PRK Vs LASIK: What’s The Difference?

a man sat at a table pondering whilst stroking his chin

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are common and safe procedures that help to correct vision. Each procedure uses lasers to correct vision and can be incredibly effective ways to improve vision.  

PRK has been around longer than LASIK and was the first procedure to use lasers instead of a blade to correct vision. During PRK, a surgeon will remove the top layer of the cornea and will then use lasers to reshape the rest of the cornea, correcting eyesight.  

With LASIK, a surgeon will create a flap in the cornea, which is lifted. The surgeon will then use lasers to reshape the cornea and correct the patient’s vision. The flap will then be lowered back onto the eye.