Are you thinking about laser vision correction? Advances in this eye surgery are truly amazing. It corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, the biggest reasons why people wear glasses or contact lenses. If you wish to reduce your need for glasses, PRK or LASIK laser vision correction may be your answer.
Let’s look at each surgery to help you make the right choice.
What Is PRK Surgery?
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy. Done on an outpatient basis, this surgery reshapes the cornea. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye.
Reshaping the cornea changes how light enters your eye. When light does not enter the eye in the right way, refractive errors blur your vision.
These refractive errors include:
- Astigmatism, in which the curve of the cornea and/or the lens do not match (blurred vision results)
- Nearsightedness, in which cornea is too round or the eyeball is elongated
- Farsightedness, in which the cornea is too flat or the eyeball is shorter than normal
PRK has been a popular choice for vision correction for decades. Usually, it is recommended for people with mild to moderate refractive errors. It also helps individuals who have thin corneas.
The procedure involves gently removing the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium). The eye surgeon then reshapes the underlying tissue using an excimer laser. This corrects refractive errors. This part of the procedure only takes a few minutes for each eye.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Like PRK, LASIK reshapes the cornea. However, it differs from PRK in that it creates a thin flap on the surface of the cornea before the doctor reshapes it with a laser.
Then, the eye doctor replaces this flap. It acts as a natural bandage during the healing process.
LASIK surgery usually takes about ten minutes for both eyes. Most patients can resume their normal activities the next day.
While LASIK surgery has been performed for more than 30 years, it has changed and improved. One of the main benefits of LASIK is its quick recovery time. Many patients report better vision within hours after the procedure.
Most are able to resume their daily activities within a day or two. This really helps people who have busy schedules or who have jobs which are physically demanding.
Should You Have PRK or LASIK Surgery?
To know if you are a suitable candidate for PRK or LASIK Surgery, consult your eye doctor for a thorough evaluation.
During the exam, the ophthalmologist will measure how thick your corneas are. He will also measure the refractive errors in each eye, also called eye mapping. It gives the doctor very accurate information about the shape of your corneas and how they may be corrected.
Also, you and your eye surgeon will discuss:
- Your overall health
- Medications you take
- Your personal goals for wanting laser eye surgery (tired of wearing glasses, for instance)
- Your lifestyle (jobs or sports as examples)
- Risks of the procedure (such as dry eye or light sensitivity)
- Possible results of your PRK or LASIK eye surgery
Research shows that up to 99.5 percent of people who have laser eye surgery get the better vision they desire. So, not only PRK and Lasik are safe, reliable, and successful, but they also meet patient satisfaction goals.
What Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider about Laser Eye Surgery?
Find out the following:
- Am I a good candidate?
- Which procedure is best for me?
- Will I still need corrective lenses?
- Will my vision continue to change as I age?
- How long will the results last?
Also, contact your health insurance carrier to see if the cost of your eye surgery is covered. For most people, this elective procedure is not covered by their health insurance. However, there are exceptions.
So, be clear on what your out-of-pocket costs for PRK or LASIK will be. Find out before you sign your consent form and schedule your procedure.
PRK and LASIK Eye Surgeries in Coral Gables, FL
If you are considering eye surgery and would like to find out more about your treatment options, contact The Laser Center of Coral Gables. Our expert eye surgeons can evaluate your eye condition and confirm which type of refractive procedure is best for your needs. At The Laser Center of Coral Gables, it is our objective to help improve your vision without the need for glasses or contacts.
To learn more about the eye procedures we offer or to schedule a consultation, call us today at 305-461-0003 or use our appointment request form.
