Why would an eye dr. recommend PRK over Lasik surgery?!
Question:
Why would an eye dr. recommend PRK over Lasik surgery?
I would prefer lasik, but the doc told me PRK would be a better choice for me. What's the difference other than PRK hurts more, longer?
Answers:
PRK doesn't involve the use of a microkeratome. A microkeratome (which is used in LASIK) creates a very thin flap of tissue with a very sharp blade. This flap of tissue is folded away and the eximer laser is applied to the underlying tissue. After the underlying tissue is re-shaped the flap is pushed back into place. This is why LASIK is less painful since there is minimal disruption of the surface of the cornea which is the pain sensitive portion.
In PRK the eximer laser is applied straight without the creation of a tissue flap. Thus a larger area of the pain-sensitive surface is disrupted and until new surface (epithelium) grows over the defect, the patient perceives eye discomfort.
PRK in general saves more tissue. Thus patients with THINNER corneas do better with PRK in general.
I'm sure your physician has a good reason for recommending PRK over LASIK. Try asking him/her to explain further. Tell him about your aprehension regarding the increased discomfort of PRK.
Part our job as doctors is to explain to patients.