Difference Between LASIK & PRK

Difference between LASIK and PRK

Discover the differences between these popular corrective eye surgeries.

Are you tired of having to put contact lenses in every morning? Do you hate having to always bring glasses with you? There are many reasons someone may turn to our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Christopher Coad at Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology in New York to correct their vision. Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology is a leading laser vision correction surgery and eye care practice. Founded in 1989, the facility expanded 10 years later to its present location in the heart of Chelsea’s Gallery District. Learn more about LASIK and PRK at our practice, two popular eye surgeries to correct common vision problems.

What are LASIK and PRK eye surgeries?

LASIK and PRK are two types of refractive surgeries designed to correct everything from nearsightedness and farsightedness to astigmatism.

They both work in the same way, but with the presence or absence of a laser flap. Our New York LASIK surgery specialist will reshape the cornea using a special laser, which will then help the retina to properly focus light as it enters the eye to give you a clearer vision.

How do these two types of corrective eye surgeries differ?

The biggest difference between the two surgeries has to do with the procedural process. During LASIK surgery, the laser will create a small flap in the cornea to expose the tissue and reshape the cornea. During PRK, a flap is not created to conserve corneal tissue before reshaping the cornea with the laser. A bandage contact lens is applied to the cornea for 5 days as the corneal epithelium regenerates after PRK.

Should I get Lasik or PRK?

The results you’ll get with both treatments are very much the same; the only difference is that it can take a few days longer for the patient to recover from PRK because the corneal tissue has to regenerate. With LASIK, the patient will be able to see again rather quickly, while vision improvement will get better over the course of several weeks with PRK.

Despite the longer length of recovery, PRK is great for patients with thinner corneas who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK.

Are you interested in learning more about corrective eye surgery and whether you are a candidate? If so, the next step is to call Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology in New York to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to discuss the different treatment options with you.

 

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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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