PRK was the first procedure performed using the Excimer laser. PRK was first performed in Germany in 1987 and FDA approved in 1995. The major difference in PRK and LASIK is the corneal flap. In LASIK, a thin flap of tissue is created exposing the inner portion of the cornea and laser treatment is then applied. With PRK, the epithelium (or outer skin of the cornea) is removed and a laser is applied to the surface of the cornea so no flap is made. PRK is most commonly used when a patients’ cornea is too thin for LASIK but numerous other reasons may indicate surface treatment is safer than LASIK for some patients. Both procedures have similar success rates, but LASIK offers patients quicker healing times and less discomfort after the procedure. The complication rates for LASIK and PRK are similar. PRK has a slightly higher risk for haze to develop within the cornea, since no flap is made in PRK surgery, there is no risk of a flap complication. What to expect with PRK What to expect after PRK
