LASIK Vs. PRK Laser Eye Surgery

Laser vision correction surgery can be an effective way to reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses by addressing common eyesight problems including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Though LASIK is our most popular method of laser correction at Aloha Laser Vision, PRK can offer advantages for some patients that LASIK cannot. Which method of laser corrective eye surgery is best for you?

Custom LASIK surgery is ideal for most patients who are looking to avoid the hassle and expense of eyeglasses and contact lenses. During LASIK surgery, the doctor will create a flap on the cornea to reshape the surface and ultimately improve your vision. LASIK surgery can treat mild to severe nearsightedness (myopia), and ideal candidates for LASIK surgery will have a cornea that is thick enough for the creation of this flap.

For patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK surgery, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is an alternative laser procedure that can offer successful results. Since PRK treats the surface of the cornea without the need for a flap, this method of laser vision correction is better for patients with thin corneas, have a defect on the surface of the cornea, or have pupils that are larger than average. PRK can be used to treat mild nearsightedness, and this LASIK alternative may also be ideal for patients with jobs that prohibit LASIK–such as U.S. military personnel or some professional athletes.

To learn which method of laser vision correction can best meet your unique needs, or to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons, please contact our office today.