PRK Results vs. LASIK Results
Chicago, Illinois
The eye surgeons at Doctors for Visual Freedom regularly perform Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) or Laser In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery for our patients. Having experienced LASIK and PRK surgeons makes a world of difference in the results. More than 99% of our patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after their laser vision correction procedure.
Our state-of-the-art technology and experienced surgical team can correct nearsightedness, astigmatism, farsightedness and presbyopia. LASIK surgery is the most commonly performed eye surgery. However, LASIK may not be the right solution for you. Determining whether PRK or LASIK is better suited to your needs is based on our detailed evaluation of your current eye health. Both have advantages and results that vary slightly.
The Surgery and Recovery Period
While both procedures use the latest VISX Custom Wavefront technology to reshape the cornea and correct your vision, the aim of the surgery is different for PRK and LASIK. The recovery times vary but the results in visual improvement is similar. LASIK patients will generally notice the improvement on the day after surgery, whereas PRK patients can take four to twelve weeks to make a full recovery.
LASIK surgery creates a corneal flap that allows your eye surgeon to reshape the cornea underneath that flap to improve your vision. At the end of the procedure, the flap is replaced and will heal on its own without the need for stitches. The PRK procedure does not require a flap and instead uses the cool laser to remove the top layer of the cornea (epithelium) that then regenerates naturally but with improved vision. The recovery period for PRK is longer as it takes time for the layer to return.
PRK patients will notice an improvement in their vision within three days and experience longer light sensitivity as their cornea recovers. LASIK patients often experience cloudy vision on the first day but notice improved vision the day after. Quality of vision may fluctuate for several weeks after LASIK as the flap continues to heal. Patients for both types of vision correction should be more conscientious about wearing sunglasses or shading their eyes from strong light during the recovery process.
Your eyes are unique. While both procedures correct nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness, PRK can also be used for presbyopia (inability to focus well on close objects). We will also consider PRK if you have corneal irregularities or a thin cornea as determined during your evaluation. A variety of factors will be considered upon our thorough evaluation to determine whether you are eligible for PRK surgery or LASIK such as:
- Ocular health
- Age
- Occupation
- Lifestyle
If you are a resident of Chicago, Arlington Heights or Downtown Chicago and are interested in LASIK or PRK, please contact the Doctors for Visual Freedom for more information. Our PRK and LASIK doctors will be happy to explain the differences and help determine which is better for your needs.
Two Locations:
Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1550
Chicago, IL 60611 | Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
2010 S Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 121
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 |
