PRK vs LASIK: What Are The Differences?

If you find yourself increasingly conscious of the fact that your eyesight is no longer as sharp as it was – or you’re tired of the headaches caused by constantly having to squint to read the small print, or simply tired of the daily chore of putting your contact lenses in – and taking them out. Our eyesight naturally worsens as we get older. However, there is something you can do about that. And it doesn’t necessarily involve relying on glasses or contact lenses for life. Laser eye surgery may be an ideal solution for you.

 However, deciding which laser eye surgery procedure is right for you can be confusing. There are different types of laser eye surgery  options, such as PRK, LASIK, and SMILE. So, the differences between LASIK vs. LASEK vs. PRK are one of the most common questions our surgeons get asked.

 In summary, PRK is a more dated style of laser eye surgery, while options like LASIK and SMILE techniques are more recent and advanced. At Optegra, we only use the latest and most advanced laser eye surgery methods to ensure our patients get the best possible outcomes. This is why we do not offer the older PRK techniques in any of our eye hospitals.

 When you book a free virtual consultation, our experts can go into detail on which of these procedures might be best suited for your needs.

 Here, we’re going to take a closer look at a couple of those surgeries and explore the differences between them, in this case, PRK eye surgery and LASIK laser eye surgery.

What is PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)?

 PRK uses a laser to reshape the cornea so that light is better reflected and focused on the retina.

 Optegra also offers the latest and most advanced form of laser eye surgery, known as SMILE. Not all laser eye surgery clinics in the UK offer this, so be sure to ask when doing your research.

How Does PRK Surgery Procedure Work?

With PRK, no corneal flap is created. The technique involves removing the epithelium (outer layer of the cornea) so that an excimer laser can reshape the cornea by removing tiny amounts of tissue.

Afterward, a bandage similar to a contact lens is placed over the cornea to enable the tissues to begin their healing process safely. A key difference between PRK, LASEK, LASIK, and SMILE is that the outermost layer in PRK is not retained but must regrow. This results in more discomfort and a longer recovery compared to the latter procedures.

In LASIK eye surgery, a flap is created in the cornea, the tissue below is repaired, and the flap is then replaced.

PRK vs LASIK: What Are the Key Differences?

There are many key differences between LASIK vs. PRK, from the success of outcomes to the comfort of the procedure and healing process. 

SMILE vsLASIK vs LASEK vs PRK

SMILE is the latest technological advancement in LASER eye surgery. A minimally invasive keyhole surgery procedure, SMILE allows for rapid visual recovery within just 24 hours. It is suitable for patients with thin corneas and dry eyes.

LASIK is a popular form of eye surgery and is chosen for its effectiveness in treating long- and short-sightedness and astigmatism. The painless procedure takes a few minutes  per eye, and most patients enjoy results within 48 hours. Unsurprisingly, it has taken over from the older PRK procedure to become the most popular choice of laser eye surgery.

LASEK eye surgery recovery usually occurs within a week; during this period, there may be some discomfort. However, it is a good option for people who have thin or flat corneas, as this may usually make them unsuitable for LASIK. 

At Optegra, we offer SMILE LASIK and LASEK eye surgery as well as PRESBYOND LASIK for those who want spectacle independence from near tasks.

PRK eye surgery can also treat short- and long-sightedness and astigmatism. The procedure has a longer recovery time of approximately one month and has a higher chance of side effects and discomfort after surgery, which means many people opt for LASIK or LASEK surgery instead.

As PRK is an outdated procedure, Optegra does not offer it in our dedicated eye hospitals. When you explore treatment with us, our surgeons will discuss your lifestyle goals and current vision in detail to propose the best course of action for your specific needs.

Should I Choose PRK Eye Surgery Instead of LASIK or LASEK?

Like any procedure, there are pros and cons, depending on the patient’s health concerns and circumstances. For those unsuitable for LASIK eye surgery, LASEK and SMILE eye surgeries are great alternatives.  With a longer period of discomfort and recovery, PRK is not a procedure offered at Optegra.

Despite its longer recovery time, PRK laser eye surgery, like LASEK, is a good alternative for anyone with flat or thin corneas. The results of both surgeries are long-lasting, and patients will normally see a drastic improvement in their eyesight with either.

At Optegra, your consultant will consider the shape of your corneas to determine the most suitable treatment for you. Additionally, if recovery time is an important deciding factor, consider LASEK instead.

PRK vs. LASIK vs LASEK Eye Surgery Recovery Time

The main difference between PRK eye surgery and LASIK/LASEK surgery is the treatment profile and the post-procedure downtime. Increasingly, people are choosing LASIK (or LASEK) because the recovery period is much quicker than with PRK.

LASIK recovery time is usually within a day or two, with some patients reporting vastly improved eyesight the very next day. Mild irritation or discomfort may occur immediately after surgery but should dissipate very quickly.

PRK recovery time is longer, and vision will be blurred for around a week following the procedure. Eyesight will be noticeably better right after the surgery; however, it may diminish until the eye heals in full in around a month. 

Recovery time for PRK, by comparison, is also the longest among the three. Full recovery and stabilisation of vision can take several weeks to a few months. PRK eye surgery also requires regular check-ups with the surgeon, and you should wait to drive until healing is complete.

PRK vs LASIK vs LASEK Costs

Of course, the cost of laser eye surgery can vary greatly depending on the healthcare provider you choose. At Optegra, we offer single-price packages that include the initial consultation, surgery, aftercare, and any follow-up treatments – which are only necessary in a very small number of cases.

One thing to consider is that PRK can be more expensive than LASIK because there are more post-procedure steps to take, such as checking in with your doctor while your eye heals, as well as the appointment to remove the bandage.

At Optegra, our LASIK prices start from just £1,995, and LASEK £1,795. We also offer 0% financing for up to 24 months, which makes these life-changing treatments very affordable. Because PRK is an older technology, we do not offer this treatment.

PRK vs LASIK & LASEK: Pros and Cons

To summarise, if you have thin or flat corneas, PRK can be considered an alternative to LASIK eye surgery. It is a painless and safe procedure that offers outstanding results in the majority of cases where myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism have caused sight to deteriorate.

However, if you want to experience as little downtime as possible and return to normality within the next day or two, you may prefer LASIK eye surgery instead.

When it comes to LASIK vs. LASEK vs. PRK, the most important thing is to understand your unique circumstances because different treatments will be suitable for different people. Booking a free virtual consultation with one of our experts is the best way to discover which treatment may be best for you. 

What Next?

At Optegra, we offer free consultations with our caring and knowledgeable consultants. Contact us today for a free virtual consultation and see how we can help.