Are LASIK and PRK the Same Thing?

If you are considering laser eye surgery, there are several options to examine. Two of the most well-known laser vision correction procedures are LASIK (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). Both procedures have their pros and cons, and a visit to Our Doctors in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth can help you determine if either type of surgery is best for you based on your specific vision needs.

When it comes to comparing LASIK versus PRK, the procedures have both similarities and differences. LASIK and PRK are both refractive eye surgeries that can be used to correct the following vision issues:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism (distorted or blurry vision)

Both procedures use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, so that when light enters the eye it is focusing properly on the retina, resulting in clear vision. Our Doctors sculpt what is known as the stromal layer of the cornea to achieve the desired corneal shape for vision correction.

PRK was the first laser eye surgery approved for vision correction, and LASIK came on the scene later. 

In LASIK, Our Doctors create a flap in the corneal tissue. The flap of tissue is lifted so the laser can be applied to reshape the inner layers of the cornea. The computer-controlled surgical laser carefully reshapes the layers of the cornea to repair imperfections in curvature that lead to distorted vision. The corneal flap is then put back in place and heals over the reshaped part of the cornea in a few days.

In PRK, Our Doctors do not create a flap of corneal tissue. Instead, the outer (epithelial) layer of the cornea is removed to expose the area for the laser to reshape. This makes PRK a better choice for people whose eyes meet certain criteria, such as having thin corneas or chronically dry eyes. 

A significant difference between LASIK and PRK is the initial discomfort and the speed of visual recovery. Recovery from PRK takes a little longer than from LASIK because the outer layer of the cornea needs time to heal. PRK patients can expect it to take one to three days for the discomfort, blurring and other post-surgical effects to subside, and it will take up to 6 months for vision to reach absolute peak acuity and clarity. LASIK recovery is much faster. The discomfort following LASIK surgery is usually mild and short term. While most patients report seeing normally within several hours after the procedure, their vision continues to improve gradually for several months before reaching peak quality.

Both surgeries are safe and effective and carry a very high rate of patient satisfaction. Because every patient’s eyes are unique, it’s important to have a thorough examination with an experienced eye surgeon such as Our Doctors in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth. Our Doctors have performed thousands of corrective vision surgeries and can recommend the type of surgery and treatment which is best for your individual situation. If you would like to learn more about LASIK or PRK surgery options, contact Tidewater Eye at phone or website to schedule a free consultation.