What is the difference between LASIK and LASEK/PRK?
First, remember that the 2 procedures are essentially the same. There is no difference in laser used, the principles of the vision correction, or in outcomes in general. The difference is the first step in preparing the eye for laser treatment. In LASIK, a thin flap or pancake of corneal tissue is first prepared. The laser treatment is applied beneath this flap and the flap is reapplied. In LASEK/PRK, the surface epithelial cells are first slid to the side and the laser treatment is applied to the cornea surface directly under the cells. Sometimes the cells are preserved as a sheet and sometimes they are removed depending on your individual case. The cells regrow and smooth in about 5 days. LASEK/PRK generally is suggested in patients with thinner corneas or other problems where we think that it will be a safer technique.
