Are you thinking of laser eye surgery but not sure if you should get PRK or LASIK in Orange County? In this article we will explain the differences between the two procedures, recovery, and assess the pros and cons of each to help you decide which surgery is right for you.
Even though LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are both a type of laser corneal surgery, PRK requires the laser surgeon to remove the surface cells of the cornea and LASIK requires the surgeon to create a flap on the cornea to access underlying tissue. Unlike PRK, a LASIK patient’s epithelium (outermost layer of the cornea) remains intact during surgery. The epithelium grows back as part of the PRK healing process.
PRK and LASIK surgery have different recovery times. LASIK has a quicker recovery time, with most patients healing in a matter of hours. Let’s dive into what recovery looks like for each procedure.
PRK Recovery
When you get PRK, you will be provided with a special bandage that is put over your eyes and helps the surface layer of your cornea heal. The bandage is put on your eyes immediately after the surgery is finished.
You may experience side effects such as blurriness, irritation, and light sensitivity for a few days as your cornea heals. The bandage will be taken off after a couple days and you will be prescribed pain medication to take for the first day or two after surgery. Your surgeon will also provide you with eye drops to use.
Overall, the initial recovery period should only last a few days. Full recovery usually takes about a month but most patients are able to return to work as soon as the bandage lens is removed.
LASIK Recovery
After LASIK, your surgeon will realign the hinged flap and recovery time is much faster than PRK. Most LASIK patients are able to return to their regular routine in a day. Many patients also experience improved vision immediately after surgery. Some patients experience side effects such as discomfort or mild burning for a few hours after surgery but rest, pain medication, as well as eye drops can help ease the pain.
If you have been searching for a LASIK surgeon in Orange County, you should consider seeing Dr. Moosa, Excel Laser Vision Institute’s LASIK surgeon and board-certified ophthalmologist with over twenty-three years of experience performing eye surgeries.
Eligibility for PRK & LASIK
Whether you seek PRK or LASIK treatment, qualified candidates meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years of age
- Not pregnant or nursing
- Stable prescription for at least one year
- Average pupil size of 5 to 6 millimeters
The following conditions make you a good candidate for PRK but not for LASIK:
- Thin cornea
- Large pupils
- Work in manufacturing or construction where a corneal flap could be deemed a contraindication
In general, laser eye surgery is not a viable option for people with autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) , eye conditions such as glaucoma, severe diabetes, or severe allergies.
Looking for the best laser eye surgery in Orange County? Excel Laser Vision Institute offers both PRK and LASIK surgery.
PRK Pros and Cons
- Suitable for patients with thin corneas.
- No risk of complications with the corneal flap.
- Longer recovery time than LASIK
- Won’t be able to drive until your bandage contact lens is removed.
- May experience sensitivity to bright light for a few days post-surgery.
- Increased risk of eye infection for the first few days post-surgery.
LASIK Pros and Cons
- Quick recovery time
- Many patients are able to drive one day after surgery
- Significant improved vision within a few hours post-surgery
- Less risk of infection
- No need for bandage contact lenses
- Possible risk of complications with the corneal flap.
- Increased risk of dry eyes.
- Fewer follow-up appointments needed than PRK.
The Cost of PRK vs. LASIK
There are different factors that affect laser eye surgery cost. With LASIK, the surgeon uses two different lasers. One laser is used to create the flap and the other reshapes the cornea. On the other hand, PRK only requires one laser for the procedure to reshape the cornea. Therefore, the cost of PRK is typically lower than LASIK.
While it might be tempting to pursue surgery that is cheaper, you need to consider which is a better option for your vision health.
At Excel Laser Vision Institute, you will receive a free consultation to help determine if PRK or LASIK in Orange County is a better fit for you. We will also share detailed explanations of the overall cost for both surgeries. If you want to discuss financing options with us, you can do that as well.
