LASIK Vs. PRK
LASIK & PRK Procedures
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.
5 Star Review from Tara K.
“Had an amazing experience with Dr. Lipstock and his team! I had PRK surgery 3 months ago and I can see perfectly without glasses or contacts for the first time. I would definitely recommend them for eye surgery and general eye care!”
LASIK
LASIK is a great alternative for many people who want the opportunity to experience freedom from glasses and contacts. LASIK is FDA approved to provide a customized correction for a wide range of vision disorders.
In general, you may be an appropriate candidate if:
- You have nearsightedness or farsightedness with/without astigmatism
- You are at least 18 years old
- You have healthy eyes that are free from eye disease
PRK
PRK is a laser correction procedure to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Like LASIK, the procedure utilizes excimer laser technology to change the shape of the cornea (the transparent window-like dome in front of the iris.)
PRK is often recommended for patients who are not candidates for LASIK because their corneas are too thin or shaped irregularly, or their anatomy does not allow adequate suction required for LASIK, or they are concerned about injury to the LASIK flap (especially if they are engaged in contact sports).
We achieve incredible LASIK results of 99% 20/20 or better* as of May 24, 2023
*The results reported are for men and women ages 18 to 39 up to a very high amount of nearsightedness (-9.00 diopters) and astigmatism (4.00 diopters).
Schedule a ConsultationWhat’s the difference between LASIK & PRK
Differences between LASIK & PRK
The definitive difference between LASIK and PRK is that, in LASIK, a flap must be created in your cornea and, in PRK, no flap is made. PRK was the first laser eye surgery approved for vision correction, and LASIK came on the scene later. The main difference between PRK and LASIK is in the first step of the procedure.
For patients with thinner corneas, PRK is typically the preferred option vs. LASIK. However, PRK requires a longer healing time than LASIK. Other differences between the procedures include:
LASIK
- Laser energy is applied under a corneal flap
- Feeling of pressure during the procedure
- Experience a mild foreign body sensation in the eye for 3 hours after procedure
- Often clear vision within 24 hours of procedure
PRK
- Laser energy is applied to the surface of the eye
- Faster procedure with little or no pressure felt
- Some irritation is felt for about 3 days after procedure
- Clear vision obtained more gradually as eye heals
While rare, there can be complications with the corneal flap with a LASIK procedure. Since no flap is made with PRK these theoretical risks do not exist with PRK.
With PRK, the surgeon does have access to the entire thickness of the stroma vs. what is accessible with the LASIK flap. This is because the flap is much thicker than the epithelial layer removed with PRK. For patients with thinner corneas, LASIK could thin the cornea too much and thereby weaken its structural integrity. This could lead to an irregular shape of the cornea and blurred vision even with eyeglasses.
Numerous scientific studies have documented the fact that in the end there is no difference in the visual results from LASIK and PRK. After all, they utilize the same excimer laser to change the shape of the cornea. Our patients have been extremely happy with both procedures.
Should you have LASIK or PRK?
Both LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) are well-known procedures that are used to correct vision issues. The only way to find out which procedure is best for you is by scheduling a free LASIK consultation. We will assess your corneal thickness, corneal strength, orbital anatomy, and overall eye health to determine which procedure would be the safest and most effective method for vision correction.