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PRK vs LASIK
Comparison of Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Lasik
The below chart lays out differences between PRK and Lasik eye surgery. Both surgeries have their advantages and categories below show some of the main differences in the debate of PRK VS LASIK.
Issue |
PRK |
LASIK |
| Intra-operative pain | None | None |
| Post-operative pain | Variable (minimal to significant) | Mild |
| Approved for: Myopia Hyperopia Astigmatism |
<= -12.00 <= +5.00 <= -4.00 |
<= -14.00 <= +5.00 <= -5.00 |
| Perform on thin corneas | Yes | No |
| Perform on flat corneas | Yes | No |
| Perform on deep set eyes | Yes | No |
| Perform on “small eyes” | Yes | No |
| Do in epithelial dystrophy | Yes | No |
| Corneal healing | Stable tensile strength | Reduced tensile strength |
| Risk with contact sports | No | Yes |
| Intra-op pressure damage | No | Possible |
| Retinal/optic nerve stroke | No | Possible |
| Induced retinal tears | No | Possible |
| Post-op dry eye | Occasional | Frequent |
| Visual acuity recovery | Slower | Faster |
| Long-term results | More predictable | Less predictable |
| Re-op/enhancement rates | 1-5% | Up to 25-30% |
| Follow-up | Up to 20 years (1989) | Most <10 yrs (approval 11/99) |
| Flap complications | None |
Buttonholes “Free cap” Wrinkles Interface scarring Epithelial ingrowth “Flap melts” “Sands of Sahara” syndrome Diffuse lamellar keratitis Flap may dislodge with trauma |