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What Is the Difference Between PRK and Lasik?

posted: Oct. 31, 2023.

What is the Difference Between PRK and Lasik?

Great vision enhances your quality of life. If you are near-sighted, far-sighted or have other vision problems, your ophthalmologist may have recommended Lasik or advanced surface ablation, also known as PRK. Dr. Christopher Coad at Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology in New York, NY, provides a wide range of vision services, including PRK and Lasik eye surgery.

What You Need To Know About PRK and Lasik

What’s the difference between PRK and Lasik? They both correct some of the same vision problems, but the procedures are different.

PRK removes the surface layer of the cornea with a laser, blade, or other method. The cornea is reshaped and the top layer of the cornea eventually grows back again. The entire procedure requires about 15 minutes for both eyes.

Lasik creates a flap in the cornea and then the cornea is reshaped with a laser. The flap is repositioned and eventually it seals up. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes for both eyes.

Both PRK and Lasik are safe, with a long history of success and safety, and are approved by the FDA. Your eye surgeon will discuss both procedures with you and help you determine the best choice for your eyes and your vision. PRK may be a better choice if you:

  • Have chronic dry eyes
  • Have a thinner cornea than what is necessary for LASIK
  • Participate in contact sports

Lasik may be a better choice if you are an active person, because you will enjoy clear vision more quickly with Lasik.

Want To Know More?

PRK or Lasik can restore your vision, so you can full enjoy your world again. To find out more about advanced surface ablation or PRK and Lasik, and how they can help your vision, call Dr. Christopher Coad at Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology serving Manhattan, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (212) 220-0066, so call today.

Tags: Lasik,  PRK
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Testimonials

Testimonials

  • "Cannot recommend Dr Coad & his lasik coordinator Nicole enough. They are wonderfully supportive and gentle that even if you are nervous it will be difficult to stay that way around this supportive duo! Without a doubt recommend going to see them, they are worth the additional care and cost for a full-service experience that are there just to help you & give you the best vision possible. Thank you Dr Coad & Nicole."
    Yasmin L.
  • "Dr. Coad and his staff made the experience of having a cataract removed the best it could possibly be, from evaluation to discussing options to being reassuring when the surgery began, to follow-up. The evaluation process was efficient, yet at no time did I feel as if it was anything but personal. His staff at all times were both professional and welcoming. Vace, the surgical coordinator, did everything to make sure the surgical process went smoothly.
    As to Dr. Coad himself, I can't say enough. His skill is absolutely top-notch, but it was the concern that he took in making sure that I understood all of my options, and his reassuring manner before, during and after the surgery which makes it easy to recommend him to the fullest to anyone who needs ophthalmic care."
    Ed W.
  • "Had a five star experience at Chelsea Eye! I went to Dr Yoon for an eye exam and she was extremely friendly, helpful and down to earth! I have met all the staff and they are very friendly and easy to talk to. Hugo in particular was wonderful to work with during the exam. It was a breathe of fresh air coming to this practice and I highly recommend going here for an Optometry appointment or Opthalmology appointment with Dr Coad."
    Devon T.
  • "Can I please take a moment and talk about how awesome Dr. Jay Yoon is?!

    I would be friends with this woman! I went in freaked out about a blood vessel on my eye and in total hypochondriac mode (is it a stroke? Is this connected to my brain? Is it gonna spread?). She laughed and calmly said "looks like you've always had this and it's fine and here are some drops cause your eyes are dry and here's my great primary doctor who I recommend since you don't have one."

    She was very funny and relatable and cool - she didn't try to rush me away and she was honest about everything too and so helpful.

    I've already started recommending her and now I'll do it on here: book an appt and be treated so warmly."
    Bonnie G.
  • "Dr Coad and Nicole were both absolutely wonderful. After my brother had LASIK surgery, I decided to go ahead and do the same.

    Both Nicole and Dr. Coad are very proficient in their work. They answered any and all questions that I had, and calmed every nervous feeling that arose from the start, up until the surgery.

    Going through the surgery I was EXTREMELY nervous and Dr. Coad walked me through the entire procedure (before and during) and made my whole LASIK experience a breeze.

    I can not recommend them enough. If you are interested in LASIK Dr. Coad is the only doctor I would trust."
    Christina V.
  • "This team is the absolute best. Christine is a gift from the gods and makes you feel comfortable supported and amazing. She really got me through my anxieties about my recent lasik surgery - which went great! Dr Coad is the best. A fantastic team, a simple process - I highly recommend this team - if you've ever considered lasik (like I have for the last 20 years) make an appt with this great group. You'll be happy you did."
    Mark P.
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