The difference between LASIK and PRK

In LASIK surgery, a microscopic flap is created in the epithelium, and part of the stroma. By folding the flap back, the surgeon exposes a part of the stroma, and uses the laser to reshape the lens to the correct requirements. This procedure generally takes less than a minute, with the risk of damage to the eye reduced by using state-of-the-art eye tracking to chart movement of the eye. The flap in the epithelium is then positioned back into place. Recovery is quick, and most people see well one day post-procedure.

With PRK, that lower layer of the cornea (the stroma) is exposed by removing the epithelium over the area which will be treated. Pulse laser is then used to alter the shape of the cornea to the correct prescription. Once again, any movements in the eye are tracked using sophisticated tracking systems. Once the treatment has been performed, a thin contact lens bandage is placed over the eye for approximately four days. Upon removal of the contact lens, vision improves day by day to the point where the patient can generally drive within a few days.

Although patients undergoing PRK take a few more days to heal, the prognosis is the same as patients who had PRK, but PRK proves to have less risks due to the fact that there is no flap created in the eye