What is the difference between RK, PRK, and LASIK?
You may have heard about PRK, which stands for Photo refractive Keratectomy, the medical name for laser procedure. PRK and LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis) both utilize the VISX Laser System to remove corneal tissue in order to flatten the cornea. With LASIK, we first create a flap on the cornea and then use the laser for treatment below the corneal surface. RK (Radial Keratotomy) is a non-laser procedure where we use a knife to make a series of radial cuts into the cornea. These cuts are intended to produce a bulging effect in order to flatten the corneal surface. Both PRK and LASIK have now been approved by the FDA. Because of increased patient comfort, less chance of haze, and faster recovery times, most of our patients choose LASIK.
