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.