Refractive eye surgery includes procedures like PRK and LASIK. Nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness are all conditions they cure. The cornea, the transparent outer layer of your eye that focuses light so you can see well, is reshaped with a laser in both PRK and LASIK. However, they go about it a little bit differently.
Through lasik, a tiny flap is made in the cornea. The cornea’s outer layer at the time of PRK surgery is taken off, although it regrows eventually.
Both these methods have advantages and disadvantages.
What occurs throughout PRK?
An outpatient surgery center is where you have PRK. The doctor will first numb your eye with drops. To prevent blinking, they will cover your eye with a special eyelid holder. Your cornea’s outer layer is removed by the surgeon using a blade, laser, brush, or liquid that contains alcohol. The cornea is then reshaped with a laser. For both eyes, PRK takes roughly 15 minutes.
What Occurs Throughout LASIK?
LASIK is performed in an outpatient surgery clinic or at the office of an eye doctor. Your eye will first be cleaned and numbed with drops by the doctor. Your eye is covered with a device by the surgeon to stop you from blinking. To keep your eye motionless, a suction ring will be applied to it. A slight pressure will be there, and you’ll have a momentary loss of vision. The surgeon will then make a tiny flap in your cornea using a laser or a tool called a microkeratome. Your cornea will be reshaped with a laser before the flap is folded back into position. Once it is healed, the flap will seal. For both eyes, LASIK surgery ought to take within 30 minutes.
What Type of Side-Effects Are There?
- PRK: For a few days, your eyes will feel itchy or painful. Halos may be visible surrounding lights at night. You won’t experience these issues for very long if you do. How to handle them will be explained by your eye doctor. There are very few instances of more severe adverse effects such as infections, corneal scarring, cloudiness, or vision loss.
- LASIK: Your eyes could itch, burn, or pain. For a few days, you can experience fuzzy vision. The following other, less common adverse effects are also possible: nighttime glare and haloes surrounding lights; light sensitivity; and red patches in your eyes. After LASIK, there is a very slim chance that you could develop an eye infection or lose vision, but this is highly unlikely.
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