LASIK and PRK: Understanding Their Distinctions
Switching up the contact game and ditching those glasses? Eye surgeries like LASIK and PRK make that a reality for many!
Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, gives a lowdown on these two popular eye surgeries — but remember, they don't endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.
Around 70% of refractive surgeries each year are LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), while the rest may be PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). Both use lasers to reshape your cornea, the outermost layer of your eye, to fix any vision issues.
During LASIK surgery, a surgeon flips a small layer of your cornea, then resculpts specific areas inside using a laser. The flap is replaced to cover the treated area. In PRK, the surgeon skips the flap part, and the laser works directly on the surface of your cornea. Then, a bandage contact is placed for about a week to protect the healing surface.
Both procedures are outpatient and typically take 10 to 15 minutes. The American Association of Ophthalmology states that 9 out of 10 people achieve at least 20/40 or better vision without glasses or contacts after both LASIK and PRK.
LASIK's main advantage is a quick recovery time, often allowing people to see clearly the day after surgery. With PRK, the healing time is slower, with vision improvements occurring gradually over a few days to weeks.
However, LASIK may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, those with thin corneas, high prescriptions, or those who participate in contact sports. These factors may make PRK a better choice, as it's safer for athletes and people with thinner corneas.
Remember, both surgeries are effective at improving vision, so it's essential to discuss your needs with an eye health specialist to determine the best option for you. Don't be lured by less reputable vision correction centers with lower standards for selecting LASIK candidates. Instead, opt for evidence-based practices and inquire about long-term outcomes.
So, ditching glasses or contacts could be simpler than you think with the help of PRK or LASIK. Chat with an eye care professional to explore which option is tailored for your needs.
sources: 1. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/eye-surgery 2. https://www.optometry.org/enuals/aoa/2020-aug-sept/lumen-micro-LLL0008290593.cfm 3. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/laser-eye-surgery 4. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/prk-photorefractive-keratectomy 5. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik-laser-in-situ-keratomileusis
- Despite participating in contact sports, it may be possible to improve your eye health and vision with PRK, which is generally safer for people with thinner corneas.
- LASIK and PRK are both medical-conditions treated by laser surgeries that reshape the cornea to fix vision issues, with LASIK having a quicker recovery time compared to PRK.
- Health-and-wellness seekers looking to ditch glasses or contact lenses should consult with an eye health specialist to understand the best surgery option for their individual needs, considering factors like the presence of medical-conditions and participation in sports.
