Since eyes can struggle with a variety of problems, there’s more than one kind of eye surgery to help them heal. For example, PRK and LASIK® are two of the most effective surgeries. Depending on your circumstances, one or either of them could improve your vision. The more you know about the procedures, the easier it will be to decide which one to ask your eye doctor about.

What Is PRK?

Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, has the distinction of being the first type of eye surgery to be developed. It’s still used to resolve astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia by removing the top layer of your cornea tissue, which is known as the epithelium, and then fixing its shape with an excimer laser.

A bandage is then placed over your eye for protection as it heals. After a few days, the cornea’s top layer grows back. Another form of the PRK surgery is laser sub-epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), which merely lifts the epithelium off and then replaces it after the cornea has been corrected.

What Is LASIK?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is similar to PRK in that it uses an excimer laser to repair the shape of the cornea. The main difference is that it doesn’t remove the epithelium entirely. Instead, it involves cutting a flap into it, moving it aside, and carefully putting it back in place when the work with the cornea is done. After that, it’s left to heal on its own.

How Do You Know Which to Choose?

Either type of eye surgery will result in improved vision, but they each have their pros and cons. For example, if time is a concern, you may prefer LASIK, which allows for a much quicker recovery because it doesn’t require removing the entire epithelium.

PRK not only takes about a month to heal but also may cause light sensitivity until it does. Since your vision may also worsen before it improves, you should avoid performing some routine tasks, such as driving. However, it’s also less likely than LASIK to result in eye injuries because it lets your eye grow a new epithelium rather than creating a flap. Both surgeries may cause dry eyes, but that’s easily remedied with lubricating or medicated eye drops, which your eye doctor can supply.

As you decide which eye surgery to pursue, consult the experts at Comprehensive Eye Care in Washington, MO. With nearly three decades of service to the community and their on-site staff of dedicated optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians, they’ll offer guidance to help you make the optimal decision. After the surgery, they’ll be happy to conduct regular eye exams to ensure that your vision remains stable. To make an appointment or apply to participate in their clinical trials, call (636) 390-3999. Explore their services further online.