PRK

Although LASIK is a fantastic procedure that changes the lives of thousands of people annually, it certainly isn’t for everyone, but fortunately, there is a vision solution for everyone.  Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK is one of these solutions.  For those with excessively thin corneas, we can forego creating a flap and simply remove a circle of surface epithelium.  The laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue just as in our LASIK patients.  PRK patients, however, take longer to recover good vision as the surface cells take 3 to 7 days to regenerate, and then the surface remodels with further healing: typically vision is good at 1 month postoperatively and identical to LASIK patients vision results in 3 months. Due to the slower recovery and normal fluctuations in vision, Dr. Ferguson typically performs PRK on one eye at a time. Generally speaking, final visual outcomes are typically the same as LASIK in 3-6 months.

Some laser surgeons prefer PRK over LASIK for all candidates. However, Commonwealth Eye Surgery stresses the need for careful individualized planning and ensures that the risks and benefits of each procedure are thoroughly explained.  Again, the best procedure is the one that is best for you!