Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.

2026-02-23T14:14:50Z

Article written and Venn diagram created.

New page

== LASIK vs. PRK ==

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are the two most common forms of laser eye surgery used to treat refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Both procedures use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, though they differ in how they access the corneal stroma.<ref name="AAO">American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2024). "LASIK vs. PRK: Comparison of Procedures."</ref><ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref2" /><ref name="ref3" /><ref name="ref4" /><ref name="ref5" />

=== Comparison table ===

The following table outlines the primary differences between the two surgical methods.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Category !! LASIK !! PRK
|-
| Surgical method || Corneal flap creation || Epithelial layer removal
|-
| Recovery time || 24 to 48 hours || 1 to 4 weeks
|-
| Initial discomfort || Mild to minimal || Moderate to significant
|-
| Corneal thickness || Requires thicker tissue || Suitable for thin corneas
|-
| Flap complications || Possible (dislocation) || None
|-
| Haze risk || Negligible || Possible (corneal haze)
|-
| Dry eye risk || Higher incidence || Lower incidence
|-
| Activity restrictions || 1 to 3 days || 1 to 2 weeks
|}

[[File:Venn_diagram_Differences_between_LASIK_versus_PRK_comparison.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Venn diagram for Differences between LASIK and PRK|Venn diagram comparing Differences between LASIK and PRK]]

=== Procedural differences ===

In LASIK, a surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. This flap is folded back, the underlying stroma is reshaped by an excimer laser, and the flap is replaced. The flap serves as a natural bandage, allowing for rapid healing.<ref name="Mayo">Mayo Clinic. (2023). "LASIK eye surgery: Is it right for you?"</ref>

PRK does not involve a flap.<ref name="ref2" /><ref name="ref4" /> Instead, the surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, which is discarded or moved aside. The laser then reshapes the exposed surface of the cornea. Because the epithelium must regrow, a clear bandage contact lens is placed on the eye for several days post-surgery to protect the surface and manage discomfort.<ref name="NEI">National Eye Institute. (2022). "Refractive Surgery: PRK and LASIK."</ref><ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref4" /><ref name="ref2" /><ref name="ref5" /><ref name="ref3" />

=== Recovery and visual outcomes ===

Recovery for LASIK is characterized by a rapid return to functional vision, with many patients reaching 20/20 vision within 24 hours.<ref name="ref3" /> Post-operative pain is typically low, with patients reporting a gritty sensation that subsides within a day.

PRK recovery is slower and involves a period of blurred vision and light sensitivity while the epithelium regenerates.<ref name="ref4" /> Functional vision often takes four to seven days to return, and peak visual clarity may take three to six months to stabilize. Studies show that by the six-month mark, visual outcomes for both procedures are statistically comparable, with over 90% of patients achieving 20/20 vision.<ref name="Journal">Journal of Refractive Surgery. (2010).<ref name="ref1" /> "Long-term refractive outcomes of LASIK and PRK."</ref><ref name="ref1" />

=== Suitability and risks ===

Clinical suitability depends on corneal anatomy and lifestyle.<ref name="ref4" /> LASIK is often preferred for its convenience, but it requires sufficient corneal thickness to safely create the flap. PRK is the standard alternative for patients with thin or irregular corneas. It is also recommended for individuals in high-impact professions, such as military personnel or contact sports athletes, where a traumatic injury could potentially dislodge a LASIK flap.<ref name="Cronin">Cronin, B. (2025). "PRK vs LASIK Eye Surgery: Which Option is Right for You?"</ref>

LASIK carries a higher risk of chronic dry eye because the flap incision severs corneal nerves that signal for tear production. PRK preserves more nerve function but carries a risk of corneal haze, which is often managed with the application of mitomycin-C during surgery or steroid drops during recovery.<ref name="Boulders">Boulder Eye Surgeons. (2025). "LASIK vs PRK: Recovery and Suitability."</ref><ref name="ref4" /><ref name="ref5" />

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Comparisons]]

Differences between LASIK and PRK - Revision history

Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.