Lasek & PRK

LASEK

Laser Epithelial Keratomilieusis is similar to PRK, but the corneal surface (epithelium) is removed without laser, and replaced after the procedure.
There are less side effects than PRK and the healing process is faster. It can be beneficial to wear a soft contact lens for a week after the procedure to promte healing.

PRK

Tissue is removed from the corneal surface via laser without making a flap.

Advantages of PRK

No flap is made, and so there are risks of ' flap related' complications.

Disadvantages of PRK

Removing surface corneal tissue can lead to 'hazy vision' in patients requiring a higher level of tissue removal. For this reason, PRK is more suited to patients with no more than -6D of refractive error.

It can take several months for the eye to heal fully, with refractive changes taking place during that time. The eye may be sore for a few days and the long / short sight may eventually return.