PRK/LASEK

Photorefractive Keratectomy Epithelial Keratomileusis (PRKEK), also called Laser- Assisted sub-Epithelial Keratectomy (LASEK) is a variant of Advanced Surface Ablation or PRK where the epithelium is removed with alcohol and saved to be replaced after the laser application. A contact lens is still applied for three to five days. In some patients, this may provide more rapid healing than with Advanced Surface Ablation, although still usually slower than LASIK.

Advanced Surface Ablation or Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Advanced Surface Ablation uses a laser to sculpt the surface of the cornea. The procedure is effective in treating low to moderate levels of myopia or hyperopia with or without astigmatism. During the procedure, the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is removed. A cool laser beam is applied to the cornea, and the epithelium is removed. A cool laser beam is applied to the cornea, and a soft contact lens is applied to serve as a bandage during the healing process

This contact lens will be removed within five to seven days of the procedure. Recovery is usually two to three weeks, during which the patient may have mild to marked discomfort and blurry vision. Most of the vision improvement is seen in the first month, but there is still a gradual improvement over the year after the initial procedure. Results take a few days longer to achieve with Advanced Surface Ablation than LASIK because it takes longer for the epithelium to be restored.