Article Reviewed By: Dr. Shradha Goel
Table of Contents
The Basics of Vision Correction Surgery:
PRK: The Pioneer of Surface Ablation Techniques
LASIK: The Most Popular Refractive Surgery
Comparing the Risks and Considerations:
Post-surgical Care:
Final thoughts
Imagine this: You’re curled up with your favorite book, ready to unwind with a hot cup of coffee. Just as you’re about to enjoy that first comforting sip, your glasses fog up. It’s a minor annoyance, but it can be frustrating, right? You repeatedly set aside your book and coffee to clean your glasses to see again.
And if you have gone through such things, then you’re not alone—this sounds like a daily occurrence to many individuals.
Glasses or contact lenses help bring the world into focus, but they come whith teir own nuisances. But If you’re tired of the daily hassle, considering a lasting solution for vision correction might be the next step. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) are two of the most popular procedures for achieving clearer vision.
While PRK and LASIK procedures aim to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, they do so in slightly different ways and with varying recovery profiles.
Let’s dive into our blog and understand the distinctions, benefits, and considerations of each so you can make a well-informed decision about your eye care.
The Basics of Vision Correction Surgery:
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) are both refractive surgeries designed to correct the cornea’s shape—the transparent, curved surface at the eye’s front—ensuring light is accurately focused onto the retina for improved vision. The primary distinction between them is the technique used to reach and reshape the corneal layer. For those considering either procedure, it is advisable to seek advice from an ophthalmologist in Mumbai, where advanced technology and expertise are readily available.
PRK: The Pioneer of Surface Ablation Techniques
The first kind of laser eye surgery for vision correction was PRK, which is still commonly used today. It is sometimes regarded as the forerunner of all future laser refractive operations, including LASIK.
- Procedure:
During PRK, the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, is gently removed to enable the surgeon to use an excimer laser to remodel the underlying corneal tissue. This laser employs cool ultraviolet radiation to remove small amounts of tissue carefully, flattening or steepening the cornea depending on the patient’s eyesight impairment.
- Recovery:
The epithelium usually heals after PRK, covering the treated region within a few days. Recovery periods for PRK and LASIK vary. PRK may take slightly longer than LASIK to repair the eye’s surface, often a week or two. Patients may have pain and hazy eyesight during this period. Complete eyesight stabilization may take a few weeks to several months.
- Benefits:
PRK is often indicated for individuals with thinner corneas, particular corneal abnormalities, or at risk of eye injury owing to their occupations or hobbies. It eliminates the risk of complications associated with creating a corneal flap, as in LASIK.
LASIK: The Most Popular Refractive Surgery
LASIK is one of the world’s most well-known and commonly performed laser eye surgeries.
- Procedure:
LASIK involves the surgeon using a specialized laser or a blade to produce a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. The excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue once this flap is lifted. The flap is repositioned after the cornea is reshaped and heals without stitches. If you are considering getting Lasik done, then you can consult with the best Lasik surgeon in Mumbai to get this procedure done. These medical professionals are renowned for their expertise and utilize cutting-edge technology, ensuring the highest standards of care and precision in enhancing the outcome.
- Recovery:
LASIK healing is typically faster than PRK recovery. Many patients experience instant or next-day improvement in their eyesight. The pain is minimal, and most people may resume their routine activities within a few days.
- Benefits:
The immediate recovery and rapid gain in visual acuity make LASIK an attractive option for many. It suits patients with sufficient corneal thickness and without significant corneal scarring or irregularities.
Comparing the Risks and Considerations:
PRK and LASIK are safe and successful, but like any operation, there are risks and side effects. Dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, and, in extremely rare instances, vision loss may all be symptoms.
The healing process of the epithelium is crucial to the hazards associated with PRK. While infections and scarring are uncommon, they may impact the result. The discomfort experienced in the first few days after surgery may be significant, and the lengthier healing period necessitates a higher initial commitment to the rehabilitation process.
The development of the corneal flap adds an extra degree of challenge to LASIK. Though rare, complications such as flap displacement or inflammation beneath the flap (DLK) might develop. It’s also conceivable that the flap may heal incorrectly. However, advancements in LASIK technology like femtosecond aka bladeless LASIK have continually reduced these risks to minimal.
Post-surgical Care:
Post-operative care is essential for both PRK and LASIK. Follow-up appointments enable the surgeon to evaluate healing and address any complications early. Following through on recommended medications and precautions may substantially impact the result and ultimate vision quality.
Who is Eligible?
Only some people are candidates for refractive surgery. Factors like corneal thickness, eye health, stable vision prescription, and overall health can influence eligibility, and that’s why consulting with the best eye dr in mumbai who can conduct a thorough examination and recommend the most appropriate procedure, if any, for your specific needs.
Making the Decision:
The decision between PRK and LASIK should be based on an individual’s specific eye traits, lifestyle, and the professional counsel of a qualified ophthalmologist. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each technique is critical for making an educated decision.
Bottom line
While both PRK and LASIK have their own set of advantages, risks, and recovery times, they can provide a life-changing improvement in vision. Discussing these options with an eye care specialist will help you select the procedure that best aligns with your vision and expectations.
So, if you are considering getting any procedure done, Arohi Eye Hospital is the place to visit. They have the best technology and the best professionals in the field. With their help, you can step towards a clearer, more vibrant visual experience.
Dr. Shradha Goel
Dr. Shradha Goel, Chief Surgeon at Arohi Eye Hospital, is a renowned Phaco-LASIK surgeon with over 10,000 surgeries to her credit. She earned her MBBS from Grant Medical College, Mumbai, and a Master’s in Ophthalmology from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. As a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Goel specialises in LASIK, refractive errors, and cataract treatments.