LASIK vs. Photo Refractive Keratectomy

    CHICAGO, IL, January 31, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- LASIK is a surgical procedure where the shape of your eye is modified to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Short for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis, LASIK is the most commonly performed type of eye surgery today.

However, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. In some cases, Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) is another option for correcting the thickness and curvature of your cornea to correct vision problems.

About LASIK
With the LASIK procedure, a small flap is cut on the exterior of your cornea to expose your stroma (the next tissue layer). A computer-controlled excimer laser is then pointed directly on your stroma to vaporize any irregularities that may impair your vision. Once your corneal tissue is reshaped, the flap is replaced and your eye will heal in several days. You will begin to see improvements to your vision a day or two following treatment.

About PRK
Before the introduction and rising popularity of LASIK, PRK was the most common procedure for refractive eye surgery. These two procedures are very similar; both utilize the excimer laser to reshape your cornea to restore good vision. However, in PRK, the laser removes tissue and reshapes your cornea directly on the surface (epithelial layer) of your eye.

Although there is no need to cut a flap in the exterior of your cornea, your epithelial layer will still need several days to heal. A protective contact lens will be placed over your eye for several days while your eye heals. The total recovery period for PRK is about four to 12 weeks.

Similarities Between LASIK Surgery and PRK
There are several similarities between the two procedures:

-- Both result in enhanced vision
-- Both involve using an excimer laser to reshape your corneal tissue
-- Both are FDA-approved as safe and effective
-- You will feel no pain during either procedure
-- Serious complications are rare

Differences Between LASIK and PRK

-- Poor candidates for LASIK can undergo PRK
If you do not quality for LASIK because of large pupils or thin corneas, for example, you may be a candidate for PRK.

-- The corneal flap
LASIK involves the creating of a corneal flap to access the area that must be reshaped to restore your vision. In PRK, your epithelial layer is shaped directly with the laser.

-- Post-operative pain and recovery time
Patients who undergo PRK experience a longer healing time and more post-operative discomfort than those who have undergone LASIK. This is because PRK exposes deeper layers of your corneas which take longer to heal. Most LASIK patients experience only five to six hours of discomfort following the procedure. With PRK, you must wear clear contacts for two to five days after surgery to protect your eyes. The entire healing process takes months.

-- Enjoying the results
With LASIK surgery, you can enjoy improved vision almost immediately. After PRK, it can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks before your vision is crisp.

Riskier Procedure
Because LASIK requires the additional step of cutting the corneal flap, there is an increased risk with this procedure. Although complications with the corneal flap only occur about one percent of the time, improper creation of the flap can require more surgery. PRK also has the small risk of infection during the healing process, but this can be treated with medication instead of additional surgery.

If you would like to learn more about LASIK, PRK or other procedures to correct vision, please visit the website of Chicago area eye surgeons at Doctors for Visual Freedom today.

Website: http://www.doctorsforvisualfreedom.com

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