Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

Are you tired of your prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses? If so, you are probably looking for vision correction options and weighing their pros and cons. In treating refractive errors, two of the most popular options are LASIK and PRK. Before choosing either treatment, you need to determine which option is ideal for you.

LASIK and PRK

Both laser eye surgical procedures are quite effective at treating refractive errors in vision. It is vital to determine how PRK and LASIK compare to each other in terms of technique, cost, recovery time, side effects, and more. This will help you make the best choice based on your situation. 

LASIK and PRK are both laser surgical techniques meant to improve eyesight. Between the two, PRK, medically known as photorefractive keratectomy, has been around longer than LASIK. However, both remain quite popular today and have the same intent. 

What Is LASIK?

LASIK is a refractive surgical technique that uses a laser to correct issues resulting from various refractive errors. When your eye does not refract light properly, you might have a refractive error. 

To see clearly, light rays must pass through your cornea and lens. These eye structures must then refract the light properly so it lands on the retina, which converts light into signals that travel to the brain. The brain then turns the signals into images. 

If you have some form of refractive error, it means that the shape of your lens or cornea is preventing light rays from bending properly. This often leads to blurry vision.

What Happens During LASIK?

With LASIK, your laser eye surgeon will use laser technology to create a flap in your cornea and use laser technology to reshape your cornea. Your surgeon will then place the flap back on your cornea, and leave it to heal. 

The reshaping of the cornea will help focus light rays on the retina, thus treating refractive errors including myopia and/or astigmatism. This will reduce or eliminate your need for or dependence on prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.

What Is PRK?

PRK is a type of refractive eye surgery involving the use of a laser to correct vision problems resulting from refractive errors. With this type of procedure, your laser eye surgeon will use a laser to alter your cornea’s shape. 

The purpose is to improve the way your cornea refracts or bends light rays on your retina. The procedure is effective in treating myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, thus eliminating prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses.

What Happens During Photorefractive Keratectomy

First, your eye surgeon in Paramus, NJ will numb your eye using eyedrops and then place an eyelid holder over your eye. They will then remove the top layer of your cornea using an alcohol-based liquid, brush, laser, or blade. Finally, they will use a specialized laser to reshape your cornea. The procedure should take less than 20 minutes for both eyes. 

Differences Between LASIK and PRK

Both outpatient procedures have similar average costs. That said, you need to understand that costs depend on the surgeon you choose and your location. However, there is a difference in surgical techniques and candidacy for each procedure. 

Essentially, LASIK involves the creation of a flap in the cornea. Therefore, it requires a certain corneal thickness. PRK, on the other hand, does not involve flap creation, and therefore can be performed on people with thinner corneas.

To learn more about LASIK and PRK, contact Manhattan LASIK Center in Paramus, New Jersey at (201) 843-3861 today to schedule a FREE virtual consultation.