PRK

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was the first laser eye surgery invented, and for many people it remains the laser vision correction procedure of choice. It utilizes many of the same basic principles, the same practices, and the same advanced technology as LASIK, but there are several important differences. Although most people are familiar with and ask for LASIK, only a consultation with a laser eye surgeon can determine whether LASIK or PRK is the better procedure for you.

Laser Vision Correction

All laser vision correction procedures share one essential element in common: they correct hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea so that it properly focuses light from objects onto the retina where the light is interpreted and changed into signals that carry information to the brain. For more information, see our page on How the Eye Works.

Currently, all laser vision correction procedures utilize advanced tools for understanding the shape of cornea and designing a plan for reshaping it. As a result, they all have a very high rate of success and satisfaction.

PRK vs. LASIK

In LASIK laser vision correction, the first step is to create a flap in the cornea that exposes the cornea's interior layers. Once this flap is folded aside, the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q laser is used to reshape the cornea in the middle. The flap is then folded back into place, where it quickly binds. People often experience immediate vision correction.

In PRK, however, the laser is used to reshape the surface of the cornea. This means that there is no need to create a corneal flap, which removes the small risk of flap-related complications. The disadvantage of PRK is that the epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea is removed. This means that most people take a few days before they experience full vision correction as the epithelium regrows. There is also a slightly increased risk of infection, which we counter by placing a bandage contact lens over the treated eye or eyes. Some people report increased discomfort from PRK compared to LASIK.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRK?

Some people are disqualified from LASIK laser vision correction because they have corneas that are too thin for flap creation. Others have large pupils, sometimes so large that they take in light from the flap boundary, which can contribute to night vision defects like glares and halos. Other people have professions or hobbies with an elevated risk for head or eye impacts, which have a chance of loosening the flap created during LASIK. All these people can nonetheless get clear vision without glasses or contacts thanks to PRK.

LASEK and Epi-LASIK

Some ophthalmologists have sought a way to have their cake and eat it too by trying to combine the benefits of LASIK and PRK, and have created two new laser vision correction options: LASEK and Epi-LASIK. In both cases, these procedures hope to keep the benefits of PRK for people who are not eligible for LASIK, but reduce healing times and expected discomfort. Both LASEK and Epi-LASIK strive to do this by creating a flap only in the epithelium that can be put back in place after the laser has reshaped the cornea.

So far, though, neither LASEK nor Epi-LASIK has demonstrated a significant improvement over PRK for most people.

If you would like to learn more about your laser vision correction options in Denver and Indianapolis, please contact the 20/20 Institute today and talk to one of our Vision Counselors.