If you are considering refractive surgery to adjust your imagination , you may be inquire which operation is right for you . There are two main types of refractive OR : PRK and LASIK . Both process are safe and effective , but they have different reward and disadvantages . The desire for complete visual modality is universal , but for many , it remains baffling . Luckily , modernistic medicine has provided us with several option for correcting vision . PRK and LASIK surgeries are two of the most democratic and effective procedure available . Both PRK and LASIK declare oneself patients the opportunity to reconstruct their vision to most - perfect levels , but the procedures differ in their approach . In this article , we will search the differences between PRK and LASIK , and help you find out which is the right process for you .
PRK Surgery vs. LASIK Surgery : Differences Based on Procedure
First , it ’s authoritative to translate the fundamental principle of each procedure . PRK , or Photorefractive Keratectomy , is a eccentric of laser center operating theatre that use a laser to take away a level of the cornea in edict to reshape it and correct sight problems . LASIK , or Laser - Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis , is a procedure that also uses a laser to remold the cornea , but it does so by creating a flap in the cornea and then reshaping the implicit in tissue . Both procedures are outpatient surgical operation and are perform under local anaesthesia .
PRK Surgery vs. LASIK Surgery : Differences Based on Recovery Period
One of the most significant differences between PRK and LASIK is the recovery prison term . With PRK , the outer stratum of the cornea is removed , and the heart will need fourth dimension to revitalize raw tissue . As a termination , the recovery time for PRK is prospicient than that of LASIK . Patients who undergo PRK can expect to go through uncomfortableness and blurred vision for several solar day , and it can take several weeks or even months for vision to stabilize . On the other hand , LASIK patients can typically return to work and their daily action within a few days .
PRK Surgery vs. LASIK Surgery : Differences Based on Suitability
Another conflict between the two procedures is the suitability for patients with certain eye conditions . PRK is often recommend for patients with thin corneas , irregularly shaped cornea , or those with a mellow degree of nearsightedness . Since PRK take a smaller amount of tissue paper than LASIK , it may be a better option for patients with circumscribed corneal thickness . LASIK , on the other script , may be recommended for patients with mild to moderatenearsightedness , farsightedness , orastigmatism .
PRK Surgery vs. LASIK Surgery : Differences Based on Surgical Technique
The operative technique also alter between PRK and LASIK . During a PRK process , the operating surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea and reshapes the inherent tissue with a laser . In LASIK , a flapping is make in the cornea , which is then lifted to expose the underlying tissue . The surgeon then uses a laser to reshape the tissue , and the flaps is replaced and allowed to heal . While both routine use a laser to reshape the cornea , the amount of tissue paper removed and the method acting of accessing the cornea differ between PRK and LASIK .
PRK Surgery vs. LASIK Surgery : Differences Based on Complications
Another condition for patients is the jeopardy of complications . Like any surgical procedure , both PRK and LASIK bear some risk . complication with PRK can admit delayed healing , contagion , or scarring . With LASIK , flutter complications can come , such as an incomplete fluttering , a buttonhole flaps , or a flapping that is too thin . In rare cases , complication with either procedure can lead to lasting visual modality red ink . patient considering either procedure should discuss the potential risk of exposure and benefit with their surgeon .
PRK Surgery vs. LASIK Surgery : Differences Based on Cost
The cost of PRK and LASIK can also vary . While prices will depend on several factors , including the sawbones ’s experience , the case of laser used , and the geographical positioning of the practice , LASIK is typically more expensive than PRK . The cost of PRK can range from $ 1,000 to $ 3,000 per eye , while LASIK can cost between $ 2,000 to $ 4,000 per oculus .
Advantages of PRK Surgery
Some of the advantages of PRK surgery include :
Disadvantages of PRK Surgery
Some of the disadvantages of PRK surgery include :
Advantages of LASIK Surgery
Some of the advantage of LASIK surgery include :
Disadvantages of LASIK Surgery
Some of the disadvantages of LASIK surgery include :
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
The best way to decide which procedure is right for you is to blab to your eye doctor . Your eye doctor will consider your item-by-item needs and preference to help you take the best procedure for you .
Here are some cistron that your eye doctor may consider when making a recommendation :
If you are considering refractive surgical process , be sure to tattle to your eye Dr. about all of your options . With the help of your eye doctor , you could opt the procedure that is correct for you and ameliorate your vision for the rest of your liveliness .
