They may even eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.
While they treat the same problems, LASIK and PRK employ different techniques.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Which Is Better: LASIK or PRK?
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Both LASIK and PRK are effective; they just take slightly different approaches.
An eye surgeon will evaluate your eyes before either procedure to ensure you are a good candidate.
This involves taking several measurements and images of the eye.
(You’ll also need to stop wearing contacts for a few weeks before getting these measurements.)
The surgeon and staff should also explain any risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedures.
What Happens During LASIK and PRK?
Refractive errors that LASIK and PRK can correct include:
How these procedures achieve the correction differs a bit.
The process of LASIK surgery involved the following steps:
The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes.
During PRK
Like LASIK, PRK involves using a laser to alter the shape of your cornea.
During PRK:
PRK lasts about 15 minutes for both eyes.
How Long Do Results Last?
In these instances, an eye surgeon may choose to perform an enhancement surgery.
While laser eye surgery permanently changes your vision, other factors may impact your eyes and vision after surgery.
This can be removed withcataract surgery.
Side Effects of LASIK and PRK
People are often concerned about pain related to these procedures.
PRK is associated with slightly more postsurgical pain than LASIK.
It’s also possible to feel some pain or discomfort immediately after LASIK.
Let your eye surgeon’s office know immediately if you are experiencing severe pain after eye surgery.
These side effects are more common in the month after surgery and should go away within that time frame.
Talk with your eye surgeon if these side effects continue longer than a month.
As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection.
It’s normal to have some discomfort after surgery, as well as itching orburning.
You should be able to use pain relievers for these symptoms.
Your eye surgeon may ask you to wear eye shields at night while sleeping.
Let your eye surgeon know as soon as possible if you experience any severe pain.
This can take three to five days.
After surgery, you will wear a bandage contact lens to protect your eye and let it heal.
If you think you need something stronger, let your eye surgeon know.
You may also have to use eye drops for a month after PRK.
Achieving your best vision after surgery may take a month or up to six months.
Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK or PRK?
Your healthcare provider may recommend LASIK and PRK if you have refractive errors.
Summary
LASIK and PRK are both types of surgery to correct your vision.
To qualify, you should have a stable vision prescription for at least a year and have healthy eyes.
The side effects should decrease within the month after surgery.
Most people are satisfied with their surgical results.
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