What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
Both procedures use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness. The difference is that in PRK , the laser is used on the surface of the cornea and in LASIK; the laser is performed under a protective flap of tissue. WFU surgeons believe that the use of the laser under a protective flap produces faster visual recovery, less pain, and less scarring. In PRK , the laser is used on the surface of the eye, and it takes several weeks for the surface to heal and become smooth, allowing good vision. Steroid drops are necessary (usually for about two months) to help regulate healing, and it is not as easy to repeat PRK , because of scarring and lack of predictability. For these reasons, LASIK has become the refractive surgical procedure of choice at Wake Forest University Eye Center . There are some circumstances, which make PRK preferably to LASIK; if this is your case your physician will discuss this with you during consultation.
