PRK Vs Lasik

Photorefractive keratectomy or PRK refractive surgery is used to reshape the cornea. PRK was the first surgical procedure to reshape the cornea, sculpting, using a laser. Later, LASIK was developed. Often the same laser is used for both types of surgery.

The main difference between the two surgeries is how the stroma, the middle layer of the cornea is exposed before it is vaporized by the laser. In PRK, the top layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, was scraping off to expose the layer below the stroma. In LASIK, a flap is cut in the stromal layer and the flap is folded back.

Here are some facts that will give more insight into the differences between PRK and LASIK.

PRK vs LASIK treatment

Facts about Lasik:

– Requires the surgeon to use a surgical instrument called microkeratome to create a corneal flap.

– Does not require stitches in the flap is held in place by natural pressure from his eyes.

uses eye drop medication for up to one week and the patient can usually resume normal activities with three days.

of patients experienced only 5-6 hours of discomfort as the surface (epithelial) layer heals.

– LASIK handicap is that it requires additional surgery, creating the flap. This creation is painless and takes less than a minute to complete.

Facts about PRK ”

– Involves removing the top surface of the cornea called the epithelium. This exposes the inside of the cornea that the computer-assisted laser begin to resculpt the curvature of the eye.

– Does not require needles or incisions.

eye medicines are used and clear contact lenses are placed in each eye to prevent infection. These lenses are removed within 2-5 days after surgery. The surface (epithelial) layer will begin to regenerate itself and the entire healing process will take up to 3-4 months. During that time eye medicines will be used to promote healing and prevent infections.

– Patients typically take medication for pain relief for about 1-2 days postoperatively. This is due to the fact that most of the pain fibers in the cornea are in the portion of surface and with PRK these are affected during surgery and the healing process.

– There is a small risk of problems arising from the irregular healing response and / or infection. These usually can be treated with medication.

In short, the two procedures are very similar to each other. Lasik, however, has been shown to produce the lowest rate of side effects and, therefore, has continued to gain in popularity in recent years.

for more info please visit http://www.lasika.org.