Lasik Vs. Prk
The first step in a LASIK treatment (after you’ve been examined and approved as a good candidate for it) is the creation of a thin flap on the eye’s surface. This is part of the treatment itself, and is done to get access to the eye tissue below the surface, where the laser will be applied. But could such a flap be wrong for your particular eyes?
How does the LASIK treatment work?
The front clear part of the eye is the cornea, and it has several layers. The surface layer is continually discarding old cells, the way skin does, sloughing off the old dead cells so that new ones can emerge and take their place. LASIK corrects vision by changing the shape of the cornea, by removing tiny pieces of it so as to change the corneal curvature.
This work needs to be done below the corneal surface where cells are not being replaced all the time. The layer where it is done is called the stroma, and it’s a stable layer. When its curvature is changed, it will stay changed, and your vision will be permanently improved.
Risks associated with flap creation
Each human eye is unique. Your two eyes are different from each other, and from all other eyes. That means that each LASIK treatment is unique. Wavefront-guided LASIK is so excellent because it measures exactly what the contours of your two eyes are, and maps them in three dimensions. These maps are the basis of your treatment.
Somehow the surface corneal tissue has to be moved out of the way so the LASIK laser can implement your treatment on the stromal layer. If your corneas are thinner than average, will there be enough tissue to create the flap safely? An experienced and qualified LASIK surgeon will look closely at this issue when screening you for LASIK.
· If your corneas are too thin, the flap may be inadvertently cut too thick, interfering with the level where the laser does reshaping.
· If your corneas are too steep in their curvature (you’re severely nearsighted), the flap may again be cut too deeply, because the mechanical instrument (microkeratome) which usually cuts the flap cannot follow the contours of your steep cornea.
The PRK alternative
PRK is a procedure for people with corneas which are too thin or too steep for LASIK. No flap is created in PRK. Instead, some of the surface cells are completely removed, very gently and carefully, using a diluted alcohol solution to loosen them. Then the laser reshaping is done. Afterwards, those surface cells will grow back. The recovery period for PRK is a little longer than for LASIK, and while the cells are regrowing, a bandage contact lens is worn for protection.
Help answer the question about PRK vs Lasik
Lasik vs. PRK?
OK…I do know all the differences between them and the after care and blah blah blah. My Dr. thinks PRK is better for me although he said I could do either. The reason is, that I play contact sports, my job has a potential for violence everyday and I’m into MMA. Now I can avoid all of the potential risks for awhile until it has fully healed but does it ever become “fully” healed? I know why PRK is a better choice but I’m not really looking forward to the longer and more uncomfortable recovery time. My question is…how long until the flap from Lasik is fully recovered and reattached and there is no risk of it coming off or dislodged etc. Or will it always have the potential to become detached, dislodged etc. etc? If it will always have that potential then I know PRK would be better. Please tell me about the flap and it’s reattachment if it does reattach.
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The full results will take a little longer to become evident. But vision results after PRK are as excellent as those after LASIK. For some eyes, LASIK is best, and for others, PRK is best. Only a qualified LASIK surgeon can determine which is best for you.