LASIK vs. PRK

Whether you wear contact lenses or glasses, many people are turning to eye surgery to correct their vision. Today, fortunately, there are various surgical options to improve vision, such as LASIK or PRK. LASIK and PRK share many similarities but there are some key differences that can help you decide which surgery is right for you. The Beverly Hills Medical Center of Kuwait (BHMC) has expert ophthalmologists who perform these procedures consistently and effectively to correct your vision for the long-run.

Differences between LASIK and PRK

LASIK eye surgery (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that reduces dependency on glasses or contact lenses just like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). Both surgeries involve reshaping the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye which covers the iris and pupil. Each surgery uses the excimer laser, which is a bladeless procedure. It was created by a femtosecond laser, an ultra-fast, and highly precise system that places millions of laser spots to a precise depth under the surface of the eye. Both LASIK and PRK treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatisms.

Here is where the main differences lie. During the LASIK procedure, a thin, hinged flap is created on the cornea using a laser. The flap is then lifted and folded back on for the laser to reshape the underlying cornea tissue. When the reshaping is completed, the flap is put back to its original position over the area that was treated. Differentially, during PRK eye surgery the outermost layer of cell (epithelium) is removed from the cornea. After removal, a laser is used to reshape the underlying cornea tissue. After the reshaping is completed, anti-inflammatory eye drops or antibiotics will be applied over the eye to allow for proper healing and protection of the cornea.

Due to the fact that PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea, the recovery time is longer than that of LASIK surgery. The healing process of LASIK can last for about 1 to 2 days while PRK’s recovery can last up to one week. People experience fluctuations in vision during the first week of both surgeries. Other key differences involve our physicians determining which surgery would be best for your particular eyes. PRK may be a better option for people with thinner corneas, large pupils, or corneal scars. This is because during LASIK, more collagen fibrils of the eye can be affected therefore if you have a thinner cornea, it may be a better option to take advantage of PRK surgery.

Contact the Best Kuwait Ophthalmologist for Your LASIK or PRK Surgery

Ghassan Zein, M.D. is a world-renowned Kuwait ophthalmologist and one of the best eye doctors in Kuwait. The Beverly Hills Center of Kuwait (BHMC) treats a variety of ophthalmology issues and performs the best LASIK and PRK surgery regularly in Kuwait city with the most technologically advanced equipment in our state-of-the-art facilities. If you are considering eye surgery in Kuwait, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zein at BHMC by calling +(965)-222-89999 today.