How is PRK different from LASIK?
   
In both procedures, the excimer laser is used to sculpt the cornea (the “front” of the eye) to enable light to focus correctly on the retina, thus obtaining clearer vision. The difference is that with PRK only the surface layer of cells (the epithelium) is removed and the laser is then applied to the cornea. A soft, clear bandage contact lens is then placed on the eye to aid in surface healing, usually within 4-6 days. With LASIK, there is a horizontal incision cut into the surface of the eye, which is then pulled aside. The laser is applied under this flap, and the flap is then repositioned on the surface of the eye. With PRK no cuts or incisions are made. The same laser is used in both surgeries.
 
Will PRK give me vision that is as clear as LASIK?     

Due to the latest technology, people who have PRK will normally have a visual outcome that is as good as patients who have LASIK, and frequently the results from PRK are even better. It takes a little longer for the best possible vision to settle in after PRK, but the long-term results for patients who choose PRK are equal or better than those who opt for LASIK.

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Here is an interview with a patient detailing how he made the decision to have PRK surgery and describing the outcome of his procedure.

What made you decide to have laser vision correction surgery?

“I have been wearing glasses for 42 years and they have continually been a hindrance to me when I was active in sports. When I was deployed to Iraq in 2003-04 my glasses were a constant disabler there as well. My glasses made it difficult to properly wear goggles and they quickly became hazy in the dust and eventually became scratched from the constant cleaning. These problems were the motivation for my PRK procedure.”

“I decided to have the PRK surgery when I heard of the opportunity to have it done for deploying soldiers. A co-worker of mine had the surgery prior to me and had nothing but positive comments about the surgery and Dr. Sher. I contacted Dr. Sher's office and they made it an effortless process.”

How long had you been thinking about it before you went ahead?

“I had looked into having the LASIK surgery more than a year ago but wasn't sure if it would be conducive to my military status. I had never really known about PRK until I talked with my co-worker and investigated it online at Dr. Sher's web site.”

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Sunglasses: A Must-Have Fashion Accessory.

When enjoying time outdoors this summer, it is absolutely essential to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses and/or hats. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest in the summer and overexposure to the summer sun’s strong rays can burn the corneas and cause painful, temporary blindness.

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Dr. Neal Sher is the author of an article linking Opti-Free Replenish® Solution to inflamed corneas

Neal A Sher MD, FACS recently co-authored a provocative article on the possible link between a leading contact lens multipurpose lens solution (Opti-Free Replenish) and inflamed corneas.  The article was published in Ocular Surgery News on April 10, 2013, as well as posted on many online sites. He presented this recently at a symposium in Seattle.

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