According to Doctor Moosa, one of the LASIK experts in Los Angeles, there are many choices when it comes to refractive surgery; however, the two most common procedures are LASIK and PRK. The choice between these two laser eye surgeries comes down to a patient’s eye health and lifestyle. In both PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), the shape of the cornea is altered in order to refocus light properly. This helps solve blurring and distortion for someone with a lower visual acuity.
PRK and LASIK are proven techniques for treating vision problems and helping patients achieve their vision goals. While they require different methods and tools, they have the same goal. Both can be used to correct astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. Experts at Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, say that each vision correction procedure is comparable in cost as well as results. The price may change based on the clinic, the surgeon, and the patient’s needs. However, the average is around $2,000 per eye. After receiving either LASIK or PRK, patients undergo a recovery period but both can experience immediate results. Some people are astounded at the clarity of vision they have the day after the surgery and how strong their vision remains after. Each of these refractive surgeries provide long-term results; however, sometimes one procedure is more suitable for one type of patient.
Laser eye surgery doctors can do a comprehensive exam of a patient’s eyes in order to determine what procedures they qualify for and which one would better suit their needs. Some of the things that they will look at is a patient’s pupil size, cornea size, eye health history, and current prescription. Depending on a patient’s hobbies, career, or lifestyle, there may be one procedure that makes more logistical sense for them. Here are some of the reasons why someone might choose PRK over LASIK:
- When patients don’t qualify for LASIK, they may be a better candidate for PRK.
- PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap, which is beneficial for some patients who are at risk of flap displacement (athletes, skydivers, military).
- Patients with thinner corneas may choose PRK because the procedure favors tissue conservation.
When you visit a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institute, you will see that there are many options for someone who is trying to improve their visual acuity. PRK and LASIK are two of the most common and well-known procedures. While LASIK is generally considered more advanced in terms of technology and efficiency, PRK is a solid option for patients with certain eye conditions or lifestyles. Not everyone will qualify for every refractive surgery, which is why it is important to have alternatives for vision correction. Now, more than ever, refractive surgery has become accessible to people with varying prescription levels and complexities. The cost of this kind of surgery has also become more widely available to different incomes thanks to better financing options. Whether you chose PRK or LASIK, you have the chance to achieve 20/20 vision or better and improve your overall quality of life.
