What is PRK surgery?

PRK and LASIK are very similar: They are both Laser Vision Correction procedures that use an excimer laser on the cornea to correct primarily Myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. They both require otherwise healthy, normal eyes and even use the same settings. The difference is that in PRK, the laser reshaping is on the surface while in LASIK the same treatment is done under a thin, superficial flap of cornea so as to preserve the surface. This means there is less discomfort after LASIK than with PRK and also a much faster visual recovery.

PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratoplasty) was actually the procedure laser manufacturers thought was going to be the cure for nearsightedness. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) was the laser version of Keratomileusis, an older surgical cure for myopia that used a corneal flap. LASIK took off because it was so much quicker and comfortable than PRK.

There are occasions when PRK is still a preferred myopia treatment over LASIK, though.

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