PRK vs LASIK: which laser eye surgery is better for you?

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK correct short sight, long sight and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser. Long-term visual results are broadly similar; what differs is the journey.

How they differ

LASIK creates a thin hinged flap in the cornea, applies the laser beneath it and lays the flap back. PRK removes the thin surface skin (epithelium) instead of making a flap, applies the laser to the surface, and lets the epithelium regrow over a few days. LASEK is a close relative of PRK in which the surface layer is loosened with dilute alcohol.

Recovery

LASIK: vision is usually good for most tasks the next day and discomfort is mild. PRK: a bandage contact lens is worn for about four to five days, the eye is sore and light-sensitive for the first few days, and vision keeps improving over several weeks. Plan around a week off work after PRK.

Who suits PRK

People with thinner corneas, some corneal shapes, previous corneal surgery, or jobs and sports where a flap could be dislodged by a blow — martial arts, rugby, boxing and some uniformed services. There is no flap to heal or dislodge.

Who suits LASIK

People with healthy, sufficiently thick corneas who want the fastest recovery. SMILE is another flapless option for some prescriptions.

Risks

Both share risks of dry eye, glare and halos, and under- or over-correction. PRK carries a small risk of corneal haze, reduced by modern techniques; LASIK carries rare flap-related complications. See laser eye surgery risks and who is not suitable. Compare also LASEK vs LASIK and LASIK vs SMILE.

Seeing Ms Tahmina Pearsall

Ms Pearsall offers LASIK, LASEK, PRK and SMILE and recommends the option that suits your corneal scans. See laser eye surgery and laser eye surgery at Harley Street.

Ms Tahmina Pearsall is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who qualified in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience and over 50,000 procedures performed. She trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital, and sees private patients at multiple clinic locations, including Harley Street in London. Read her full credentials.

Ms Pearsall sees patients at Harley Street, London and other clinic locations. Patients travel from across the UK, including Brighton & Hove and Liverpool, and from Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The first telephone enquiry is free — arrange a free initial call to explain what happened and check whether a review is likely to help. A full clinical consultation with Ms Pearsall costs £250. Treatment prices are listed on the pricing page and confirmed in writing after examination.

This article is general information written for patients and does not replace an individual examination.