I’m eligible for both and after scouring the infinite depths of the Web, I’m leaning towards PRK due to the fact that unlike LASIK it doesn’t alter the structure of the eye (less risk of long term corneal ectasia) and there is absolutely no risk of flap complications. Many studies report similar visual acuity outcomes for both LASIK and PRK, with LASIK producing slightly higher risks of night vision difficulties.
Obviously, the big drawback with PRK is the recovery time: 3-4 days (or longer) vs 1 day for LASIK. Haze complications (the other potential risk of PRK) are reportedly all but eliminated due to new medications and techniques.
My doc indicates there has been a resurgence of PRK in recent years and that even his patients (who are eligible for both) choose PRK about half the time. I just don’t want to screw around with a flap and having been given a pretty good shiner in my last IM, I’m pretty convinced PRK is the way to go.
What I find interesting is that most of the peoople I know who had LASIK, were never even given the option of PRK. Some folks are forced into PRK as they are not eligible for LASIK. I’ve read from a number of trade rags that the “Wow!” factor of LASIK and the quick recovery time are too good to pass up for most docs. Their patients have surgery, go home, and wake up almost perfect. No complaints and they tell their friends. PRK is a bit more painful and could cause more challenges for doctors not willing to invest the time or set expectations.
Has anyone made a similar decision to go with PRK over LASIK when they were given the choice?
I had PRK done but really didn’t have a choice. My job in the military prevents people from having PRK of those who have had it. I wasn’t even corrected 20/20 in my right eye…if i recall was like 20/30. Two months afterward i was 20/15 in each eye. refractive eye surgery will not last forever…you will probably go back to contact/glasses but now in my life I am glad I chose to get it…Its been over three years and i haven’t had any issues. I can feel that my vision has slightly gotten worse but doc says its still 20/20. Do still have some issues with dryness, especially over here in the middle east. If you stick to the post-op treatment and meds you should be fine.
Each person is unique, and IMO, best recommendation is your doctor, then a second opinion from another doctor. (Ophthalmologist and MD if possible). http://www.castervision.com/index.php
Need to consider the thickness of your cornea, your astigmatism, the amount of correction, your age, and hyperopia considerations (correcting for nearsightness may affect your ability to focus up close).
I had LASIK in 2001, no problems, no vision loss. Just be wary of the cut rate vision correction out there. Ask what equipment they use, and years of experience, and ask for results. Talk to other patients in the clinic.
I had PRK but had no choice because my corneas are thin. Doctor told me I couldn’t get Lasik. Recovery time for me was very long…about 4 weeks of seeing blurry. Had to take 2 days off work. You must take the eye drops as instructed to facilitate reocvery. Glad I did it though.
I went with PRK over LASIK about 4 years ago. The reason was that, at the time, military pilots were allowed to have PRK but not LASIK due to flap issues during ejection. I am not a military pilot, but did plan on applying to be an astronaut. Back then NASA didn’t take either surgery, but my thought at the time was that they would take PRK before they took LASIK due to the longer history of the procedure and the military experience with PRK. Now NASA takes both.
If I had to make the decision again, I would go with LASIK. I didn’t mind the extra recovery time (although my wife did). After all pain is just temporary and I could put up with it. However, I did have an issue with one of my eyes during recovery. It didn’t react well to the “bandage” contact lens that they use to protect the eye post surgery. So now I am 20/15 in one eye and 20/40 in the other. Not bad enough to bother fixing it, but not as good as it could have been. The new meds may help reduce the chances of this happening.
The advantage of LASIK is that the doctors perform numerous more LASIK than PRK and are much more comfortable with the procedure. When I had the PRK done, the whole office stood around and watched because they were pretty rare by then (although I specifically used a doctor who had lots of PRK experience). I also think that flap complications are extremely rare but make great stories, like getting hit by lightning, so that the actual risk is much lower than the perceived risk. I would ask your doctor how many PRK procedures he has done in the past year vs how many LASIK.
That and going back to work after a day off rather than taking a week off not being able to do ANYTHING is also nice.