What are the pros and cons of getting Lasik versus PRK?

LASIK and PRK are both laser vision correction treatments that reshape the cornea. They have been shown in many studies to be equally effective in treating nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. They even use the exact same laser with the same settings for treatment!

You can think of PRK as being the "first generation" laser vision correction which was almost immediately superseded by LASIK. The reason for this is not that LASIK is any better or safer than PRK, but because LASIK is so much easier on the patient -with generally less discomfort and a quicker return of corrected vision. This is because in PRK, the laser is applied to re-shape the surface of the cornea, which then takes about 3 days to heal over. In LASIK the laser is used on the cornea under a very thin, superficial corneal flap which is immediately repositioned and sealed into place. This preserves the surface and eliminates the 3 day waiting period for good vision.

PRK still has a place, though, in laser vision correction. This is because it involves less manipulation and removal of corneal tissue in situations where that might be a concern in a minority of cases. PRK can also be used on eyes that have undergone previous LASIK or other corneal procedures where the cutting of a second, new corneal flap might be problematic.

_Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic