How it works: With PRK, the Excimer Laser treats
directly on the surface of the cornea without creating a flap. Although the
patient avoids having the flap, the short term physical and visual recovery
can be more challenging when performing PRK as opposed to LASIK. Patients
generally experience more discomfort post-operatively. Because the laser
treats directly on the surface, the patient returns home with a contact lens
bandage over the eye for two to three days, which allows for greater
comfort. Vision is slower to stabilize with PRK, taking anywhere from one
to three weeks. Your physician may also decide to perform the procedure one
eye at a time. Statistical outcomes for PRK are equivalent to LASIK outcome
statistics.
Who can benefit: The best patient for PRK is a
nearsighted patient with a cornea that is too thin for traditional LASIK.
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LASER EPITHELIAL KERATOMILEUSIS (LASEK)
How it works: This procedure is a modified form of LASIK and PRK. Although a flap is not made with the microkeratome as in the
LASIK procedure, the outermost layer or epithelium is smoothed aside to
allow for treatment with the laser. This differs slightly from PRK because
the laser is not applied directly on the surface but just under the top
layer of cornea. Because the top layer or epithelial tissue is preserved,
it is re-positioned after treatment and the patient returns home with a
contact lens bandage for two to three days. This procedure often allows for
greater post operative comfort than PRK. As with PRK, LASEK is sometimes
performed one eye at a time.
Who can benefit: The best patient for LASEK is a
nearsighed patient with a cornea that is too thin for traditional LASIK.
The LASEK patient may experience a faster recovery than the PRK patient.
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LASER THERMAL KERATOPLASTY (LTK)
How it works: LTK is often referred to as a “no touch”
procedure because only the laser touches the surface of the eye. This
technology uses a Holmium Yag laser to shrink the collagen in the periphery
of the cornea to make the cornea steeper in the farsighted patient. This
procedure is considered to be a temporary reduction of farsightedness.
Who can benefit: The best candidate for LTK is
the patient over 40 with a limited amount of astigmatism and who is mild to
moderately farsighted. More...
