Difference between LASIK and PRK eye surgery

In photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), surgeons remove the thin surface layer of the cornea (called the epithelium).

Similar to LASIK, PRK can be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

PRK differs from LASIK in that it doesn’t involve cutting a flap in the cornea.

What are some other differences?

After the epithelium is removed, PRK surgeons will then use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea by removing a predetermined amount of tissue. Either standard PRK or custom wavefront PRK can be used at this stage of the process. Custom wavefront PRK is an enhanced version of standard PRK that allows surgeons to further customize the procedure for patients and can improve the outcome of laser vision correction.

The actual treatment time, including preparing the eye and the laser process, is roughly 30 minutes. During that time, the laser is used for only a few minutes per eye.

Another difference between LASIK and PRK eye surgery is healing time. Healing time is longer with PRK than with LASIK since it takes about three to five days (sometimes longer) for the epithelium to grow back. During this time, patients are fitted with contact lens ‘bandages’ to protect the cornea and help it heal.  As a result, one could argue LASIK results in less discomfort than PRK. The PRK surgical process itself is considered painless. However, patients can expect some pain during the healing process. 

PRK can be used on patients with high vision prescriptions or whose cornea is too thin or too soft to withstand the creation of a flap. Patients with a thin cornea may not be good candiates for LASIK and often opt for PRK. It can also be recommended for people who participate in activities, such as boxing or martial arts, which put them at risk of getting hit in the eye.

Although PRK surgery is considered safe, there are risks involved. These include poor night vision due to halos, increased bright light sensitivity, double vision and regression. Hazy vision can also occur after surgery, but this normally clears up once the eye is healed. More rarely, serious complications such as infection or weakening of the cornea could occur.

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