LASIK versus PRK surgery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manhattan, New York, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 24, 2012 -- Most people think that LASIK is the only laser vision correction option, but this is far from true. In fact, LASIK is a relative latecomer to the refractive vision field. One of the earlier techniques in laser vision correction is PRK.

Understanding the Procedures

PRK, short for photorefractive keratotomy, is a relatively simple process. First, various techniques are used to determine the refractive error present in your cornea. Next, a laser is used to reshape the cornea to remove those refractive errors. The laser is applied directly to the surface of the cornea (which is why the procedure is sometimes called advanced surface ablation), and in addition to changing the refraction of the cornea, it burns away the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium. This layer heals relatively quickly and will grow back over a few days, but the inner layer of the cornea retains the shape created by the laser.

In LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea, cutting through the epidermis and into the middle layer of the cornea, the stroma. Then a laser is used to reshape the cornea in this layer. Finally, the flap is laid back down. There is no need for the epidermis to heal since it had only a small cut made.

What Is the Same?

There are many things in common between the two procedures. The diagnostic tools used are the same. The lasers used in both cases are the same. The reshaping is actually done in the same layer of the cornea, just shallower in the case of PRK.

What Is Different?

Because the procedures are very similar, they have about the same results. PRK and LASIK results are not significantly different. Sometimes LASIK proponents will say that PRK has more postsurgical discomfort, but studies show no significant difference between the two.

The main difference between the two procedures is the creation of the flap vs. removal of the epithelium. Removal of the epithelium means that this outer layer of your skin must regrow before you see the results of your surgery. The flap, on the other hand, allows you to have essentially immediate vision correction. However, it introduces an extra layer of risk for intraoperative and postoperative complications related to the flap. These occur whether the flap is created using a microkeratome (oscillating blade) or femtosecond laser.

Why Choose PRK?

These days, most people choose PRK because their corneas are too thin for LASIK. PRK, as the first laser vision correction procedure, has a little bit of a bad reputation in some circles, but in truth it has benefited from the same technologies that have improved the effectiveness of LASIK. Another reason to consider PRK is if you work in a profession or have hobbies that may increase your risk of postoperative flap complications.

Why Choose LASIK?

LASIK's safety and effectiveness is about the same as PRK's so there's no reason not to choose LASIK. Immediate results are a big plus to many people, and if this is appealing to you, then LASIK is a good option.

To learn more about LASIK and PRK, please visit the website of Kelly Laser Center in New York.

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