Are you considering laser vision surgery? Did you know that there are other options besides LASIK?
Any kind of vision correction procedure will change your life for the better. If you have a procedure that uses a laser to correct vision problems, it’s a laser vision procedure.
Millions of people have improved their lives thanks to the technology and tools used during these procedures. The most common type of laser eye surgery is LASIK.
A procedure that’s like LASIK is PRK. Keep reading to find out more about PRK and if it’s the same as LASIK!
What are PRK and LASIK?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of laser eye surgery. It corrects low to medium levels of astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
Like LASIK, a laser is used to reshape your cornea. But, unlike LASIK, the laser only changes the surface of the cornea.
LASIK is the most common type of laser eye surgery. The FDA has approved the procedure for adults who are 18 and older.
It can treat patients with astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness. Because LASIK is a surgical procedure, you must qualify as a candidate to get it.
One factor that’s taken into account is a stable prescription that hasn’t changed in at least a year. A good candidate will also have healthy eyes, thick enough corneas, and not be pregnant.
During LASIK, the surgeon makes a flap in the outermost layer of your cornea. They then use a laser to reshape the cornea.
Once your cornea is permanently reshaped, the light will focus correctly. This corrects any existing refractive errors. What makes LASIK eye surgery unique is the creation of the flap.
Similarities Between LASIK and PRK
Based on these descriptions, PRK and LASIK are very similar. Doctors consider both procedures to be very safe.
They are great options for correcting your vision, assuming you are a good candidate. Both procedures have the potential to provide patients with 20/20 vision or better.
This is because they involve reshaping the cornea and how light refracts. But, while they have a lot of similarities, PRK is not the same as LASIK.
Differences Between LASIK and PRK
Even though you can get a similar outcome from LASIK or PRK, there are differences. The two procedures are performed differently.
Often, a patient will be better suited for one procedure over another. PRK is usually the best choice if a patient has thinner corneas.
During LASIK, patients must have thick enough corneas to remove corneal tissue. With PRK, having thinner corneas isn’t an issue, because there is never a flap created.
The flap creation during LASIK can become dangerous for patients with thinner corneas. If a patient is a good candidate for both, then they can select the procedure they like better.
Are you ready to talk with your doctor about laser eye surgery? There are great options for laser vision surgery available that you may qualify for.
It’s important to discuss what you’re looking for with your doctor. They can help you determine the best vision correction procedure for you!
Ready to discuss your laser eye surgery options? Schedule an appointment at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Garden City, NY now!
