Difference Between Lasik And Prk
Lasik vs. PRK?
OK…I do know all the differences between them and the after care and blah blah blah. My Dr. thinks PRK is better for me although he said I could do either. The reason is, that I play contact sports, my job has a potential for violence everyday and I’m into MMA. Now I can avoid all of the potential risks for awhile until it has fully healed but does it ever become “fully” healed? I know why PRK is a better choice but I’m not really looking forward to the longer and more uncomfortable recovery time. My question is…how long until the flap from Lasik is fully recovered and reattached and there is no risk of it coming off or dislodged etc. Or will it always have the potential to become detached, dislodged etc. etc? If it will always have that potential then I know PRK would be better. Please tell me about the flap and it’s reattachment if it does reattach.
My husband had LASIK and at his 24 hour followup appointment, the flap had already healed at the level of the epithelium. The cornea heals from the outside in. He was advised by the surgeon not to rub his eyes at all for the first two weeks…then corner dab if needed for a third week.
I found the articles below and hope that helps you with making your decision. From the way I understand it, nontraumatic flap injury doesn’t happen often at all. But it sounds like, with your playing contact sports and possible violence on a daily basis (see the 2nd article), PRK may be a better choice since the epithelium grows back as a whole.
I did read one case report (I wish I could give you that link, but you need a password to get to it) where a 40 something woman had LASIK and an enhancement 5 years later. Six years after her enhancement, she had a traumatic eye injury with a tree branch. The corneal flap didn’t detach, but got folded, necessitating a surgery with corneal sutures. Total time between initial LASIK and her injury: 11 years. She had a good visual outcome, but with increased astigmatism due to the sutures.
From the information you have given, and I had PRK…so I understand the healing process 100%…and your surgeon is recommending PRK approach versus the Lasik Flap…I would listen to your surgeon and follow his advice, especially with a very active, potential eye injury, lifestyle.
Good luck!
Custom PRK Surgery — Washington DC
Tags: difference between lasik and prk, difference between lasik and prk surgery
May 1st, 2010 at 2:36 pm
so far in singapore, it has been noted tat it is 100% safe n does nt hav any side effects or wadsoever.. so.. get a trusted eye surgeon for the job!
May 31st, 2010 at 9:16 pm
No one knows the long term effect of these touted "wonder surgeries" done with lasers. If doctors were honest with you, they would tell you the same thing. The great benefits reaped from these procedures may quit working 5-10 years down the road with disasterous consequenses.