What's the difference between LASIK and PRK?

Have you ever wished you could ditch your glasses or contacts for good? LASIK and PRK are two popular vision correction surgeries that can make that dream a reality. But what’s the difference between these two procedures? Let’s break it down!

What is LASIK?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It’s a type of refractive surgery that reshapes your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) to improve vision. Here’s how it works:

• The surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap on the outer layer of your cornea.
• They then use an excimer laser to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, reshaping the cornea to correct your refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism).
• The flap is then repositioned, acting as a natural bandage for the reshaped cornea.

What is PRK?

PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy, is another type of laser eye surgery that also reshapes the cornea. But instead of creating a flap, the entire outer layer (epithelium) of the cornea is removed before the laser treatment.

• The surgeon gently removes the epithelium, exposing the underlying corneal tissue.
• The excimer laser then sculpts the exposed corneal surface to correct your refractive error.
• A contact lens is placed on the eye to act as a bandage while the epithelium grows back over the next few days.

Surprising Facts

• LASIK was first performed in 1991, while PRK has been around since the late 1980s.
• PRK generally takes longer to recover from than LASIK, but the visual results are often comparable.
• LASIK is not recommended for people with thin corneas, as creating the flap can weaken the corneal structure. In these cases, PRK may be a better option.

Recovery and Results

• LASIK Recovery: Most people experience improved vision within 24-48 hours, with full recovery in 3-6 months.
• PRK Recovery: Vision is often blurry for the first few days, with gradual improvement over 2-4 weeks. Full recovery can take 3-6 months.
• Both procedures can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts, but results may vary based on your specific vision correction needs.

Learn More

• SMILE: A newer type of laser eye surgery that creates a small, lens-shaped flap instead of a full corneal flap.
• ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): A removable lens implanted inside the eye to correct vision.
• CK (Conductive Keratoplasty): A non-laser procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to reshape the cornea.

Whether you choose LASIK, PRK, or another vision correction option, be sure to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine the best approach for your unique eyes.