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PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) vs LASIK Eye Surgery
| PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) | LASIK Eye Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | ophthalmology | ophthalmology |
| Cost (USD range) | $1,200–$3,500 | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Average recovery (days) | 7 | 3 |
| Typical sessions | 1 | 1 |
| Complication rate | 2.00% | 1.00% |
| Revision rate | 5.00% | 5.00% |
| Anaesthesia | local | local |
| Documented risks | 5 entries | 5 entries |
| Registry-listed clinics | 2 clinics | 2 clinics |
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is a refractive laser eye surgery in which the corneal epithelium is removed and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal stroma to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. PRK predates LASIK and remains the preferred surface-ablation technique for patients with thin corneas, occupational requirements that contraindicate a corneal flap (military, contact sports), or borderline topography that makes a flap risky. Recovery is slower and more uncomfortable than LASIK because the epithelium has to heal over the treated cornea — typically 3-5 days with a bandage contact lens — but biomechanical integrity of the cornea is preserved.
View PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) pageLASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser to correct refractive errors including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. A thin corneal flap is created, the underlying tissue is reshaped, and the flap is repositioned. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes per eye with rapid visual recovery.
View LASIK Eye Surgery page