What is the difference between LASIK surgery and PRK surgery?
In traditional LASIK surgery, a thin flap is cut from the cornea’s surface in a way that leaves part of it still connected. It is gently folded back to expose the stroma, the next level of tissue. Then an excimer laser is directed precisely onto the tissue to vaporize tiny areas, thus removing irregularities that are causing defective vision. The little flap is then replaced and the eye heals itself in a day or two. Results are immediate and you can typically return to work the next day. PRK is similar to LASIK surgery in many ways, and both are effective treatments fornearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The main difference between the two procedures has to do with healing and recovery. During PRK, the laser is applied directly to the epithelium, no flap is created – as a result, there is a slightly longer recovery period. The epithelium will heal in approximately two to three days, but in the interim, PRK patients will have to wear a bandage contact lens. Typically, pati
