I’m Not a LASIK Candidate. What About PRK?
If you recently learned that you’re not a candidate for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) but don’t feel ready to give up on the dream of clear vision without glasses, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) could be the answer.
Central Valley Eye Medical Group, Inc.’s elite team of fellowship-trained and board-certified doctors offers refractive surgery options like PRK to restore vision, even if LASIK isn’t right for you. Here’s what you should know about this unique lesser-known LASIK cousin.
How Does PRK Differ from LASIK?
PRK and LASIK correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Both surgeries achieve that by reshaping the cornea. But, there are some significant differences.
LASIK
For LASIK, your surgeon creates a flap in the cornea. They lift the flap and then use the laser to sculpt the cornea to optimize your vision. After that, your surgeon replaces the flap, and it heals on its own.
Many people enjoy clear eyesight quickly after LASIK, with vision normalizing that day and steadily improving. Some people even experience a dramatic improvement in a matter of hours.
PRK
With PRK, your surgeon carefully removes the outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelium. Then, they shape the cornea using the laser. Your epithelium regenerates naturally over time.
PRK has a longer recovery period than LASIK because it’s a more extensive procedure. It’s normal to have some blurry vision for five days, but most patients return to their usual routine in three days or less. Vision can fluctuate over the next several months before achieving the final, ideal correction.
Benefits of PRK vs. LASIK
Good news: PRK and LASIK both provide excellent vision correction. Once healed, most patients can go without contacts or glasses.
The main reason that LASIK is more common is simply because it’s a less complex procedure and has a faster recovery.
Are You a PRK Candidate?
The main reasons patients may not be good candidates for LASIK include thin corneas and dry eyes. If you fall into either of these groups and have been told LASIK won’t work for you, PRK could be an ideal choice to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
PRK in Stockton, Manteca, and Modesto
At Central Valley Eye Medical Group, Inc., we’re proud to offer PRK for Stockton, Manteca, and Modesto patients. Our experienced specialists will guide you through the evaluation process and determine if PRK is the right option.
Ready to schedule? Call our Stockton office at (209) 952-3700, our Manteca office at (209) 239-5303, or our Modesto office at (209) 579-8800 to arrange your PRK consultation.
Posted in: LASIK