PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) are popular vision correction procedures. They modify the corneal tissues to fix the abnormalities distorting your vision. If you’re looking for an alternative to glasses and/or contact lenses, PRK or LASIK might be the solution. Both can correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism and help transform your quality of life. Here’s a quick look at PRK vs. LASIK to help you decide which might be the best option for you.
Understanding PRK and LASIK
LASIK is an advanced treatment to correct refractive errors. Its predecessor, PRK, is also widely popular and laid the foundation for LASIK. Your Atlanta eye doctor will evaluate your eye health thoroughly and suggest what may suit your case. Once you decide, they’ll schedule the procedure and treat you with utmost care.
Numbing eye drops and oral medications are used to ease the discomfort before the procedure. In PRK, the eye holder gently opens your eyelids so the doctor can remove small amounts of the outer corneal layer (or epithelium) and reshape the tissue with the highly advanced excimer laser. They put a special contact lens over your eye, leaving your eye to heal with time. In LASIK eye surgery, everything is the same, but the epithelium remains intact, and the doctor creates a small flap that’s lifted, the corneal tissues are reshaped, and the flap is folded back into its place.
Both procedures have a high success rate for improved vision. They address the error in the eye’s lens and improve the eye’s ability to focus, leading to sharper vision.
Advantages
PRK vs. LASIK: which is better? Both procedures come with their pros and cons. PRK is more beneficial for people with thin corneas. It also doesn’t affect the corneal thickness or flap and has minimal risk of dry eyes. PRK might also be suitable for those not eligible for LASIK.
On the other hand, LASIK has a quicker recovery period and less risk of infections. You can even drive after 24 hours. While the vast majority of people benefit greatly from LASIK, in some instances, additional procedures, including PRK, may be required to obtain the desired results.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate?
You must be above 20 years of age with no significant vision change over the years and with a 5-6mm pupil size. If you have a larger pupil size, an unreasonably thin cornea, or the potential for eye trauma, you might not be an ideal candidate for LASIK eye surgery. If you have glaucoma, severe allergies, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, etc., discuss with your eye surgeon on the best course of treatment. You might not be entirely disqualified for these laser treatments, but it is best to discuss before finalizing the decision with your Atlanta eye doctor.
Costs
The PRK vs. LASIK cost can vary and depend on several factors. Both procedures utilize different lasers and techniques. LASIK uses two lasers to create a flap and reshape the cornea, making it a little pricier, whereas PRK uses just one laser, making it relatively less expensive. Insurance generally will not cover these treatments, but financing options are often available. It’s important to select a procedure and an eye surgeon for the right reasons and looking beyond the cheapest or discounted options.
Risks
PRK and LASIK can have potential side effects, like any other eye surgery. While the risks are minimal, you could experience dry eyes, insufficient tears, and glares for a few months. There can be under-correction or over-correction causing distorted vision and eye pressure. You can also develop astigmatism if the corneal tissues are unevenly removed. Poor healing can also cause infections affecting the results. If you experience any visual disturbances, talk to your doctor and discuss your symptoms to prevent future vision loss.
Recovery Expectations
After PRK, the cornea heals and regenerates under the contact lens like bandage placed on the eye. This doesn’t disrupt your vision but causes slight irritation, light sensitivities, and blurry vision for a few days. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications and eye drops for the first few days. As the vision stabilizes in about a month and the bandage is removed, you can generally return to your daily routine without any additional concerns.
With LASIK, the recovery is much faster than PRK. You can resume your normal activities within 24 hours and notice a drastic improvement in your vision. There may be some discomfort, but the prescribed pain medicines and eye drops should help significantly.
Talk to Woodhams Eye Clinic about PRK vs. LASIK Surgery
At Woodhams in Atlanta, we understand the nuances of both PRK and LASIK procedures. We can help you make the right choices for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. For better assistance, contact us at 770-394-4000 or schedule a consultation online and we’ll provide you with the information and guidance you need.