Frequently Asked Questions: LASEK and PRK

San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California

What's the difference between LASEK and PRK?

Both procedures offer vision results similar to LASIK to patients with thin or damaged corneas. While the two procedures achieve corneal reshaping using the advanced surface ablation method, they differ slightly in technique. With LASEK, the top layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is temporarily removed to allow the laser reshaping to begin. After corneal reshaping, the epithelium is replaced and acts as a natural bandage. With PRK, the epithelium is also removed, but is not replaced after laser treatment. Instead, the epithelium is allowed to regenerate on its own, a process that only takes a few days.

Which procedure has greater benefits/advantages?

With both procedures, the corneal flap complications associated with LASIK are nonexistent. Patients who choose LASEK will have a smaller risk of corneal haze (a collection of scar-like material), the primary risk of the PRK procedure. LASEK patients will experience a faster vision recovery than PRK patients as well. Both LASEK and PRK have unique benefits that Dr. Kawesch will go over during your free vision correction consultation.

Can both eyes be done at the same time with advanced surface ablation?

With PRK, you will need to allow one treated eye to heal before having laser treatment on the other eye as it may take up to a few days for functional vision to return (the eyes are done an average of 12 weeks apart).

The risk of corneal haze is drastically reduced with LASEK and visual recovery is quicker than with PRK. Because of this, both eyes can be treated with one procedure.

Are LASEK and PRK painful procedures?

You will receive numbing drops before your procedure, and with both procedures, patients shouldn't feel a thing. You can expect some discomfort following both procedures, but pain medications are available if needed. PRK patients may experience slightly more discomfort due to the fact that the epithelium is removed entirely and allowed to regenerate on its own.

Learn more about LASIK, LASEK and PRK at our San Francisco vision correction center. Call or email us at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today for your free consultation.

1.800.725.0740