PRK Advantages
Custom PRK or Custom All Laser LASIK? This web page will go over the advantages of each procedure and help you decide which may be better for you.
PRK Introduction:
PRK has helped many patients who are not candidates for LASIK obtain great vision. PRK has a long proven track history. The primary difference between PRK and LASIK is in the first step of the procedure. In LASIK, a corneal flap is made quickly and effectively. Your recovery will be fast with only minimal discomfort with all laser LASIK.
In PRK, Dr. Pham will apply anesthetic eye drops and will then remove the superficial layer of your cornea called the epithelium. The epithelium is a very dynamic and non permanent layer of your cornea. It is similar to the epithelium of your skin. It is constantly regrowing itself. Next, the VISX Star S4 with advanced custom iris registration excimer laser will be used to apply a cool beam of light and laser energy that gently reshapes the surface of your cornea. This allows images to be more sharply focused on the retina and corrects your nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
The Advantages of Custom PRK:
- Some patients who are not candidates for LASIK surgery may be candidates for PRK
- Long and proven history of superior clinical results
- Eliminates the LASIK flap
- Good for patients with thin corneas
- Good for patients with scarred or damaged corneas
- Good for certain occupations such as professional boxers or patients at extremely high risk of ocular trauma
- Good for patients with excessive dry eye syndrome
The Cons of Custom PRK:
- Slower visual recovery
- Increased discomfort
- Increased number of post operative visits.
The recovery of custom PRK patients has two phases:
- The first phase is the healing of the epithelium which takes between three to five days. During this time, there may be increased pain and discomfort. Dr. Pham will give you a prescription for pain medications (Norco) and eye drops to minimize your pain and discomfort during the healing process.
- The second phase is the remodeling of the corneal epithelium. For the first few weeks after PRK your vision will be blurry but functional. You will likely be able to drive and return to work. However, it may take six weeks to six months to get your best vision after PRK or 20/20.
The Advantages of all laser LASIK Eye Surgery:
- FAST Recovery
- Minimal pain and discomfort
- Optimum vision recovery is achieved sooner.
- Fewer post operative visits are required
- Increased range of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism that can be treated.
The Cons of Custom LASIK Eye Surgery:
- Patients with scarred or thin corneas are not candidates
- More costly due to investment in all laser Intralase Laser which makes the flap
For the vast majority of patients at the Orange County LASIK Institute, custom all laser LASIK is a fast, painless, and effective procedure. However, patients who are not LASIK candidates may be PRK candidates. The best way to determine if you are a PRK or a LASIK candidate in the Irvine, Los Angeles, or Orange County area is to visit us for a free LASIK or PRK consultation.
949-450-2020
The Orange County LASIK and PRK Eye Center
The Orange County LASIK Institute
3500 Barranca Parkway Suite 150
Irvine , CA 92606
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