If you’re considering having laser vision correction, you’re probably thinking you’ll get LASIK. However, LASIK is not a “one-size-fits-all” procedure. At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, we treat every patient as an individual. During your initial complimentary consultation with our laser vision correction surgeon, Dr. Mozayeni, he will evaluate your vision, your eye health and analyze the structural integrity of your corneas to determine the correct type of laser vision correction for you based on your individual needs. In some situations, Dr. Mozayeni will recommend Photorefractive Keratectomy, more commonly known as PRK surgery vs. LASIK.
PRK all-laser, no-flap vision correction surgery is similar to LASIK because it utilizes the same laser technology to reshape your cornea and correct your vision. The primary difference is that during PRK surgery, the surgeon does not create a corneal flap, making this a single laser procedure. This is why it can be referred to as “no-flap LASIK”.
During PRK surgery, using a very small gentle "brush", the corneal cover is painlessly removed in about five seconds. This cover is the skin layer of the eye that grows back quickly over several days. The cornea is then reshaped using our FDA approved state-of-the-art WaveLight EX500 laser.
So, how does it work? Think of the cornea as a 500-page book. During PRK surgery, the laser starts to correct the vision at the beginning of the book just below the cover, whereas during LASIK surgery, a flap is made first with a laser and then the same laser starts 50 to 70 pages below the cover.
If Dr. Mozayeni recommends PRK surgery, it is because he is confident PRK all-laser, no-flap surgery is a safer option for you and will provide a long-lasting result. The most important thing to know is the end results after PRK are equal to those of LASIK.
Dr. Mozayeni recommends PRK surgery to approximately 25% of our patients due to one or more of the following reasons:
Because Dr. Mozayeni is a cornea specialist with over 20 years of experience doing laser vision correction surgeries, he is exceptionally capable of detecting subtle corneal abnormalities and recommending the safest procedure for you. Meeting the actual laser vision correction surgeon and having a complete and thorough consultation is perhaps the most important part of your vision correction experience.
At Providence Eye, we have equally excellent results with LASIK and PRK surgery. In fact, our optometrist, Dr. Mills had PRK surgery performed by Dr. Mozayeni.
To schedule an appointment, call 704-540-9595 or complete the short form below.
