If you are thinking about getting laser surgery to correct your vision, there are several options to choose from. The two primary methods are PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis). There are subtypes within each of these primary methods. An example of this would be LASEK (laser assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis), which is a modified form of PRK.
One thing that all these different laser surgery methods have in common is the simple fact that they are performed with the patient awake and eye drops are applied to numb the eyes.
Anything that is classified under the PRK method of laser eye surgery involves surface ablation to remove the outermost layer of the cornea, instead of creating a flap using cutting techniques, such as the technique used in all forms of LASIK procedures. All laser eye surgery procedures remove the epithelium first, and then reshape the cornea with a laser.
If you are considering to have laser eye surgery to improve your vision, it is best that you know what the differences are among these various laser eye surgery methods so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
With PRK laser eye surgery, the outermost layer of the cornea is manually removed away before using a laser to reshape the underlying surface of the cornea. After the surgery, the epithelium layer is grown back in place.
If you have a thin cornea, PRK is probably the best option since you do not want to cut a cornea flap when already have a thin cornea. The disadvantage of this particular laser eye surgery method is the long recovery period and slight discomfort during the healing process. The advantage, on the other hand, is that you do not have to create a flap, which carries the most risk in laser eye surgery and there is no deep penetration of the eye, which means there is no risk of inner eye pressure.
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis)
LASEK is a more advanced form of the PRK method of laser eye surgery. LASEK uses an alcohol solution to soften the epithelium before it is removed. After laser is used to reshape the cornea, the epithelium is replaced.
The advantage of LASEK laser eye surgery method is that the healing process is faster than PRK, and you still avoid having to cut a flap in the cornea.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in SItu Keratomileusis)
LASIK uses a metal blade to cut a flap on the cornea and a laser to reshape the eye. The cornea flap is then returned to its position after the procedure. For most patients, LASIK is painless and vision is corrected immediately with only some blurriness for the first 24 hours. Vision typically improves completely in only a few weeks, which is much faster than the PRK method.
If you need help in deciding which method you want to use, talk to your laser eye surgeon. And don’t be shy to ask questions. They’re your eyes — you have the right to know what your options are.
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