When Should I Choose PRK over LASIK?

LASIK is one of the most popular elective surgeries today, and for good reason. Millions of Americans and patients around the globe have discovered the freedom of clear vision without the need for corrective lenses. But for some patients, a lesser known procedure called PRK might be a better choice.

LASIK and PRK are similar procedures in that both offer the possibility of 20/20 vision, and both achieve this vision correction by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all be treated using both LASIK and PRK techniques.

The difference in the two procedures boils down to the means by which your surgeon makes the cornea accessible for reshaping. In LASIK, Dr. Walton creates a small flap in the cornea, which is then closed at the end of the procedure. PRK, on the other hand, relies on an ablative technique that removes the outermost layer of the cornea, the corneal epithelium, to permit access by the laser.

Both techniques achieve the same goal, but recovery from LASIK is much shorter. However, some patients lack sufficient corneal thickness to permit creation of the LASIK flap. These patients may, however, be excellent candidates for PRK.

If you live in the Mobile area and would like to learn more about LASIK or PRK, please contact Dr. Christopher Walton today at 251-341-3385 to arrange an appointment.

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Monday: 7:45AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday: 7:45AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday: 7:45AM - 5:00PM
Thursday: 7:45AM - 5:00PM
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