Comparing Lasik And Prk Laser Eye Surgeries?

Answer 1

A desire to end dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses for vision correction draws more and more people to laser eye surgery. Knowing which surgeries are available, how they differ and what to expect can help determine the most compatible one. PRK PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, the first U.S. government-approved laser eye surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, uses a cool ultraviolet laser to reshape the eye by removing some of the tissue from the cornea or eye covering. Changing the eye shape allows light to focus properly on the retina and leads to improved vision. LASIK Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis surgery, accomplishes the same results as PRK by a different method. Unlike PRK, LASIK surgery creates a corneal flap before the laser procedure takes place. Patients undergoing either surgery remain awake during the full procedure, which takes about 15 minutes per eye. Pros and Cons Less discomfort and shorter recovery time have made LASIK more popular. LASIK patients often see an instant difference in vision, returning to work the day after surgery, while PRK patients may wait days or weeks for full effects. Post-surgical light sensitivity, blurred vision and eye infections are more common with PRK. Patients with thin corneas, previous refractive procedures and cataract surgery may be better PRK candidates. Eye surgeons recommend PRK for patients with large pupils, dry eyes, certain medical conditions and injury-prone lifestyle choices like kickboxing. Candidacy and Results Being a good candidate for PRK or LASIK surgery starts with a thorough eye exam conducted by a qualified eye surgeon. Extensive testing includes a corneal topography or mapping and multiple, painless exams like a pupillometry and Shirmer test. Medical history, age and expectations are all evaluated. Vision correction surgery can result in 20/20 vision; however, sometimes almost-perfect 20/40 is the most achievable result. Some patients must continue to wear eyeglasses or contacts after surgery. At present, there is no approved laser vision correction for presbyopia, an over-age-40 condition that requires the use of reading glasses. Costs Some health insurances have partial laser eye surgery coverage, but most still consider it elective. Some surgeons, sensitive to patients' out-of-pocket expenses, offer financing programs. Quotes for laser eye surgery are made per eye and may include extra charges if new technologies like wavefront analysis are needed. In a 2010 refractive surgeon survey, the average cost of laser eye surgery fell between $1,580 and $2,170 per eye.