Which is more advanced: PRK or Lasik?
Many people mistakenly believe that the more ‘advanced’ a procedure is, the better it must be. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes changing a tried and tested technique can complicate it, and that is without taking into account that each patient is different and what is best for them may vary significantly.
There is no doubt that laser vision correction has revolutionized the way in which refractive eye errors can be treated, subsequently transforming the vision of countless patients. However, with several types of laser vision correction to choose from, many patients find that they experience some confusion when it comes to deciding which is right for them.
Which is more advanced – PRK or LASIK?
Although Lasik is a form of laser eye surgery that has evolved from PRK, many experts, including our own renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Jeffrey Minkovitz, strongly advocate PRK as the superior choice.
The key difference between the two types of laser eye surgery lies in the access to the cornea. In PRK surgery, the entire epithelium, which is the fine layer of cells covering the cornea, is removed so that your surgeon has unencumbered access to create the corneal changes. In LASIK, the laser is used to cut a hinged flap into the epithelium, which can be opened for the cornea to be reshaped. The flap is then replaced.
The main reason that LASIK evolved from PRK was because experts felt that the expedited recovery after LASIK offered a positive alternative. And it is certainly true that the initial recovery from PRK does take longer than it would after a LASIK procedure. This is because the entire epithelium regenerates rather than just a small flap within in healing. However, by using this technique patients can avoid the number of complications that have been associated with the creation of a flap in LASIK laser eye surgery. This includes foreign bodies such as dust becoming trapped under the flap and problems the way that the flap heals. In some cases, this can cause scarring or an uneven thickness of epithelial cells where the healing takes place.
Realistically, many experts, including Dr. Minkovtiz, agree that the potential for flap-related complications is a bigger inconvenience and concern that the slightly slower healing time of PRK. Patients who research PRK vs LASIK on the internet to try and discover which is the more advanced of the two often naturally draw the conclusion that PRK has a lower risk of complications and as a result, opt for this type of laser eye surgery for their vision correction.
PRK with the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q Laser
When it comes to laser vision correction accuracy is everything. That is why we have combined the success and safety of PRK with one of the newest tools currently available, the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q Laser. This FDA-approved laser offers precision accuracy combined with superior safety and efficiency. It is the most advanced tool for PRK laser eye surgery.
If you are confused about the differences between PRK and LASIK laser eye surgery and would like more information, our dedicated team would be delighted to explain things clearly. Please contact our offices today to discuss your concerns or to schedule a consultation.
