What is The Difference Between PRK vs. LASIK?

How PRK Will Benefit Your Vision?

Many people consider vision correction, but what are the benefits of PRK vs. LASIK? After all, laser eye surgery can a bit of a mystery. Most people have heard of LASIK, and many know someone who has had it. However, when it comes to questions like the difference in PRK vs. LASIK, most of us are in the dark.

LASIK is the most widely practiced laser eye procedure performed, but PRK is the second most popular. PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy and is a relatively easy procedure, but the healing process must be carefully monitored by a physician. The biggest difference between PRK and LASIK is that in PRK, a corneal flap is not created. Instead, the correction is made directly on the surface of the corneal, and then a clear bandage contact lens stays on the eye while the corneal epithelium regenerates. The procedure itself only takes about five to ten minutes, but because the patient’s vision does not return immediately, most doctors choose to do one eye at a time, waiting at least a week before operating on the second eye.

After PRK, recovery may be a slow process. This is the primary drawback, but there are benefits as well, which is why many people choose PRK vs. LASIK. It is nearly as accurate as LASIK, but with less surgical risk, because no corneal flap is created. PRK may be the best choice for people with thin corneas, superficial cornea scars, recurrent corneal erosions, or previous glaucoma surgery.

Laser vision correction can be a highly beneficial procedure. It is important to have a doctor you can trust, who will help you make an informed decision about which type of surgery is the best for you. With over twenty years of experience, Dallas LASIK surgeon Dr. Tylock is one of the most experienced refractive surgeons in the United States and has managed to stay on the cutting edge of laser vision technology. Entrusting your vision to Tylock-George Eye Care and Laser Center is a good first step towards improving your vision and, by extension, your life.