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.”

What made you decide to have surgery with Dr. Sher specifically?

“I learned about Dr. Sher from my co-worker and was confident in him and comforted by everything I heard. I also discovered that I could have this done prior to my upcoming deployment without a significant financial impact on my family”.

How hard or how easy was the process (appointments, testing, surgery, follow-up)?

“Nancy, Dr. Sher’s Refractive Coordinator, made this whole process unbelievably easy. She gave me specific instructions on everything I needed to do prior to the initial visit. At my initial visit, Dr. Sher, Nancy and the staff clearly explained the entire process to me and answered any questions or concerns I had. The staff performed my evaluation very professionally and left me confident that electing to go ahead with this surgery was the right move for me.”

How hard or how easy was your recovery (discomfort, vision, etc.)?

“I would say my recovery was very easy. I had only moderate discomfort in my eyes during day two and into day three. I would describe it like having contacts in too long and the dry sensitive feeling you get from that. Of course I was impatient with my vision because I wanted to see clearly immediately but my eyes healed and cleared up just as it was explained to me prior to the surgery.”

What surprised you the most about procedure (surgery) itself?

“I was very pleasingly surprised at the speed and ease of the surgery. I had originally expected it to be much more invasive and time consuming. It ended up only taking minutes from the time I entered the operating room until I was done with no discomfort during or immediately following.”

What has been the most interesting or unique thing that you've noticed about your new world without lenses?

“I would have to say that the most interesting thing to me is that I frequently reach up to take my glasses off. Because I wore glasses for 42 years, I am programmed to remove the clarity of vision to put a pull-over sweater on, wash my face or put eye drops in. I even find myself feeling around for my glasses in the morning until I realize I can clearly see the alarm clock numbers and don't need glasses anymore.”

How has the surgery made a difference in your work life or your hobbies and other pursuits?

“It has removed the limitations that glasses bring. While wearing glasses, there is a specific scope of clarity (like looking straight forward). I work in a maintenance facility and have to be able to see while climbing in, around and under equipment. This creates the need to be able to see when looking in all directions. Glasses do not work well for that. I enjoy golfing and motorcycle riding. Both necessitate wearing sunglasses and I couldn't do that and have clear vision without buying expensive prescription sunglasses. Having this surgery has given me the ability to easily wear sunglasses whenever I need to without putting in contacts or planning ahead.”

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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