Both laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are refractive surgeries that help correct vision problems. The procedures have a similar goal, but they are different in some ways.

Both techniques can help patients enjoy clear sight by shaping the eye cornea. The cornea is the thin tissue that covers the front of the eye. It functions by bending or refracting light, allowing the person to focus and see well. It is helpful to find out the vision correction surgery that is right for you.

LASIK Eye Surgery

During LASIK surgery, the surgeon cuts a tiny flap in the cornea using a small blade or lasers. Raising the flap allows the surgeon to access and reshape the cornea tissue underneath. After completing the surgery, the flap is lowered back and remains in place. The cornea heals itself over several months.

PRK Eye Surgery

PRK surgery involves the removal of the top cornea layer or the epithelium. The surgeon then reshapes the layers beneath using lasers. It helps fix irregularities in the cornea curvature. The technique leaves the eye exposed for some time after removing the outer cornea layer. The layers will regrow over time.

The Vision Correction Procedure

LASIK and PRK can help resolve vision issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. If you decide to get vision correction surgery, you need to determine the right procedure for you.

Talking to your eye doctor will help you to determine the best option. It will depend on your eye condition and general eye health. For most people, the only goal is to be able to see without glasses or contacts.

Which Surgery Is Right for You?

When deciding between LASIK and PRK, you need to ask yourself some questions.

• How is your vision?
• Are you very active?
• Will you take proper precautions?
• Do you have adequate time to recover?
• What is your budget?

Answers to these questions will help you determine the best surgery for you. You also need to find out if you are a good candidate for eye surgery.

Which Procedure Is More Effective?

Both vision-correcting techniques are effective, and they both produce permanent results. The main difference in the procedures is the time it takes to recover. If you get LASIK, you can expect to see clearly in a few days. With PRK, it can take one month before you see clearly. In the long term, both procedures have similar results if performed properly.

Some eye surgeons suggest that PRK is safer in the long term because it does not leave a flap on the cornea. This flap that results from LASIK can increase the risk of complications if the eye is injured.

To get LASIK, you will need to have a relatively thick cornea to allow for effective flap-making. The cornea left after the surgery must be structurally sound after the reshaping process.

To determine if you are eligible for corrective eye surgery, you need a comprehensive eye exam. You should speak to the eye doctor about the pros and cons of each procedure. It will help you determine the one that is right for you.

For more information call Eastside Eye Physicians, PC, at our office in Shelby Township (586) 247-2020 or St. Clair Shores (586) 774-2020, Michigan.