Extreme Medium

I’ve debated the pros and cons of laser eye surgery (Lasik and PRK) with myself for a few years now. Most recently, my roommate went in for laser eye surgery so I was able to watch the results and get his thoughts and experiences as he went through with the operation and the recovery he went through after. Everyone has heard of Lasik it seems, but there is another choice of laser eye surgery available known as PRK (it is done with a laser as well, but one main difference between Lasik and PRK is that PRK is done without actually cutting into the thin ’skin’ of the eyeball). This is a very ineresting concept that gives us some very different options to consider with laser eye surgery.

 Lasik stands for “Laser Assisted in-SItu Keratomileusis” and is basically a laser eye surgery that uses a laser to actually change the shape of the cornea to correct focusing problems associated with near sightedness and is also being used to correct astigmatism and far-sightedness. Lasik is the most common type of laser eye surgery people are aware of, and many of those that have had it consider lasik to be a real miracle… allowing many people that have depended on glasses all of their lives to be able to see well enough to function without wearing glasses or contacts at all. The most amazing thing many patients find is the immediacy of results; most enjoy dramatic improvements in their vision immediately after the procedure.

PRK stands for “Photorefractive Keratectomy” and is also a laser eye surgery that changes the shape of the cornea. The PRK process does not require a cutting of a flap (as Lasik does) in the eye, but the outer surface level of the eyeball is “vaporized” away with a special laser, which can result in more discomfort and healing time compared to Lasik, but does not require any actual cutting of the surface as Lasik surgery does. This may make it a preferable choice for those that are concerned about the healing of the flap that is require in Lasik.

Both Lasik and PRK have many satisfied patients and they have provided miracle type improvements in eyesight since their widespread use in vision correction. Which type of laser eye surgery you may decide is a decision that must consider many factors and discussion with your doctor as to which type of laser eye surgery would be best for your own individual situation.

Your ophthalmologist is a highly trained specialist that has undergone many years of education andhas earned a doctor of medicine degree, which gives them expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of all eye disorders and function, and they will determine the suitability of the patient for laser eye surgery and the specific type of laser eye surgery that is best for the individual patient, whether it be Lasik, PRK, or other possible solutions. Those that are interested in improving their vision should go for an initial consultation and examination to determine the most suitable path to follow.