If you have been using glasses or contact lenses for years and long for clear, lens-free vision, laser eye surgery could be in your sights. Two of the most sought-after vision correction surgeries are LASIK and PRK. Although both surgeries correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, they differ in how the eye is prepared for the laser reshaping.
This blog makes you aware of the major differences between LASIK vs PRK, such as their procedure, recovery, cost, risks, and who is more suited to each type.
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What Is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a widely used, minimally invasive laser eye surgery. During the process, a thin flap is made on the corneal surface with a femtosecond laser or microkeratome blade. The flap is then opened by the surgeon and the excimer laser is employed to reshape the corneal tissue beneath to fix the refractive condition. The flap is then replaced and functions as a natural bandage.
Rapid Facts Regarding LASIK:
- Painless and quick (15–20 minutes per eye)
- Rapid vision recovery (usually in 24 hours)
- Little post-op pain
- Recommended for most refractive errors
- Most popular laser surgery globally
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What Is PRK?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is the original form of laser eye surgery and predates LASIK. Instead of creating a flap, PRK involves removing the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium), which then regenerates over a few days. The excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal surface, just like in LASIK.
Quick Facts About PRK:
- No corneal flap is created
- Longer recovery time (several days to weeks)
- More post-op discomfort
- The preferred option for thin corneas or busy lifestyles
- Just as effective as LASIK in terms of visual result
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LASIK vs PRK: What’s the Main Difference?
The key difference between LASIK and PRK is the method of accessing the cornea prior to laser reshaping:
Feature Comparison
| Feature | LASIK | PRK |
| Corneal access | Flap generated and raised | Surface epithelium stripped |
| Healing time | 1–2 days for simple recovery | 4–7 days for initial healing, longer overall |
| Visual recovery | Very rapid (24–48 hours) | Gradual (a few days to weeks) |
| Discomfort following surgery | Mild, transient | More severe for initial few days |
| Risk of flap complications | Present | None |
| Best for active lifestyle | More suboptimal due to risk of flap displacement | Better option |
| Suitable for thin cornea | Sometimes not indicated | Procedure of preference |
LASIK vs PRK Recovery: What Should You Expect?
LASIK Recovery
Most individuals see clear vision within one day following surgery. Some will experience minor stinging, dryness, or sensitivity to light, which will generally resolve in a week. You can generally resume work and activities in 1–2 days.
PRK Recovery
PRK takes longer to recover from and is less comfortable. Vision is usually cloudy for a few days, and a gritty feeling or discomfort is prevalent. It takes the surface layer of the cornea 3–5 days to rebuild. Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous activity within a week, but optimum visual acuity could be several weeks.
So in LASIK vs PRK recovery, LASIK is quicker and more convenient, but PRK has its own advantages when it comes to safety for particular eyes.
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LASIK vs PRK Cost: Is One More Costly?
The LASIK vs PRK cost depends on variables like:
- Surgeon experience
- Type of laser used (bladeless, wavefront-guided, etc.)
- Clinic location and equipment
General Cost Range in India (per eye):
- LASIK: ₹35,000–₹80,000
- PRK: ₹25,000–₹60,000
While PRK could possibly be a bit cheaper because there are fewer steps and machinery involved, the ultimate difference in costs is usually minimal. The bigger issue is selecting the best procedure for your eye type, not the most affordable one.
LASIK vs PRK Risks: Are There Differences?
Both procedures are extremely safe when undertaken by skilled surgeons. However, as with any procedure, each involves possible risks.
LASIK Risks:
- Complications related to the flap (displacement, wrinkling)
- Dry eyes (typically temporary)
- Night vision disturbances (glare, halos)
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
PRK Risks:
- Haze or delayed healing in very unusual instances
- Increased discomfort for the first few days
- Slightly greater risk of infection during the healing process
Both procedures are very safe and effective long-term. Your eye surgeon will assess your eye shape, corneal thickness, and lifestyle to suggest the safest approach for you.
PRK vs LASIK: Which Is Best for Thin Corneas?
If you’ve been told that your cornea is too thin for LASIK, don’t be disheartened. PRK is often the safer alternative for people with thin corneas.
Since PRK doesn’t involve creating a flap, more of your natural cornea is preserved. This makes PRK especially suitable for:
- Athletes or individuals in contact sports
- People in physically demanding jobs (military, police)
- Those with irregular or thin corneas
Your surgeon can also suggest advanced diagnostic procedures such as corneal topography to validate suitability.
How Long Do LASIK and PRK Results Last?
LASIK and PRK both provide permanent vision correction but not the prevention of age-related vision changes.
For instance:
- You may still require reading glasses after age 40–45 due to presbyopia.
- Some individuals might experience slight regression and need enhancement after a few years.
However, the majority of patients have excellent long-term satisfaction after either surgery.
Who Should Not Have LASIK or PRK?
Laser eye surgery isn’t for everybody. You might not be an ideal candidate for LASIK or PRK if:
- You’re under 18 years of age
- Your prescription is still fluctuating
- You have very thin or irregular corneas
- You have poorly controlled diabetes or autoimmune diseases
- You’re pregnant or nursing
- You have severe dry eye disease
Thorough pre-operative examination, including measurement of corneal thickness and retinal check, is necessary prior to making a decision.
LASIK vs PRK: Pros and Cons Summary
Here’s the speedy rundown to guide your decision:
LASIK Pros:
- Quick recovery and outcomes
- Little pain
- Commonly available
LASIK Cons:
- Not suitable for thin corneas
- Flap-related complications risk
PRK Pros:
- No flap, safer for some eyes
- Suitable for active people
- Excellent for thin corneas
PRK Cons:
- Slower healing and more pain
- Blurred vision in initial days
LASIK or PRK: Which One Is Right for You
Ultimately, the choice between LASIK and PRK isn’t about which is “better”—it’s about which is better for your eyes and your lifestyle.
Choose PRK if:
- You have thin corneas
- You’re involved in contact sports
- You’re willing to wait longer for recovery
Choose LASIK if:
- You want fast results and minimal downtime
- You have adequate corneal thickness
- You prefer less post-op discomfort
Conclusion
Although online research is a good place to begin, it will never be able to replace the worth of a one-on-one consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon. They will assess your eye health, vision requirements, and lifestyle to enable you to make an informed choice.
Whether you opt for PRK vs LASIK, both of these operations have great results and high satisfaction among patients. The most important thing is to select what’s safest and best for your individual eyes.
