PRK

PRK or photorefractive keratectomy is another type of laser vision correction procedure. It is similar to LASIK, except that it does not involve the creation of a flap on the cornea. Rather, the surface cells on the cornea are brushed off, and then the excimer laser is applied to reshape the cornea. Once this is done, a protective bandage contact lens is placed on the eye and left in place for five to seven days until the surface cells heal. PRK is a quicker procedure and avoids the problems involved with the creation of a flap (e.g., an incomplete flap or the long-term risk of flap displacement). The major drawback to PRK is that visual recovery takes a bit longer than it does with LASIK. Patients who have PRK, however, have just as good visual outcomes as those who have LASIK.