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Lasik vs. PRK – Making the right choice

Published in June 22nd, 2010
Posted in Beauty

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Many who have researched the LASIK eye surgery procedure have come across another similar procedure called PRK. However, few understand the differences and how the two stack up against each other.

The terminology

LASIK, which is the abbreviation for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis, is fast becoming one of the most common procedures performed in this county. Like PRK, it is a way to correct vision. PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy simply goes about the vision correction in a slightly different manner.

LASIK

This procedure begins with the doctor creating a small flap in the cornea. This flap is created either by a special laser or a microkeratome. The resulting flap is flipped up to reveal the corneal stroma, which is the part of the eye that will be reshaped to improve vision. An excimer laser is used to do this.

Tiny amounts of tissue are removed to either heighten the dome of the eye or flatten it, depending on whether the person wishes to correct far-sightedness or near-sightedness. This procedure can also correct astigmatism by smoothing irregularities on the surface. Within two minutes, the procedure is complete and the flap is closed, held in place by the eyes natural moist suction.

PRK

This procedure begins a bit differently. Rather than creating a flap and lifting it to reveal the corneal stroma, the surface layer, or epithelial cells, is gently removed with a sterile brush. Then, much like the LASIK procedure, an excimer laser is used to reshape the corneal stroma. The layer of cells that was removed will regenerate within a few days.

Differences Between LASIK and PRK

Aside from the obvious, there are a few other differences to mention between these two procedures. With LASIK, the improvement in vision is much faster, because the surface cells do not need to regenerate. With PRK, vision will be noticeable improved within six to eight weeks. The healing process is also more uncomfortable than with LASIK and does not seem to have as promising long term results (though both procedures are too new to accurately judge this beyond five years). These are the reasons why LASIK is generally preferred.

Reasons Why One Would Consider PRK

Though the choice seems obvious, there are cases when one would opt for PRK over LASIK. Otherwise, it would no longer exist. Generally, that reason is that LASIK will simply not work for the patient. There are some individuals who have a naturally thin cornea. When this is the case, LASIK presents more potential complications and may be advised against.

Those complications can include difficult closing the flap effectively, dislodging of the flap, uneven settling of the flap resulting in astigmatism, or scars resulting from the flap. Five percent of all LASIK patients do need to have a second surgery to correct problems. Many of these people are those who thinner corneas. Because of the increased risks, PRK may be the better solution for these individuals. Also, people will irregularities or scars on their cornea may consider this the better option.

Roger Ubik is a leading advocate for education in the eye care industry. Individuals in Austin, TX considering PRK or Lasik surgery should take care to find a trusted experienced surgeon.

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