LASIK and PRK, both are laser eye surgeries and there should no much difference in terms of cost, though there are differences in terms of procedure and other aspects. PRK is a laser assisted surgical procedure that has been developed to correct majorly myopia or nearsightedness. This procedure is developed as a pioneer laser eye corrective surgery and so LASIK, LASEK, SMILE and all other procedures and respected technologies are developed later.
Cost Difference Between LASIK and PRK
Just like any other surgery cost, the cost of LASIK and PRK also vary from one place to another place. The cost of LASIK and PRK are also varied from one place to another place. Another factor that influences the cost of the procedure is the technology. As the technology progresses, the cost of the respective surgery also increases. When geographical area and technology are considered to be the same, PRK procedure is less expensive than LASIK as it consists of lesser process. So, LASIK is more expensive than PRK. The difference is just in hundreds of dollars. If the cost of LASIK is around $2500 per eye, the cost of PRK is in between $1700 to $2000. The difference is less in cost but more in terms of procedure.
Procedural Difference Between LASIK and PRK
Thought the difference is not much in between Lasik and PRK, there is fundamental and basic difference, in terms of procedure. PRK does not involve the process of creation of corneal flap, but the LASIK procedure does. LASIK creates flap and then reshapes the cornea. The total procedure of PRK is comparatively smaller than LASIK and so the cost of it also.
Procedure of PRK removes cornea surface cells mechanically using excimer laser and then removes small amount of tissue, till the lens are reached. When LASIK is considered, a flap is created and then it is placed back right in its place and finally it is left like that for healing.
So, if the cost is a concern, PRK can be the first choice compared to LASIK. In terms of insurance, both of them are considered to be elective procedures and so in most of the cases, insurance is not offered by the insurance companies.