The Difference Between LASIK and PRK

Binghamton Eye Doctor Serving Elmira, Corning, Ithaca, Syracuse, Cortland, & Oneonta, NY

Difference Between LASIK and PRK Millions of Americans and patients just like you who have visited our Binghamton eye doctor have discovered freedom from glasses and contact lenses thanks to LASIK.

But did you know that another procedure offers similar results, even for patients who may not be good LASIK candidates?

PRK may be less famous and less commonly advertised, but it is no less effective.

LASIK and PRK both aim to give you 20/20 vision without the need for corrective lenses. Both procedures address low-order refractive errors like

In both procedures, vision correction is achieved by reshaping the cornea of the eye with an excimer laser. The two differ mainly in how your eye surgeon accesses the cornea for reshaping.

In LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis), the doctor creates a small flap in the tissue on the very outer layer of the cornea, called the corneal epithelium. After he reshapes the inner cornea using the laser, the flap is closed in place, creating a kind of natural bandage for the eye.

In PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), which was actually developed before LASIK, the surgeon removes much of the epithelium using an ablative technique. This exposes more of the cornea and requires a little longer recovery, but the final results are similar.

Patients often prefer LASIK for its speed, convenience, and faster recovery time, but PRK remains an excellent option, especially for patients with unusually thin corneas that can’t accommodate the corneal flap required for the LASIK procedure. Even if you’ve been told you can’t receive LASIK, you may well be able to receive PRK.

If you’re ready to discover the exciting benefits that LASIK and PRK can offer, it’s time to schedule an evaluation and find out whether you’re a good candidate. Please contact Dr. Daniel Sambursky today at 877-333-0700 to schedule your appointment with our Binghamton LASIK doctor.