Photorefractive Keratectomy also has known as PRK LASIK, is a type of refractive laser eye surgery applied to correct a patient’s vision to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. PRK is the style of laser eye surgery that preceded LASIK, having been the previous most usual type of refractive surgery until LASIK came along.PRK surgery is effective in correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism and has very similar rates of success and outcomes as LASIK.
PRK surgery remains a common option for laser eye surgery. In this articles, we detailed compare PRK vs LASIK cost, benefits & PRK complications.
PRK vs LASIK
PRK and LASIK both permanently reshape the cornea to correct vision by using a laser to eliminate part of the tissue under the corneal epithelium. The epithelium first wants to be eliminated in order to get entrance to the tissue and how this is done by PRK vs LASIK procedures. While LASIK shapes and lifts a flap on the outside corneal layer reshapes the corneal tissue and then replaces the flap, whereas the PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea completely. PRK does not need a flap in the outer cornea to reshape and correct for vision. Typically, people who do not make good candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas will be better suited for PRK. The outer layer will regenerate normally within a few days.
PRK eye surgery is an ambulatory procedure, that generally takes only 15 minutes. You will be conscious throughout the procedure, your eye consultant may give you a mild oral sedative to help you relax.
Numbing eye drops, lid speculum is used to keep your eyelids open. Your consultant then directs the excimer laser over your eye, which is programmed for your specific prescription.
You will be required to look at a spotlight for a short time while your surgeon watches your eye within a microscope as the laser transmits pulses of light to your cornea.
The most important and first step of getting rid of your glasses for consultation to have our LASIK specialist consultants evaluate your eyes to see for one or both procedures. You may be a candidate for only one or the other.
So with this overview of PRK vs LASIK now in your mind to help your consultation to come to visit your LASIK specialist & PRK surgery cost.
PRK Recovery Time
While PRK recovery time is slightly longer, it provides the same excellent results as LASIK. First Few Days Minor pain, scratchiness, and discomfort are very common. Following the guided prescription schedule of eye drops is crucial.
Weeks After sensitivity to light and poor night vision are also very common during the recovery process as your eyes continue to heal. The first-month patients experience the largest improvement in vision and most experience significant improvement after the first week. During the first months following your PRK procedure, your surgeon will schedule a series of checkup appointments to make sure that your healing is right on track.
The sixth-month mark is the breakthrough in the recovery process that should resolve all remaining recovery symptoms. Your surgeon may still want to see you, ensure that you are completely satisfied with your results. So, fully PRK recovery time within 6 months.
PRK Surgery Cost
PRK surgery cost varies greatly depending on the clinic and experience of the surgeon’s. The average PRK surgery cost in the United States between $1,400 to $2,600 per eye.
If you compare prk vs lasik cost, the cost is similar and it will be between $1,400 to $2,600 per eye.
PRK Complication
Scarring is a common PRK complication. To reduce the risk of scarring, many surgeons use a toxic substance called mitomycin-C during PRK.mitomycin-C is a chemotherapy agent which results in cell death and is not FDA-approved for use with PRK.mitomycin-C has been reported to have long-term adverse effects on the eye.
Pain, Scarring, chronic dry eyes, regression, and night vision problems are the most common PRK complication.