What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

LASIK procedure:

1. Before the procedure, the patient is given eye drops to numb the eye and a special tool is used to hold the eyelids open to prevent blinking.
2. The surgeon uses either a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The femtosecond laser creates the flap using ultra-short laser pulses.
3. Once the flap is created, the surgeon carefully lifts it and folds it back to expose the underlying cornea.
4. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea by removing small amounts of tissue. The laser works by emitting a cool beam of ultraviolet light that breaks down the bonds between molecules in the cornea, allowing the surgeon to sculpt it into the desired shape.
5. The laser treatment typically takes only a few seconds to a minute, depending on the severity of the refractive error.
6. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon replaces the flap back in its original position and smooths it out to ensure it adheres without any wrinkles or air pockets.
7. The eye is then flushed with sterile saline solution, and the patient is given eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

PRK procedure:

1. Before the procedure, the patient is given eye drops to numb the eye and a special tool is used to hold the eyelids open to prevent blinking.
2. The surgeon removes the thin outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium.
3. Once the epithelium has been removed, an excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying cornea in the same way as LASIK.
4. Unlike LASIK, there is no flap created in PRK. Instead, the surface of the cornea is left to heal naturally.
5. To protect the cornea and reduce discomfort during the healing process, a soft contact lens is placed on the eye as a temporary bandage. This lens is typically left in place for several days while the epithelium grows back.
6. The patient is given eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection during the healing process.

Both LASIK and PRK are highly effective at correcting refractive errors, and the choice between the two procedures depends on a number of factors such as the severity of the refractive error, the thickness of the cornea, and the patient’s preferences. Dr. Olkowski and Dr. Hirabayashi can help you decide which procedure is right for you.

LASIK advantages

• Speedy vision recovery, usually patient sees well the next day.
• Less post-op discomfort, the eyes are comfortable within a few hours.

PRK advantages

• No flap. In the rare event the eye is hit in the post-op process there is little chance of any complications. This is ideal for people with active lifestyles (surfers, contact sports etc) or with toddlers in the house.