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Laser Surgery Options: Get the Best Laser Eye Correction and Improved Eyesight with LASIK and PRK! 

Posted on by reyhan

While contemplating laser eye surgery in Modesto, what comes across your mind? If it’s LASIK, Lasik surgery in Modesto is the best one to minimize the need for glasses and contact lenses. On the other hand, there is PRK surgery, a predecessor of LASIK. PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, which can also be used to optimize eyesight. That said, both techniques are able to resolve eye issues, including farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Taking into account the cost & benefits of these laser surgery options, deciding on  LASIK and PRK must be made diligently. As it’s a matter of your vision, your eyes must be treated with maximum care. 

What happens during PRK?

  • Prior to performing PRK eye surgery, the patients will be given numbing eye drops to ensure zero discomfort or pain during the process.
  • The ophthalmologist will keep an eyelid holder in your eyes to patiently hold them open while performing the process.
  • The surgeon will now pull out the outer layer of your cornea and the epithelium using a mild brush.  
  • The eye surgeon will now modify your corneal tissue using a precise laser.
  • Once the surgery is over, the eye doctor will apply a bandage over the eyes to promote recovery and ensure comfort.  

What happens during LASIK Eye Surgery?

  • Similar to PRK, ophthalmologists will apply numbing drops to your eyes and use an eyelid holder to keep them open.
  • Using a laser, the eye doctor will form a tiny flap in the epithelium. Regarding the difference between PRK and LASIK, the epithelium remains unchanged during LASIK, unlike the former. But the flap is lifted gently.
  • Similar to PRK, the same excimer laser is applied to remodify the corneal tissue and correct any refractive errors. The procedure concludes successfully when the flap is carefully placed and folded back into position.

Pros & Cons of LASIK and PRK

Below are the advantages and risks associated with both LASIK and PRK:

Pros of LASIK

  • Minimum chances of infection.
  • Shorter recovery time.
  • Bandages are not needed post-surgery.
  • Less medication is needed.
  • Your vision corrects significantly.
  • Minimal follow-up chamber visits are required.

Cons of LASIK

  • There could be a greater likelihood of obstacles with the corneal flap.
  • Maximum chance of having dry eyes.
  • It is inappropriate for individuals with thin corneas. 

Pros of PRK

  • Compared to LASIK, people with thin corneas can opt for PRK.
  • A minimal chance of negatively affecting corneal thickness. 
  • The corneal flap imposes no hassles.

Cons of PRK

  • Inconvenient healing time.
  • Higher risk of eye infection.
  • You need to wait approximately a week post-surgery prior to driving.

The Eligibility Requirements for LASIK and PRK Candidates

Only some individuals are suitable for the surgeries. Therefore, below are the fundamental eligibility requirements:

  • Your vision has remained unchanged for the last one year.
  • You’re 18+.
  • You must not be pregnant or breastfeeding while getting one of the surgeries done.
  • Your pupil should have approx 6mm dilated.
  • In nearsightedness, your eye power should be between -1.00 and -12.00 diopters. 

Below are the instances that can make you ineligible for the surgeries: 

  • You have diabetes or glaucoma.
  • You have dilated pupils that maximize the chance of visual disruptions.
  • You have severe allergies that affect your recovery.  

Conclusion

Compared to PRK, LASIK has significant advantages due to its faster healing time. Although they are great options for eyesight correction and improved vision, you must talk to your ophthalmologist about which option to pick, considering your eye health. Regarding the price, LASIK is comparatively pricier than PRK, costing around $4,400 in Modesto, whereas PRK costs approximately $3800.