Advanced PRK vs. LASIK: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Procedure

LASIK is the procedure that gets all the acknowledgment of being a permanent vision correction treatment. However, it's not the only procedure in the laser eye surgery category. There's also advanced PRK, which is short for photorefractive keratectomy. And Dr. Christopher Coad can perform either. How do these procedures compare?

Advanced PRK

PRK is a cold laser procedure in which a surgeon reshapes your corneal tissue. This redirects light so that it can shine on the retina or as close to it as possible, depending on the severity of your condition. 

With this particular procedure, an eye surgeon from our practice will remove the outer layer of tissue (the epithelium) to expose your cornea, which remains during LASIK. This was the original procedure, but advancements have made this procedure throughout time.

LASIK

LASIK is the predecessor of PRK. Like PRK, LASIK, which we offer at our New York and Manhattan practice, uses a cold laser to reshape the cornea and help light shine on the retina. However, a surgeon won't remove the outer layer of tissue during this procedure. Instead, the practitioner will temporarily create a flap to expose the cornea. 

Recovery

Though every patient is different, the healing from LASIK is generally less than that of PRK. The flap starts to heal 24 hours after the procedure. And most people notice results with LASIK within a day or two after the surgery. Sometimes, you won't notice the full results until a few weeks later.

With PRK, the cornea's outer layer needs to regenerate. This procedure usually takes several days for the patient to experience results, and some people don't notice the full results until a few weeks later.

PRK Is Better for Some Patients

More corneal tissue is preserved when you undergo PRK because the surgeon won't create a flap. Therefore, if you have thinner corneas, you may benefit from this treatment. You may also profit more from PRK than LASIK if you have irregular corneas. Those at risk of an eye injury from their job or hobby might also be better suited for PRK.

LASIK Is Better for Some Patients

LASIK may offer a shorter recovery time if you can't be off work or away from your life for long. It may also better suit people with serious vision deficits or astigmatism.

Dr. Coad of Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology, serving New York & Manhattan, NY, offers LASIK and PRK.

Call 212-220-0066.