For people leading busy and active lives, wearing glasses or contact lenses can be cumbersome. Laser eye surgery is a way to correct commonly sight-threatening conditions like short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism by using lasers to reshape the cornea. Two of the longest-established laser eye surgeries available are PRK and LASIK. While they both aim to correct sight, the surgical procedure and recovery method are distinct. Knowing what their differences are will help make your discussion with your eye care professional better informed.
How Does Laser Vision Correction Work?
Laser eye correction is performed by reshaping the cornea, which is the clear membrane on the surface of the eye that is on the outside and provides optical power to focus light the retina; if it causes light to focus improperly you won’t see correctly.
Laser eye surgery involves using a targeted laser to resurface the cornea or the tissue and allow light to be focused more precisely on the retina. It works for both PRK and LASIK but access to the tissue varies.
Before recommending either procedure, an eye care professional will assess factors such as:
Your prescription and whether it has remained stable
- Corneal thickness and shape
- Overall eye health
- Tear production and symptoms of dry eye
- Age and general suitability for surgery
- Lifestyle and personal vision requirements
A detailed assessment is therefore essential before deciding which procedure may be appropriate.
What Is PRK Surgery?
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction procedure which is performed without an incision or a flap. The most sensitive thin layer of the eye (called the corneal epithelium) is removed so the excimer laser can reshape the stromal layer of the cornea beneath it.
The epithelium grows back on its own as it heals. The eye can be covered with a temporary protective contact lens while the surface regenerates.
The PRK and LASIK have significant differences, one of the most important is time of recovery, for most people. Recovery takes longer for the PRK and with it there might be a pain for a short period of time, light sensitivity and vision watering or blurs, to see 100%.
But PRK does make a suitable option to a few people who cannot be appropriate candidates for the corneal flap procedures.
Who May Be Suitable for PRK?
PRK might be a treatment option for those of you that have the necessary qualifications for the laser procedure but have specific corneal and lifestyle factors which favor it.
It may be considered when:
- The cornea is relatively thin or has limited tissue available for a flap-based procedure.A person participates in activities where an eye injury could potentially affect a corneal flap.
- The prescription falls within the range that can be safely treated.
- The eyes are generally healthy and free from conditions that could affect healing.
Thin corneas alone do not guarantee PRK is the correct surgery. If your corneas are not thick enough or shaped to effectively treat your vision, PRK can’t be safely performed regardless. Your cornea’s thickness, shape and your eye health will be evaluated in your consultation and eye examination.
Who May Be Suitable for LASIK?
LASIK, an abbreviation for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, utilizes the creation of a tiny corneal flap. After this flap has been created by the surgeon it is then pulled back and then reshapes the cornea’s underlying tissue using a laser.
LASIK is also noted for being quick to heal for eligible patients LASIK typically offers rapid recovery of vision. We have patients who feel their vision is a lot better the very next day, although everyone is different.
LASIK may be considered for people who:
- Have a stable prescription within the treatable range.
- Have sufficient corneal thickness and a suitable corneal shape.
- Have healthy eyes.
- Understand the potential benefits, limitations and risks of the procedure.
- Do not have certain eye conditions that could interfere with healing.
Individuals who are routinely involved in sports requiring high impact may require special attention because the cornea is susceptible to injury in many of these sports. If this happens to be one of your concerns an eye doctor will discuss either PRK or an alternative treatment for you.
PRK vs LASIK: Which One May Be Right for You?
Neither method is inherently perfect and not suited to all patients. LASIK generally provides quicker visual recovery compared to PRK, which does not involve a flap and may be considered in some cases.
The choice depends on factors such as the size of your prescription, corneal measurements, the shape and thickness of the cornea and of course your lifestyle, eye care needs and your vision expectations. A comprehensive eye examination will help you to be guided toward the best procedure for your specific needs.
Interested in laser vision correction? Call and make an appointment with Prof. Chameen today at Nexus Eye Care to explore your options and learn if laser vision correction like PRK or LASIK is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRK better than LASIK?
Both procedures work. LASIK usually produces visual results faster. PRK doesn’t make a flap, which is why some people with particular vision needs or those with certain lifestyles may prefer it. What’s best for you depends on your eye health, measurements and prescription.
Is PRK more painful than LASIK?
With PRK, you are likely to experience a little more pain during your early healing process as the outer layer of your cornea regrows. LASIK will have a little less discomfort in the early days and heal much faster.
How quickly does vision improve after LASIK?
Usually vision will improve rapidly over the first few days after having laser but there will still be differences between each individual. Your eyes may be dry, they may produce glares or your vision will still be uneven while you are healing. Your surgeon will guide you regarding what you can expect.
Can thin corneas be treated?
In some cases, patients with relatively thinner corneas could potentially qualify for PRK as this procedure does not need to be performed in conjunction with corneal flap creation. Having thin corneas doesn’t alone make someone a candidate for PRK, other factors will need to be taken into account, including precise measurements of the cornea.
Is laser vision correction safe?
In some cases, patients with relatively thinner corneas could potentially qualify for PRK as this procedure does not need to be performed in conjunction with corneal flap creation. Having thin corneas doesn’t alone make someone a candidate for PRK – other factors will need to be taken into account, including precise measurements of the cornea.
Which option may suit contact-sport athletes?
Contact sports athletes may be candidates for PRK as it does not result in the formation of a flap on the surface of the cornea. Suitability varies with condition of the cornea, prescription level and type of sport practiced and an ophthalmic practitioner is able to advise as to the safety for you.