For a great number of people glasses and contact lenses are a daily requirement. Laser vision correction is a solution which does reduce this dependence, but which between PRK vs LASIK you choose requires proper research and a full eye exam. Both procedures use a laser to reshape the cornea which in turn corrects refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, what they do exactly is what differs.
Patients also put forth questions regarding the difference between LASIK and PRK which is a common thing when they are looking at safe, clear and practical options for their lifestyle. To put it simply, in LASIK a thin corneal flap is created, but in photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) we go right to the surface of the cornea without creating a flap. Which procedure to choose between PRK vs LASIK shouldn’t be based on what is most popular, instead on corneal thickness, eye power, dryness, work routine, sports activity and overall eye health.
This guide goes over PRK vs LASIK, the benefits, recovery, which procedures are best for you and how safe they are in the hope that you will know what your eye doctor looks at before they recommend either LASIK eye surgery or PRK.
What Is PRK?
Before diving into PRK vs LASIK you must know what is the PRK full form. The PRK full form is Photorefractive Keratectomy. PRK is a type of laser vision correction in which the thin outer layer of the cornea which is known as the epithelium is gently removed. Then an excimer laser is used to reshape the corneal surface which in turn improves the way light focuses within the eye.
In photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)we do not create a corneal flap. What we do is that the surface layer grows back as it heals. Also for that reason, PRK is a good choice for patients with thin corneas or who have a high risk of eye injury from sports or profession. In the comparison of PRK vs LASIK, PRK usually has a slower early recovery, but it may be a better option for selected patients.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK is a well known type of laser vision correction. In the course of LASIK eye surgery a thin flap is made into the cornea. The laser then works to reshape the corneal tissue beneath the flap which is put back in its natural place. This flap technique is what causes for the most part rapid visual improvement in the early stages for LASIK.
When patients compare PRK vs LASIK they tend to choose LASIK which is more comfortable in the first few days and also reports faster improvement in vision. Also, not all patients are fit for LASIK eye surgery. The eye doctor has to evaluate corneal thickness, corneal shape, tear film, stable power and retina health in order to determine if a patient is a good candidate for the LASIK procedure.
Difference Between LASIK And PRK
The primary difference between LASIK and PRK is in how the laser gets to the cornea which requires reshaping. In PRK the outer layer is removed and allows for regeneration. In LASIK a flap is made which is put back and then laser treatment is performed. The surgeries’ goals are the same but the recovery process is different.
| Comparison Point | PRK | LASIK |
| Full form | Photorefractive Keratectomy | Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis |
| Main method | Surface layer is removed before laser reshaping | Corneal flap is created before laser reshaping |
| Flap | No flap is created | A thin corneal flap is created |
| Early comfort | More watering, irritation and light sensitivity may be felt | Usually more comfortable in the first few days |
| Visual recovery | Gradual recovery over days to weeks | Faster early recovery in many patients |
| Corneal suitability | May suit selected patients with thinner corneas | Needs adequate corneal thickness |
| Lifestyle suitability | May suit active lifestyles where flap injury is a concern | May suit patients who want faster routine recovery |
| Doctor’s decision | Based on corneal mapping and eye evaluation | Based on corneal mapping and eye evaluation |
This table gives a simple view of PRK vs LASIK, but it cannot replace a medical consultation. The difference between LASIK and PRK matters most when your eye measurements are studied in detail.
How PRK Surgery Is Done
PRK which stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy is a day care procedure. The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops which keep the patient at ease during the treatment. The surgeon will remove the epithelium, use the laser to reshape the cornea and in the end will place a protective bandage contact lens for the healing process.
The procedure steps include:
- The eye is prepped and we apply an anesthetic drop.
- We remove the thin outer layer of the cornea which is the cause of the patient’s refractive error.
- The excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea according to the patient’s prescription.
- We put in a bandage contact lens which will stay in for a few days to protect the cornea as it heals.
- Also we will put you on some medicines and schedule follow up visits to see how the eye is healing.
After PRK which stands for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) your vision may be blurry for a few days. Also during the surface healing phase you may experience mild discomfort, watering of the eye and sensitivity to light. This is an important thing to note in PRK vs LASIK as with PRK you will need to be patient through the first week.
How LASIK Surgery Is Done
LASIK eye surgery which also is usually a day procedure has reports of eye numbing with drops and a laser or surgical tool which creates a thin flap in the eye. The flap is then pushed back, the cornea is re-shaped with a laser and the flap put back in place.
The procedure steps include:
- The eye is prepared with numbing drops.
- A thin corneal flap is created.
- The laser reshapes the tissue beneath the flap.
- The flap is repositioned without stitches.
- Eye drops and protective instructions are given after surgery.
The initial stages of recovery from LASIK is usually faster that from PRK. Many patients report improved vision sooner, but it is still very much a period which needs tender care. Eye rubbing, missing out on the drops, or failing to keep the follow up all can impair the healing.
Benefits Of PRK And LASIK
Both surgeries do have their benefits, but they serve different patient sets. In terms of PRK vs LASIK which surgery is more popular is not the issue. What we should be looking at is which procedure best matches the patient’s cornea, lifestyle and safety requirements.
| Benefit Area | PRK May Help When | LASIK May Help When |
| Corneal flap concern | A no-flap option is preferred | Flap-based surgery is suitable |
| Recovery preference | Patient can accept slower early recovery | Patient wants faster early visual recovery |
| Corneal thickness | Selected thinner corneas may be considered | Cornea has adequate thickness |
| Comfort after surgery | More discomfort may occur initially | Usually less discomfort initially |
| Sports or injury risk | Active lifestyle may make PRK useful | Lower eye trauma risk may support LASIK |
| Visual goal | Reduced dependence on glasses or lenses | Reduced dependence on glasses or lenses |
PRK which is an option does away with the flap, has the advantage of preserving more surface based integrity in some cases and also is put forth as a treatment when for whatever reason LASIK is not the best choice. For LASIK eye surgery is useful because recovery time is shorter for the right patient and at initial stages comfort is greater. This is why the difference between LASIK and PRK should be explained clearly before treatment.
