PRKPRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a refractive eye surgery technique very similar to LASIK surgery. Both procedures use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea (the front surface of the eye) in order to change its ability to focus light on the retina.

The primary difference between PRK eye surgery and LASIK is that with PRK, the excimer laser carefully sculpts the outer layer of the cornea to create an optimal surface for the eye’s lens, while LASIK surgery involves the creation of a corneal flap.

PRK Eye Surgery As An Alternative to LASIK

PRK eye surgery is used to correct mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and / or astigmatism. Those who have been told that their corneas are too thin for LASIK and those who have concerns about the creation of a corneal flap may consider PRK eye surgery as a LASIK alternative, and a viable option for vision correction. Visual acuity results are generally the same between PRK eye surgery and LASIK, but the healing and recovery time is significantly longer with PRK eye surgery. Discomfort after PRK may be more severe and last longer (up to two weeks) than the discomfort associated with LASIK. However, the corneal flap created during the LASIK procedure may take years to heal, and those with strenuous jobs and/or recreational activities may opt to have PRK eye surgery rather than LASIK to avoid the risk of damaging the corneal flap. PRK eye surgery is actually thought to leave the cornea stronger after surgery.

Because there are many factors to take into consideration when choosing between PRK eye surgery and LASIK, it's important to discuss everything with your eye surgeon. Dr. Richard Palmer practices both as an ophthalmologist and as a corneal specialist and will be able to help you determine which procedure is better going to suit your individual needs and long term vision correction goals.

Palmer Eye Institute is pleased to serve the greater Tallahassee area, and we are an easy commute from the city center as well as the surrounding areas of Monticello, Drifton, Capps, Havana, Quincy, Midway and Woodville, Florida. We invite you to make an appointment with us today so that we can answer any questions you may have about PRK eye surgery!

LASIK Alternatives