Many patients who visit our Boston center are interested in how LASIK surgery compares to PRK. This page will give you a better idea of the similarities and differences between the two procedures.
Similarities between LASIK Surgery and PRK
- Both FDA-approved as safe and effective
- No pain during either procedure
- Serious complications are rare
- Both involve using an excimer laser to reshape corneal tissue
- Both offer similar results
Differences between LASIK Surgery & PRK
Patients who are poor candidates for LASIK surgery may qualify for PRK
Though LASIK surgery offers rapid healing and no postoperative pain, PRK is a superb alternative for patients who are unable to receive LASIK. If you do not qualify for LASIK due to thin corneas or large pupils, you may be able to receive PRK instead.
LASIK involves the creation of a corneal flap, PRK does not
The first step in LASIK surgery involves creating a flap in the cornea and lifting it to access corneal tissue underneath. However, in PRK, the first step involves removing the surface layer of the cornea, called the epithelium.
Patients who receive PRK experience more postoperative pain
Patients generally experience some pain in the days following PRK because the procedure exposes deeper layers of the cornea. Patients who undergo LASIK experience almost no pain, though some report mild discomfort (usually an itchy feeling) in the eye for a day or so after the procedure.
PRK results in a slower return of good vision
After visiting our Boston center for LASIK surgery, patients experience improved vision almost immediately. Following PRK, it can take three to six months for patients to achieve optimal vision.
Contact our Boston laser eye center for more information about LASIK surgery or PRK.
