PRK and LASIK are very safe and effective permanent vision correction procedures. Both procedures aim to provide you with greater visual freedom and reduce your dependency on contact lenses and glasses.
The primary difference between the two is the surgical technique and process that occurs during the procedure. Not everyone is a good candidate for laser vision correction.
If you are not a good candidate for LASIK specifically, your eye doctor may recommend another permanent vision correction procedure, like PRK. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between PRK and LASIK and if PRK is a suitable alternative to LASIK!
PRK vs. LASIK
Although both methods are similar in the way that they reshape your cornea to correct your vision, each varies in approach. During PRK, your eye surgeon completely removes the epithelium or outer layer of the cornea.
Then, they will use a laser to reshape the corneal tissue beneath and fix any irregularities. Once done, the epithelium is able to heal on its own.
On the other hand, during LASIK, your LASIK surgeon creates a tiny flap in the cornea. The flap allows your LASIK surgeon to treat the corneal layers below the surface and correct your vision.
After your LASIK surgeon reshapes your cornea, they will replace the flap in the correct position and leave it to heal naturally.
Reasons PRK May Be a Better Choice
Because of the difference in how PRK is performed, this FDA-approved procedure is more suitable than LASIK for certain people. There are some reasons why your ophthalmologist may recommend PRK over LASIK.
You Have Thin Corneas
The cornea comprises the epithelium and the underlayer or stroma. Your epithelium replaces itself after some time.
However, the stroma has limited regenerating capabilities. After LASIK surgery, the flap returns to its normal position and will heal independently.
However, a flap is not required during the PRK procedure. Instead, your eye surgeon only removes the thin outer layer, leaving the stroma intact.
Due to the LASIK process, your corneas must be thick enough to sustain the creation of a flap to qualify as a candidate for the procedure. You may not be a good LASIK candidate if you have thin corneas.
Your eye doctor may suggest PRK instead to correct your vision.
You Play Contact Sports
If you participate in contact sports like rugby, boxing, wrestling, American football, or soccer, then PRK might be better suited for you. An eye injury from high-impact sports can easily dislodge the fragile flap made from LASIK.
This serious complication can cause blurred vision, discomfort, and even corneal damage. Since there’s no flap creation in PRK, there’s no risk of damaging it, making this a safer alternative if you’re a high-impact athlete.
You Have Dry Eyes
Creating a flap in LASIK can worsen your dry eye symptoms. Experts believe the surgery might disrupt some corneal nerves, exacerbating dry eyes.
Also, the new shape of your cornea post-LASIK is thought to affect tear production and increase dry eye symptoms. Since PRK requires fewer corneal alterations, you will be less likely to experience these symptoms.
For that reason, PRK may be the better option if you don’t qualify for LASIK due to dry eyes.
Enjoy Greater Freedom without Glasses or Contacts
There’s nothing better than the visual freedom that reduced reliance on your glasses or contact lenses provides. PRK or LASIK can make this a reality.
While both are excellent options, the experienced doctors at Colorado Eye Consultants will help you know the best procedure for you. If you are interested in getting PRK or LASIK in Littleton, Colorado, you will first need to schedule a consultation at Colorado Eye Consultants to determine if you are a good candidate.
Want to learn more about what type of permanent vision correction procedure may be best for you? Schedule a consultation at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton, CO, today!
PRK and LASIK are very safe and effective permanent vision correction procedures. Both procedures aim to provide you with greater visual freedom and reduce your dependency on contact lenses and glasses.
The primary difference between the two is the surgical technique and process that occurs during the procedure. Not everyone is a good candidate for laser vision correction.
If you are not a good candidate for LASIK specifically, your eye doctor may recommend another permanent vision correction procedure, like PRK. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between PRK and LASIK and if PRK is a suitable alternative to LASIK!
PRK vs. LASIK
Although both methods are similar in the way that they reshape your cornea to correct your vision, each varies in approach. During PRK, your eye surgeon completely removes the epithelium or outer layer of the cornea.
Then, they will use a laser to reshape the corneal tissue beneath and fix any irregularities. Once done, the epithelium is able to heal on its own.
On the other hand, during LASIK, your LASIK surgeon creates a tiny flap in the cornea. The flap allows your LASIK surgeon to treat the corneal layers below the surface and correct your vision.
After your LASIK surgeon reshapes your cornea, they will replace the flap in the correct position and leave it to heal naturally.
Reasons PRK May Be a Better Choice
Because of the difference in how PRK is performed, this FDA-approved procedure is more suitable than LASIK for certain people. There are some reasons why your ophthalmologist may recommend PRK over LASIK.
You Have Thin Corneas
The cornea comprises the epithelium and the underlayer or stroma. Your epithelium replaces itself after some time.
However, the stroma has limited regenerating capabilities. After LASIK surgery, the flap returns to its normal position and will heal independently.
However, a flap is not required during the PRK procedure. Instead, your eye surgeon only removes the thin outer layer, leaving the stroma intact.
Due to the LASIK process, your corneas must be thick enough to sustain the creation of a flap to qualify as a candidate for the procedure. You may not be a good LASIK candidate if you have thin corneas.
Your eye doctor may suggest PRK instead to correct your vision.
You Play Contact Sports
If you participate in contact sports like rugby, boxing, wrestling, American football, or soccer, then PRK might be better suited for you. An eye injury from high-impact sports can easily dislodge the fragile flap made from LASIK.
This serious complication can cause blurred vision, discomfort, and even corneal damage. Since there’s no flap creation in PRK, there’s no risk of damaging it, making this a safer alternative if you’re a high-impact athlete.
You Have Dry Eyes
Creating a flap in LASIK can worsen your dry eye symptoms. Experts believe the surgery might disrupt some corneal nerves, exacerbating dry eyes.
Also, the new shape of your cornea post-LASIK is thought to affect tear production and increase dry eye symptoms. Since PRK requires fewer corneal alterations, you will be less likely to experience these symptoms.
For that reason, PRK may be the better option if you don’t qualify for LASIK due to dry eyes.
Enjoy Greater Freedom without Glasses or Contacts
There’s nothing better than the visual freedom that reduced reliance on your glasses or contact lenses provides. PRK or LASIK can make this a reality.
While both are excellent options, the experienced doctors at Colorado Eye Consultants will help you know the best procedure for you. If you are interested in getting PRK or LASIK in Littleton, Colorado, you will first need to schedule a consultation at Colorado Eye Consultants to determine if you are a good candidate.
Want to learn more about what type of permanent vision correction procedure may be best for you? Schedule a consultation at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton, CO, today!
