Differences between LASIK and PRK

PRK was the predecessor to LASIK. Just like LASIK, it is also a form of laser eye surgery for correcting refraction errors that is vision problems. PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy and is used to treat all the known conditions which LASIK patients also seek treatment that is short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism.

In common with LASIK surgery, PRK treats the patient by adjusting the cornea tissue with the help of a laser so that light can enter the eye without obstruction and can help in clear vision. Many patients these days get treated using LASIK. This is because though they are both laser surgeries, LASIK is preferred more to some of the eye problems which patients have.

In this essay we examine the differences that exist between LASIK and PRK. This is to educate the patients who might otherwise be confused due to the similarities of these treatments, which aim to solve the same eye issues.

PRK surgery is mostly similar to LASIK treatment, in terms of outcomes. However, the recovery period takes longer in PRK. This is because PRK the entire outer layer of the cornea is removed before the laser is operated on the cornea. This causes the healing of the eye to take a longer time.  However, in LASIK the cornea layer is not exposed. Thus, causing recovery period to be as less than 3 months. This is the period during which the vision starts to show improvement.

Another major post-operative difference is that LASIK in Dubai patients experience less side effects such as pain compared to PRK patients. Issues such as infection of the eye are also very much less in LASIK compared to PRK. Generally, the stable post-operative period contributed by undergoing the LASIK treatment leads to a faster vision stabilization compared to those who have undergone PRK. In fact, PRK post-operative stableness can only be reached after several weeks.

However, PRK does enjoy certain advantages over LASIK surgery, which make it preferable to certain patients. One particular benefit is that PRK does not need a corneal flap. Therefore, the thickness of the stroma is preserved for treatment. This will cause problems for LASIK, if the cornea is too thin. Thus, in this particular case, the risk of complications for PRK compared to LASIK is deemed to be much less.

The above highlights some of the differences between PRK and LASIK eye surgery. Although, PRK is still used for certain patients who exhibit those conditions, LASIK is the more common option. LASIK’s success is demonstrated by the millions of patients who have been treated through this method in the past two decades.

About Us

Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center, is a premier eye care provider in Dubai. We deliver the modern techniques that can transform people’s lives. In addition to LASIK treatment in Dubai, we provide a range of treatments from diabetic eye conditions to corneal ulcers. The center also provides cutting edge care to Cataract and Keratoconus patients.