What are the pros and cons of PRK?

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a form of laser eye surgery designed to correct vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It stands as one of the pioneering laser vision correction methods, preceding the more well-known LASIK. Despite being overshadowed by newer technologies, PRK remains a preferred choice for many due to its unique benefits and suitability for certain patients. Some people’s corneas are thinner than others. The big advantage of PRK is that we can do it safely on eyes that have thinner than average corneas. This enables people who can’t safely have LASIK to get the many benefits of laser eye surgery.

However, like any medical procedure, PRK has its pros and cons. This blog delves into the advantages and disadvantages of PRK, providing insights to help you make an informed decision about your vision correction journey.

Pros of PRK

1. Suitability for Thin Corneas

One of the significant pros of PRK is its applicability for patients with thin corneas, for whom LASIK might not be recommended. PRK removes less corneal tissue, making it a safer option for those with limited corneal thickness.

2. No Risk of Flap Complications

Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap, PRK works by removing the cornea’s outer layer, which naturally regenerates. This eliminates the risks associated with flap complications, such as flap dislocation or ectasia.

3. Effectiveness in Treating Refractive Errors

PRK has proven highly effective in correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, offering many patients 20/20 vision or close to it. The precision of the laser allows for a tailored treatment plan, addressing the unique imperfections of each eye.

4. Durability of Results

The results of PRK are known to be stable and long-lasting. Once the eye has fully healed and vision has stabilized, the correction is permanent for most patients, with only minor adjustments needed in rare cases.

5. UV Protection

Some PRK procedures can incorporate UV-blocking properties into the treatment, offering additional protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.

PRK has other advantages in special groups of patients. It might be recommended to patients whose occupation makes them vulnerable to injuries, such as police officers or people who work in the defense force. Because PRK does not require the creation of a flap in the cornea, as is the case with LASIK, there is no risk of a flap-related injury.

Cons of PRK

1. Longer Recovery Time

One of the main cons of PRK is the extended recovery period. Patients may experience discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light for several days or weeks post-surgery, as the corneal surface needs time to heal completely.

2. Delayed Vision Clarity

While some patients may notice immediate improvements, the complete clarity of vision post-PRK can take several weeks to months as the eye gradually heals. This can be a drawback for those seeking quicker results.

3. Risk of Haze Formation

In rare cases, PRK can lead to the formation of corneal haze, a condition that can affect vision clarity. However, this risk has significantly diminished with advancements in technology and post-operative care.

4. Post-Surgery Discomfort

The initial days following PRK surgery can be uncomfortable. Patients are likely to experience more significant discomfort and irritation compared to LASIK due to the regrowth of the corneal epithelium.

5. Use of Contact Lenses Post-Surgery

After PRK, a therapeutic contact lens is placed on the eye to aid the healing process. Some individuals may find wearing this lens for several days post-surgery to be inconvenient or uncomfortable.

The disadvantage of PRK is that it can be an uncomfortable procedure compared to LASIK. In addition, it takes two or three days to recover from the operation – instead of overnight with LASIK. It also takes longer to realise the complete vision results than LASIK. After PRK, most patients recover within three or four days of the procedure, but they don’t have the best possible vision for two to three weeks.

Weighing the pros and cons of PRK is essential when considering this surgery for vision correction. While the recovery period and initial discomfort may deter some, the benefits of suitability for those with thin corneas, the absence of flap-related complications, and the durability of results present compelling reasons to choose PRK.

If you’re contemplating PRK and wondering if it’s the right choice for you, take the next step by booking a free laser vision assessment with us. Our team of experienced professionals will evaluate your vision, discuss your options, and provide detailed information about the pros and cons of PRK tailored to your specific needs. Don’t let vision issues hold you back any longer. Book your free assessment online today and explore the path to clearer vision.

To complete the picture with another advantage of PRK, it tends to be less expensive than LASIK, and that’s also true at VSON. At the time of this video, for as little as $123 a month per eye, you can experience the life-changing results of being glasses and contact lens-free.

To learn more about PRK and which laser eye surgery treatment will free you from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses, please book online for a free laser vision assessment.