Are you interested in getting laser eye surgery to improve your vision but still deciding between getting PRK or LASIK in Orange County? In this guide, we will share the differences between the two eye surgeries and evaluate the benefits and setbacks of each one to make the decision-making process easier for you.
LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are both categorized as laser corneal surgeries. When a patient undergoes PRK, the laser surgeon will remove the surface cells of the cornea. On the other hand, a LASIK surgeon will create a corneal flap in order to get to underlying tissue. The LASIK patient’s epithelium (the outermost layer of the cornea) is not touched during surgery, whereas the PRK patient’s epithelium is removed and eventually regenerates.
PRK and LASIK have different recovery processes. Overall, LASIK has a faster recovery time. In fact, the majority of LASIK patients recover in a matter of hours.
LASIK Recovery Period
Once surgery is done, your Orange County LASIK surgeon has to realign the flap they created. Many people who undergo LASIK are capable of returning to work and resuming their routines in a day. Most patients also report having improved vision right after surgery. Like any surgery, LASIK does come with side effects such as discomfort or mild burning but these symptoms only last for a few hours after surgery. Rest, pain medication, and eye drops can alleviate the pain.
PRK Recovery Period
After undergoing PRK surgery, your surgeon will put a special bandage contact lens over your eyes. This bandage helps protect the surface layer of your cornea and gives it time to heal. After a couple days, your surgeon may give you the approval to remove the bandage. You will then take pain medication and apply eye drops. The initial recovery time lasts a few days. Full recovery can last a month long. The majority of PRK patients can resume work and their everyday tasks as soon as the bandage lens comes off.
Eligibility for PRK and LASIK
Have you been scouring the internet for the best laser eye surgery in Orange County, but aren’t completely sure if you qualify for it? Regardless of which laser eye surgery you choose to undergo, all candidates need to meet the following standards:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not pregnant or nursing
- Have a stable prescription for at least 1 year
- Pupil size of 5 to 6 millimeters in room lighting.
If any of the following factors apply to you, then you are more likely a good candidate for PRK than LASIK:
- Have a thin cornea
- Have large pupils
- Have a job in fields such as manufacturing or construction work where a corneal flap could be considered a contraindication.
Individuals with the following conditions are not typically qualified for either LASIK or PRK:
- Autoimmune disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis or lupus)
- Glaucoma
- Severe diabetes
- Severe allergies
PRK Benefits
- Works for patients with thin corneas.
- Avoids risk of complications with a corneal flap.
PRK Setbacks
- Slower recovery time than LASIK
- Patients cannot drive until the bandage contact lens comes off.
- Chance of experiencing sensitivity to bright light for a few days after surgery.
- High risk of eye infection for the first few days after surgery.
LASIK Benefits
- Fast recovery time
- Most patients can drive one day after surgery.
- Most patients experienced improved vision within a few hours after surgery.
- Very low risk of infection.
- A bandage contact lens is not needed.
- Less follow-up appointments than PRK.
LASIK Setbacks
- Risk of complications with a corneal flap.
- High risk of dry eyes.
Laser Eye Surgery Cost
Laser eye surgery costs depend on a variety of factors, one of which is availability of technology. LASIK surgery tends to be more expensive than PRK because the LASIK surgeon uses two different lasers in the procedure. One laser in LASIK surgery is used to create the corneal flap and the other laser reshapes the cornea. In PRK surgery, the surgeon only uses one laser to reshape the patient’s cornea.
Ultimately, the consultation you have with a laser eye surgeon will help you determine whether PRK or LASIK in Orange County is the best option for you. Looking to book your appointment now? You can call (310) 905-8622 to reach Excel Laser Vision Institute.