PRK and LASIK are the two most common laser eye surgeries used to correct refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism, and eliminate the need for prescription glasses or contacts. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK ) is an older procedure that has been around since the late 1980s, while laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a newer procedure that has been around since the mid-1990s.

Dr. Geoffrey Hill is a fellowship-trained Corneal Specialist and Refractive Surgeon who is certified to safely perform both PRK and LASIK eye surgery. Below, the eye care professionals at Hill Vision Services have compared the two procedures.

The Difference Between PRK and LASIK Procedures

Both PRK and LASIK involve using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, but how these procedures are performed differs. During PRK, the doctor will remove the very outermost layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, which then heals after the procedure. With LASIK, a flap of corneal tissue is created and folded back so that the laser can access the underlying layer of the cornea and reshape it. Utilizing a flap technique in LASIK allows for faster healing and visual recovery after the surgery.

One major advantage of PRK over LASIK is that there are no surgical incisions involved. This makes PRK a more attractive option for people who may have eye conditions such as thin corneas, dry eyes, and certain kinds of eye infections or injuries that could increase the risk of infection with LASIK surgery. PRK may also be a better option for people who are taking certain medications or have unstable vision, such as those with diabetes.

PRK Eye Surgery

The following steps are what you can expect during your PRK eye surgery:

  1. Numbing eye drops are administered and sometimes a mild oral sedative is offered to help you relax.
  2. A small device will be placed around your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.
  3. The very top layer of corneal cells (the epithelium) will be removed to access the next corneal layer.
  4. You will then focus on a target light while the surgeon uses an extremely precise excimer laser to shape the cornea to the proper curvature. The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue to create the exact corneal contours needed to sharpen vision.
  5. Once this is completed, your surgeon will place a soft contact lens in your eye to protect your cornea as it heals.

LASIK Eye Surgery

The following steps are what you can expect during your LASIK eye surgery:

  1. Numbing eye drops are administered and sometimes a mild oral sedative is offered to help you relax.
  2. A small device will be placed around your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.
  3. During your LASIK procedure, a highly advanced laser is guided to create a flap in the cornea.
  4. The flap is gently lifted, and an extremely precise excimer laser is then used to shape the cornea to the proper curvature.
  5. Once this is completed, the flap is carefully set back into place.

For both LASIK and PRK, it can take about 10-20 minutes per eye, but the laser will only be used for a few seconds.

PRK and LASIK Recovery

In terms of recovery time between PRK and LASIK, PRK often has a longer recovery period. Since the epithelium must grow back and heal after PRK, it can take a few days or weeks for the patient to experience full vision improvement. With LASIK, most patients experience improved vision very quickly – within a few days. It is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully in order to ensure the best outcome.

Which Laser Eye Surgery Is Best?

Ultimately, PRK and LASIK are both safe and effective procedures that can help improve vision. The best procedure for any particular patient depends on their individual circumstances. The qualified eye care professionals at Hill Vision Services can discuss all your options and help you decide which procedure is right for you.

Contact Our St. Louis PRK and LASIK Eye Surgeons

Are you ready to enjoy clear vision for years to come? Our eye doctors and the entire team at Hill Vision Services are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest-quality eye care.

Request an appointment with one of our eye care experts in the St. Louis area to help determine which procedure best fits your needs.