PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy) and Lasik (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) are popular laser-assisted corrective eye surgeries that correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, the transparent dome in front of the eye. They can treat common vision problems like

• Shortsightedness (myopia): inability to see distant objects clearly
• Farsightedness (hyperopia): inability to see close objects clearly
• Astigmatism: irregular curvature of the eye that causes blurred distance and near vision.

Both LASIK and PRK are performed on both eyes during the same session as an outpatient procedure. Only topical anesthetic eye drops are used for numbing the surface of the eye during your Surgery.

Eligibility for LASIK surgery and PRK surgery

To be eligible for a PRK or LASIK, you must meet certain requirements

• You must be 18 years of age or older

• Your vision must be stable

• Your vision prescription must be within certain limits

• Your eyes must be healthy

• Your cornea must have sufficient thickness

• You must be in good health

• You must have realistic expectations

How LASIK laser surgery is performed?

LASIK involves creating a thin Flap in the cornea using a handheld microkeratome blade in traditional LASIK or a femtosecond laser in All-laser LASIK. The flap is lifted, allowing the excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is then folded back into place and heals naturally, which is why LASIK offers a much faster recovery time, typically within a few days.

How PRK laser surgery is performed?

Unlike LASIK, a PRK doesn’t involve cutting a flap in your cornea. Instead of a flap, the outermost layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is removed with a femtosecond laser or a specialised brush. The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to promote a new epithelial layer to grow back naturally. This healing process takes longer than LASIK, from one week to a month.

The main differences between LASIK and PRK

It's important to understand the differences between PRK and LASIK in order to decide which procedure could be best for you.

LASIK vs. PRK: Which Laser Eye Surgery Is Right for You?

If you are considering laser vision correction surgery, it is important to to know that your medical history, eyeglasses prescription, and other health factors are taken into consideration while determining your eligibility for laser eye surgery.

Both PRK and LASIK are safe and good options for correcting vision, but they have different advantages and considerations to keep in mind. People with thin corneas should not get LASIK because the flap created during the procedure may weaken the cornea even more. In this instance, PRK might be a better choice. If you have thinner corneas or irregular corneal surface, PRK may be a better option for you than LASIK since it causes less corneal tissue disruption.

Because no flap is created in PRK, it is frequently advised for those who are more likely to experience an eye injury due to sports or specific occupations (athletes, pilots), as well as for those who participate in intense physical activity that could push the LASIK flap out of place.

Various factors such as your corneal thickness, preferred recovery period, occupation, lifestyle, and risk tolerance will determine which choice is ideal for you. It's important to consult with your eye surgeon to discuss your specific needs and determine which vision correction procedure is right for you.