Technically both Lasik and PRK eye care surgical procedures are safe and standard as they are approved by the governments all over the world. The two methods are similar in terms of achieving healthy vision for eyes, avoiding the need for contacts and glasses. And the methods of applying the procedures are slightly varied in between them.
Technically the difference between Lasik and PRK is the way the cornea is accessed for reshaping the same by the surgeon, using the excimer laser. The tissue called epithelium tissue or skin covering the cornea has to be either permanent removed or temporarily moved away, before sculpting the cornea with the excimer laser. The Lasik procedure moves the tissue out of the way temporarily and the tissue is removed using the PRK. Then the Lasik procedure involves fashioning the Lasik cap or flap, using a special surgical instrument.
Lasik is Better than PRK in Terms of…
- Lasik procedure allows the patient to recover faster compared to the PRK procedure, because the epithelium is moved out temporarily and it will be replaced, instead of removing it completely. So, the tissue is back in very few days over the area treated. Lasik is so popular primarily for this reason, as the people in the busy world want to get back to their normal and work life soon after the procedure.
- Compared to PRK, Lasik procedures leave the patient with less discomfort to no discomfort at all.
- PRK is suitable for very a few candidates, who has thin flap, but Lasik is suitable for any patient.
- Lasik procedure needs care not PRK demands comparatively more care, post surgery. It makes the patient to be get back to the normal day to day life quickly except keeping the eye lubricated or ensuring to not to rub the eyes. For PRK one is not preferred to go in bright sun for at least one to one and half months.
- Though Lasik procedure is deeper and complex, it is considered as a complete and effective procedure, according to the surgeon, because of enough depth of treatment though without blade but using laser.
- Lasik has lesser chances of haziness of vision or infection of the eye during the recovery period, comparatively PRK.
- Lasik is well recognized than the PRK.
- Both the patient and surgeon prefer Lasik procedure most of the time, as it solves the problem of regular wearing of glasses or contact lenses.
Lasik has many advantages compared to the PRK procedure and it is a kind of complete procedure that permanently cures the problem, though it is complex. Though there are certain advantages of PRK also, Lasik is preferred by both the patients and surgeons for quick recovery and kind of completion of the procedure to get rid of the vision related problem completely.