Which laser vision correction would have less chances of complications such as glare or hazy vision after surgery: LASIK or PRK?
LASIK is usually a patient’s first procedure inquiry. It may be because everyone talks about the LASIK procedure and you hear about the quick and painless visual recovery with the LASIK procedure. Patient’s want a procedure where they can get back to their regular activities such as working on the computer, exercising and reading as quickly as possible. LASIK is known for patients having less discomfort while healing and the ability to obtain good vision more quickly.
The PRK procedure was the most requested and common refractive surgery procedure available years ago. PRK was first performed in the early 1980’s. The FDA approved a laser for PRK in 1995, but the PRK procedure was practiced in other countries for years before coming to America. Many Americans would travel to Canada to have the surgery done before it was approved to be performed in the United States. The PRK healing and visual improvement is gradual over a few days to possibly a few months, but many surgeons prefer PRK for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, patients with corneal scarring, irregular corneal maps, and athletes such as boxers. There are studies that show when you compare the quality of vision of a PRK and LASIK patient 1 month post op procedure, PRK and LASIK resulted in excellent quality of vision and equal results. As with any surgical procedure it is crucial to make sure you have a thorough preoperative exam or exams, excellent patient education, the best technology and highest amount of surgical skill during you refractive surgery procedure. Most patients who are candidates for the LASIK procedure are also candidates for the PRK procedure. In this case, the majority of patients elect to have LASIK but it is important to know that both procedures are safe and effective procedures if you happen to be a patient that only qualifies for the PRK procedure.
