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Laser Vision Correction: LASIK / PRK
Laser corrective surgery (LASIK (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a refractive surgery that corrects myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism by using a laser to reshape the cornea. The procedure itself takes minutes and patients receive topical anesthetics for a pain-free and relaxing experience.
LASIK creates a flap in the cornea that is lifted up while the laser reshapes the middle portion (stroma) of the cornea. Once the laser portion of the procedure is done, the flap is then repositioned to its original location. By creating this flap, the recovery time is significantly improved with most patients being able to see clearly the following day. In addition, the flap allows the front of the cornea (the epithelium) to be intact which results in minimal pain and discomfort after the procedure.
PRK is similar to LASIK but it does not create a flap. Instead, the front of cornea is removed and reshaped by the laser. By removing the front of the cornea, the epithelium is completely removed. Because most of the nerve endings are located in the epithelium, PRK will cause the eyes to be quite uncomfortable and irritated until the epithelium regrows in 3-5 days.
Both procedures are very safe but can have side effects such as dry eyes, corneal haze, halo, glare and more. Our ophthalmologist Dr. Gintien Huang has performed many LASIK and PRK procedures in the past but no longer does the surgery due to his focus on cataract surgeries. This gives him the knowledge and experience in evaluating whether or not you will be a good candidate for this procedure, experience that an optometrist can not provide. In addition, unlike most optometry practices, Dr. Gintien Huang does not receive any incentives from the LASIK / PRK surgeon we refer to. We only refer our patients to honest surgeons with the best outcomes.
LASIK creates a flap in the cornea that is lifted up while the laser reshapes the middle portion (stroma) of the cornea. Once the laser portion of the procedure is done, the flap is then repositioned to its original location. By creating this flap, the recovery time is significantly improved with most patients being able to see clearly the following day. In addition, the flap allows the front of the cornea (the epithelium) to be intact which results in minimal pain and discomfort after the procedure.
PRK is similar to LASIK but it does not create a flap. Instead, the front of cornea is removed and reshaped by the laser. By removing the front of the cornea, the epithelium is completely removed. Because most of the nerve endings are located in the epithelium, PRK will cause the eyes to be quite uncomfortable and irritated until the epithelium regrows in 3-5 days.
Both procedures are very safe but can have side effects such as dry eyes, corneal haze, halo, glare and more. Our ophthalmologist Dr. Gintien Huang has performed many LASIK and PRK procedures in the past but no longer does the surgery due to his focus on cataract surgeries. This gives him the knowledge and experience in evaluating whether or not you will be a good candidate for this procedure, experience that an optometrist can not provide. In addition, unlike most optometry practices, Dr. Gintien Huang does not receive any incentives from the LASIK / PRK surgeon we refer to. We only refer our patients to honest surgeons with the best outcomes.