| Feature |
LASIK |
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) |
| Uses / Indications |
LASIK is the preferred option for higher corrections of shortsightedness, farsightedness and high astigmatism. |
PRK is the preferred option for lower amounts of correction, eyes with surface irregularities, those with thin corneas and patients predisposed to trauma such as athletes. |
| Procedure |
In LASIK surgery, the surgeon creates a corneal flap that remains attached to the eye. The flap is gently lifted and the inner cornea is exposed. The laser beam starts to re-sculpt the cornea and then the surgeon puts the flap back into the original position. |
PRK works by removing the epithelium or first of the five layers of the cornea. After this top layer is removed, the inner layers of the cornea are exposed and the laser results the curve of the eye. |
| Procedure time |
Lasik allows for both eyes to be done at the same time and hence is done and completed within an hour or two. |
Because clear vision takes longer after PRK, a doctor will correct each eye a week or two apart. |
| Advantages |
In LASIK, no stitches are required and the flap normally stays in place because of the natural ocular pressure. A contact is normally not necessary after LASIK procedures. |
The benefit of PRK is that no needles or incisions are required for the procedure, making it a good choice for those who have sensitivity to others touching their eye. |
| Discomfort |
Minimum or no discomfort is found in majority of patients undergoing LASIK. |
There is more discomfort with PRK because, unlike Lasik, which creates a small flap in the cornea, PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea. |
| Cost |
On average, the LASIK surgery typically costs $1,000 to $15, 00 or more per eye per eye. This does not include the costs for any follow up examinations, operations, or prescriptions. |
The typical cost of the PRK surgery on one eye is about $1,800, though it can sometimes be found as low as $1,350 and as high as $2,500, depending on where you live and the surgeon you choose. |
| Recovery |
Following LASIK, eye drop medication is used for about one week and the patient can normally return to work or normal activities within three days. Although the healing can happen quickly for some, it may take a few months for vision to become stable.
Lasik patients may return to normal activities the day after surgery |
After PRK surgery, eye medication is used to prevent infection and promote healing, while a contact is placed on the eye to prevent infection in the first week after the surgery. It will take approximately three to four months for the epithelium to regenerate.
Before resuming daily life activities, PRK patients will usually require a couple days of rest. |
