LASIK - Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis

In LASIK or Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, a thin circular corneal flap is created using a micro-keratome, leaving the superficial layer intact. The flap is lifted and predetermined amount of tissue is removed using the Excimer laser.

The corneal flap is placed back in its original position and allowed to adhere to the cornea without stitches. Patients usually have minimal to no post-operative discomfort.

There is rapid recovery of vision, allowing one to return to work the next day. Moderate to high degrees of Myopia and Astigmatism may be corrected with LASIK. Moreover, correction of both eyes on the same day is possible instead of waiting few weeks between eyes with PRK.

PRK - Photo Refractive Kerotectomy

PRK can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lens by using the power of a computer controlled cool Excimer laser. PRK can treat low to moderate ranges of Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism.

The superficial layer of the cornea (Epithelium) is removed and the corneal is reshaped with the laser. No corneal flap is created like in LASIK. Due to the removal of Epithelium, patient may experience a moderate amount of eye discomfort with blurry vision until the epithelium grows back in three to five days.

Several weeks to months maybe needed for the vision to return to normal. Moreover, patient must continue using eye medications for two to three months after the surgery. For these reasons, most doctors recommend LASIK to the patients.