Do you find yourself wondering which is better, PRK or LASIK?
There are many factors to consider when deciding between PRK or LASIK corrective eye surgery. What are the differences between PRK and LASIK? And is PRK safer than LASIK? What about cost, which is cheaper? For starters, the most significant difference between PRK and LASIK is in the first step of the procedures. We’ll get you the answers to all these questions and more, plus all you need to know about PRK and LASIK.
Firstly – Imagine a life with perfect vision, morning to night, without the use of glasses or contact lenses. But wait, there’s good news! Studies show that a minimum of 90% of patients achieve at least 20/40 uncorrected vision following PRK or LASIK surgery.
What is the difference between PRK and LASIK? And is PRK better than LASIK?
“To flap, or not to flap? That is the question.”
The most significant difference between PRK and LASIK is the first step of the procedures. In LASIK, a microscopic flap is created on the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. The flap is then lifted, to expose underlying corneal tissues, replaced after the cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser.
In PRK, the surgeon does not create a clap of corneal tissue. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea is removed, exposing an area for the laser to reshape. Due to this aspect, PRK is a better choice for patients who suffer from chronically Dry Eyes, or who have a thin cornea.
Another thing to keep in mind, is the difference in discomfort and speed of visual recovery. LASIK has a shorter recovery time when compared to PRK. This is attributable to the time it takes for the outer layer of the cornea to heal post-PRK surgery.
- PRK patients are given prescription eye drops (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops) to reduce discomfort and support healing after having this eye surgery. On average, PRK patients can expect it to take one to four days for the pain to subside. Additionally, expect it to take up to six months for your vision to fully clear.
- LASIK patients recover much faster. Many patients report being able to see normally within a few hours post-LASIK procedure. That said, their vision will continue to improve progressively over the course of the next few months.
All things considered, both PRK and LASIK are approved by the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to be safe and effective in treating vision problems. Making a choice between the two can be difficult. It is best to consult with your eye doctor (eye surgeon) before forming a final decision, they will have a better idea as to which procedure would best benefit you.
The good news? Evolution in technology, research and history have proven that both PRK and LASIK patients are incredibly satisfied with the outcome post-procedure.
Is PRK safer than LASIK?
PRK has one distinct safety advantage over LASIK: because no corneal flap is created, the risk of flap complications during or after the operation is inconceivable.
If you are an individual who regularly engages in activities that may put you at risk for eye injuries, PRK may be the safer option for you. With LASIK, there’s always a small possibility of the flap dislocating while performing intense physical activities. Some examples of intense physical activities: Boxing and Martial Arts.
Additionally, PRK is the ideal option for patients who have a thin cornea layer. Since PRK does not require a LASIK-style flap, the entire thickness of the underlying corneal stroma is available for treatment. Patients who undergo PRK surgery rather than LASIK, will have a thicker residual “stromal bed” after the excimer laser operation.
It’s important to know that PRK comes along with a greater risk of eye infection immediately after the operation, when compared to LASIK. PRK also has a considerably higher risk of causing temporary or permanent haziness of the cornea which may affect vision.
Cost Report: Which is cheaper, PRK or Lasik?
It is hard to say exactly which corrective eye surgery will be the cheapest for you. This is because the cost of PRK or LASIK depends greatly on your health insurance plan, the area you live in, and exactly how severe your vision case is. However, we have a few tips on how to find the best deal on laser eye surgery below.
Tips for Saving on Laser Eye Surgery:
- Price shop. Compare prices from different laser eye surgeons in your area. Most laser eye surgery clinics offer a free first time consultation visit to help assess your individual vision needs. While there, take the opportunity to learn more about the clinic’s rates, financial assistance, and so on. Make a chart so that you can revert back to it while deciding which surgeon is right for you.
- FSA. Use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for your corrective eye surgery. Not only will this save you from having to dish out the full price of surgery upfront, but because these are pre-tax savings accounts, you’ll save 30% or more off the overall cost of the operation.
- Consider traveling internationally for your eye surgery. Traveling outside of the U.S. for the sole purpose of having discounted surgery may seem far-fetched. But now-a-days, “medical tourism” has attained widespread popularity, and U.S. citizens routinely travel to other countries to receive discounts of 50% or more on laser eye surgery (including travel-related expenses and fees). Wow!
It is essential to ask your surgeon upfront in your first consultation, exactly how much the total cost of the surgery will be. Plenty of laser eye surgery clinics will advertise low prices, but these prices may only represent a portion of the operation, not the full procedure. If you have an astigmatism, your operation may have an additional charge. Advertised prices may also leave out the cost of follow-up visits, and other fees associated with laser eye surgery.