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Lasik or PRK?

R

Reckoner

Lifer
Is it just me, or does PRK seem like the overall better choice in regards to the two?

PRK

Pros: No flap creation needed, similar results to lasik, less prone to dry eyes, can be used for people like thin corneas
Cons: Longer healing time, more painful

Lasik: Fast healing time, excellent visual results
Pros: Flap doesn't fully heal, can't be used for people with thin corneas


I'm planning on getting this done in the next couple of weeks, but one of my eyes was borderline for lasik. The surgeon said I'm cleared for lasik (I'd have 290 microns of corneal tissue in the left eye afterwards), but I'm leaning towards PRK. I'm afraid that I could develop ectasia (horrible eye disease) over time if I went with lasik.

Has anyone here undergone PRK, and what was the healing process like for you?

 
I would say PRK because from a friend, he said it doesnt do much damage to the cells in your eye verses Lasik. With PRK, the cells are pushed out of the way of some sort verses actual cutting away. But do correct me if I am wrong on this.
 
I had PRK done and love it. I was passed out on drugs for 4 straight days afterwards. I could barely see for the whole first week. Then after about a month my vision was almost normal. After 45-60 days, I was 20/20 with really dry eyes, and light-sensitive eyes.

Slowly over the last 18 months since the surgery, the dryness and sensitivity are slowly going away. Even if they didn't I'd still love not having to wear glasses.

Oh, and mine was free 😉
 
I had custom lasik, which was pretty awesome. The whole cutting of the flap isn't a big deal.

The doctor briefed me beforehand (by a few weeks) on how many problems there have been around the world with lasik. It's EXTREMELY low..you have a much better chance of getting killed on the way there in the car than anything bad happening because of the surgery.

I just think it's great that both technologies are out there 🙂 It's nice to not need contacts.

BTW-Had the surgery done, no drugs, went home..napped..was pretty much fine that night.
 
How WELL do these procedures work?

My eye doctor warned me that it's common for patients to not achieve "perfect" vision after the healing period. But they're often much improved and often to the point of not needing glasses/contacts.

I'm probably more picky about my eyesight than most. If I have one of those procedures done and I've not seeing perfectly (as well I see with fresh prescription glasses) afterwards, it will be considered a failure/waste of money by me.

How well has it worked for you all?
 
Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Is it just me, or does PRK seem like the overall better choice in regards to the two?

PRK

Pros: No flap creation needed, similar results to lasik, less prone to dry eyes, can be used for people like thin corneas
Cons: Longer healing time, more painful

Lasik: Fast healing time, excellent visual results
Pros: Flap doesn't fully heal, can't be used for people with thin corneas


I'm planning on getting this done in the next couple of weeks, but one of my eyes was borderline for lasik. The surgeon said I'm cleared for lasik (I'd have 290 microns of corneal tissue in the left eye afterwards), but I'm leaning towards PRK. I'm afraid that I could develop ectasia (horrible eye disease) over time if I went with lasik.

Has anyone here undergone PRK, and what was the healing process like for you?
Click to expand...

Man.. my mom underwent RK surgery. Now that's old =)... Anyways, PRK is a tried and true procedure, and I'm sure Lasik is just as fine, but I'm sure there's a lot more improvements out there on the horizon.
 
Originally posted by: xboxist
How WELL do these procedures work?

My eye doctor warned me that it's common for patients to not achieve "perfect" vision after the healing period. But they're often much improved and often to the point of not needing glasses/contacts.

I'm probably more picky about my eyesight than most. If I have one of those procedures done and I've not seeing perfectly (as well I see with fresh prescription glasses) afterwards, it will be considered a failure/waste of money by me.

How well has it worked for you all?
Click to expand...

I'm seeing 20/15 in both eyes now, and I didn't have the custom Waveform surgery done (doctor didn't want to for some reason, I think because of the thickness of my cornea). I wasn't that far gone to begin with.

I had PRK, and my experience wasn't too bad, though it wasn't pleasant. The worst was over in four days -- surgery day was more or less fine; 2nd day had some pain that got progressively worse; 3rd day was horrible, searing pain; 4th day, pain was mostly gone but EVERYTHING was blurry. By the 5th day, I could see poorly, but there was no pain.

I had a lot of trouble with flourescent lights for about a month, and I've subsequently lost my close vision (within 12 inches or so) -- it can be painful to focus at that distance. Might be getting better, but it's hard to say. I do still have painful dryness, especially waking up at night when the heat is running. I think I actually scratched my cornea mildly one night!

With all that, it was still worth it 100%. I'd do it again to keep this vision and not have to use glasses again. I was more comfortable with the lack of a corneal flap, and since the military was doing it for free and favored PRK, I just went along for the ride. 🙂
 
Originally posted by: Feldenak
Originally posted by: PaperclipGod
Well, the military prefers PRK... so that alone would make me lean in that direction.
Click to expand...

Military won't pay for Lasik, correct?
Click to expand...

Military treatment facilities will do LASIK if you are not a candidate for PRK. You might be able to request LASIK, but I don't know for sure. USAF aircrew can only have PRK done.
 
Yup definitely getting some Lasik done when I can swing the cash. My boss had it and he said it was great. Before he was farsighted and the day after the surgery he said his vision was vastly improved. Furthermore, reputable professionals generally provide a guarantee where they'll correct the eyesight for free if there are any serious issues (halos, double vision etc.) and also if the eyesight still isn't good enough. It's all about research into the doctors, but if done right, I hear that a very high percentage of people that fall within acceptable vision ranges get 20/20 vision.
 
Originally posted by: TallBill
I had PRK done and love it. I was passed out on drugs for 4 straight days afterwards. I could barely see for the whole first week. Then after about a month my vision was almost normal. After 45-60 days, I was 20/20 with really dry eyes, and light-sensitive eyes.

Slowly over the last 18 months since the surgery, the dryness and sensitivity are slowly going away. Even if they didn't I'd still love not having to wear glasses.

Oh, and mine was free 😉
Click to expand...
Well that description sure turns me off from it.

 
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