaping is accurate in correcting distorted vision of the patient. After the cornea has been reshaped, the corneal flap is placed back in its original position. Healing is therefore faster with LASIK compared to PRK. Moreover, there is little discomfort with LASIK. Patients also report that their vision improves immediately after the surgery and continues to improve over the next couple of months following the surgery.
Photorefractive keratectomy vs LASIK
LASIK may seem to be the better option compared to PRK in terms of recovery and result. However, not everyone comes as a good candidate for LASIK. People who have thin corneas are not good candidates for LASIK since it would be difficult or impossible to create a flap that is needed for reshaping the cornea. Those who have chronic dry eyes are also not suitable for LASIK surgery.
The major differences between these two procedures are discomfort and recovery. LASIK heals faster and has little discomfort associated with it. With PRK, the cornea requires more time to heal since the cut is made on the surface. Patients are therefore prescribed antibiotics in the form of eye drops, which they will use for several months after the surgery.
Both PRK and LASIK are effective in correcting vision. They are both very safe. In other words, you will have experience recovery and visual correction whatever procedure you choose. Of course, choosing the right one for you is best made with the help of an eye specialist. You can call or visit Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, one of the leading laser eye surgery centers in Houston. They use the latest technology in vision diagnosis and correction.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-photorefractive-keratectomy-pr-eye-surgery
http://www.lasik.com/articles/lasik-prk-difference
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com.
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
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