Is PRK Safer Than LASIK?
One common question is whether PRK is safer than LASIK. The response is different for each person. PRK may be a better choice for some patients which is due to the fact that there is no flap created thus avoiding flap related issues. This may be the case for people which have certain corneal characteristics or are into contact sports, defense training or very physical work.
At the same time we see that which patients do well with LASIK is those that have good corneal thickness, stable eye power and healthy eyes. When people ask if PRK is safer than LASIK the better answer is that the safest procedure is the one that proper testing indicates. In terms of PRK vs LASIK safety is a result of which patient is selected for the procedure and not which surgery is performed.
Who Is A Good Candidate?
PRK vs LASIK suitability is decided after a complete refractive surgery evaluation. The doctor will look at the power of the eye, corneal thickness, corneal curvature, tear quality, pupil size, retina health and medical history. Also important is that the prescription be stable as changeable power can affect long term results.
PRK may be considered for patients who:
- Have thinner corneas but otherwise suitable eye measurements.
- Want a no-flap laser correction option.
- Have an active lifestyle or higher risk of eye injury.
- Cannot be considered for LASIK due to flap-related concerns.
- Can manage a slower recovery period.
LASIK eye surgery may be considered for patients who:
- Have adequate corneal thickness.
- Have stable eye power.
- Do not have significant dry eye or corneal irregularity.
- Want faster early recovery.
- Are suitable after detailed corneal mapping.
Not all patients are candidates for laser vision correction. If the cornea is weak, irregular or presents with conditions like keratoconus, the doctor may not recommend either. This is in turn is why we have a very detailed evaluation before we determine PRK vs LASIK.
Recovery And Results
Recovery is one of the most practical points in PRK vs LASIK. In PRK we remove the surface layer which takes time to heal. For the first few days there may be irritation, watering, hazy vision and light sensitivity. Gradually over time vision improves as the surface heals and becomes smooth again.
After LASIK recovery is fast for most. Many patients report being back to normal sooner but some will still experience dryness, glare, halos or minor visual fluctuations for a while. We recommend eye drops, the use of sunglasses, to avoid eye rubbing and in general to come in for regular check ups.
The difference between LASIK and PRK in recovery does not mean one has better final vision for every patient. For many appropriate cases both procedures may produce the same results. Mainly the difference is in how the healing goes, comfort and what procedure is more appropriate.
PRK & LASIK Treatment At Vasan Eye Care
At Vasan Eye Care we conduct a very in depth evaluation of our patients prior to putting forth a refractive surgery recommendation. We do a full eye power test, corneal scan, measure corneal thickness, do a dry eye assessment and also a retina exam if required. These tests are to determine which procedure is best for the patient which may be LASIK, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or some other approach.
The consultation also includes a lifestyle discussion. A student, IT professional, driver, athlete or defense aspirant may have different visual requirements. The doctor explains PRK vs LASIK in simple terms so the patient understands the expected recovery, benefits, what to watch out for and the pros and cons before making a choice.
When To See A Doctor
You should see an eye specialist when you plan to do away with your glasses, if your eye power has been the same for a while, or if you are unclear about the difference between LASIK and PRK. Also it is important to consult if you have dry eyes, thin cornea, high power, frequent eye allergies or a history of eye injury.
Do not base your choice of PRK vs LASIK on online research or someone else’s experience. Two people may have the same spectacle power yet very different corneal thickness and eye health. The right decision should always come from a personalized evaluation.
Key Takeaways
- PRK vs LASIK are both laser vision correction procedures used to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
- The PRK full form is Photorefractive Keratectomy.
- The main difference between LASIK and PRK is that PRK is a no-flap surface procedure, while LASIK uses a corneal flap.
- PRK may be preferred in selected patients with thinner corneas or active lifestyles.
- LASIK eye surgery may be preferred for suitable patients who want faster early recovery.
- The answer to is PRK safer than LASIK depends on the patient’s eye condition, corneal measurements and lifestyle.
- A detailed eye check-up is the best way to decide PRK vs LASIK safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PRK full form is Photorefractive Keratectomy. It is a laser eye surgery which removes the outer layer of the cornea and then the laser restructures the cornea to improve focus.
The main difference between LASIK and PRK is that a thin corneal flap is created as opposed to PRK which works on the surface without creating a flap. Also this does affect early comfort and recovery time.
The question of whether PRK is safer than LASIK depends on the patient. PRK may be safer for some as it does not include a flap, while LASIK eye surgery may be the better option for those that have suitable corneas and healthy eyes.
In the case of PRK vs. LASIK, usually LASIK has the edge in terms of early recovery. PRK has a slower recovery as the cornea is left to heal which may take time, but it may still be the better choice for a subset of patients.
Both PRK and LASIK aim to reduce use of glasses or contact lenses. Results depend on eye power, age, rate of healing and eye health. Some people may still require glasses for reading or certain tasks later.
The best thing to do is have a detailed eye evaluation. Corneal thickness, corneal shape, stable power, dryness and retina health will be looked at by the doctor in order to put you in the best, safest option.
References
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration: What is LASIK?
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-lasik - MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine: Laser Eye Surgery
https://medlineplus.gov/lasereyesurgery.html - National Eye Institute, NIH: Surgery for Refractive Errors
https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/refractive-errors/surgery-refractive-errors - NCBI Bookshelf, NIH: Laser Refractive Surgery for Vision Correction
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532537/