What Is the Difference Between LASIK and PRK Recovery?

If you are looking into your laser vision correction options, you have likely run across the two big names: LASIK and PRK. Both procedures are designed to reshape corneal tissue, allowing them to correct issues such as hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. However, there are differences in both procedure and recovery that should be taken into account by anyone considering vision correction surgery.

At 20/20 Institute, we focus on helping you choose what’s best for your lifestyle, prescription, and, of course, peace of mind. Our focus is on all-laser, blade-free Wavefront Optimized® custom LASIK, which offers remarkable precision, optimal personalization, and outstanding results. Our doctors do not recommend PRK, we typically recommend LASIK whenever possible. During your FREE LASIK evaluation, we will carefully assess your candidacy for laser vision surgery to help you determine which procedure will produce the best results for you.

We Have Offices in Westminster, LoDo, The DTC, and Colorado Springs

If you’re ready to learn more about LASIK vs. PRK or which procedure may be better for your vision, 20/20 Institute is here to help. Call us at 303-202-0669 to schedule your free consultation at our offices in Westminster, Lower Downtown Denver, Englewood, or Colorado Springs.

LASIK vs. PRK: Procedural Differences

LASIK and PRK can both improve your vision by adjusting the curvature of the cornea. This allows light to focus correctly on the retina, producing clear vision usually without prescription aids like eyeglasses or contact lenses. The way each procedure goes about accomplishing this goal is, however, different.

LASIK vs. PRK:

LASIK

With bladeless, custom LASIK, a specialized laser (a Femtosecond Laser) creates a small flap in the outer layers of the cornea (epithelium and anterior stroma). That flap is lifted out of the way, and then another second laser (an Excimer Laser) gently reshapes corneal tissue to the exact specifications mapped by advanced Wavefront Optimized^® technology. Once reshaping is complete, the flap is carefully repositioned so that it will quickly heal on its own. No stitches are required. The flap heals into place over the first few days.

PRK

With PRK, instead of creating a small flap, the entire epithelium is removed. As with the LASIK flap, this provides access to the inner layers of the cornea, allowing for the correction of various refractive errors. Unlike a LASIK flap, which will quickly seal, PRK removes the entire outer layer of the cornea that is being treated. This means recovery is more involved and may take substantially longer (several weeks to months).

Both PRK and LASIK target the effects of farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. How they accomplish this is different. Your lifestyle and eye anatomy will help to determine which procedure will best fit your needs. The LASIK doctors at 20/20 Institute are dedicated to helping you make an informed choice that will bring you closest to your vision goals. Contact any of our four locations to set up a FREE laser vision correction evaluation and let us help you find increased freedom from the daily maintenance and worry of contacts and glasses.

What Is LASIK Recovery Like?

There are a number of reasons to choose LASIK for your vision correction surgery. One of these is its relatively short and comfortable recovery period. Under most circumstances, patients recovering from LASIK experience:

• Rapid Visual Improvement. Most people notice significantly improved vision within the first 24 hours.
• Minimal Discomfort. Some dryness or mild irritation may occur, but most patients manage easily with prescribed eye drops.
• Quick Return to Activities. Many people feel comfortable resuming everyday tasks within a day or two, though it’s best to wait for our doctors to clear you for activities like swimming or heavy exercise.

At 20/20 Institute, your follow-up care is included in the cost of your procedure. Starting with the day after your procedure, you will be followed by our doctors for the first year as needed, depending on where you are in your recovery, so we can ensure everything is on track. We’ll check your progress, answer your questions, and make any adjustments necessary to make sure your experience is 5-star from our first interaction through your complete recovery.

We offer an Extraordinary Patient Experience.

What Is PRK Recovery Like?

PRK recovery differs from LASIK in a few key ways:

• Longer Initial Recovery. Because the epithelium must regenerate, patients often wear a bandage contact lens for the first few days. Marked discomfort is not uncommon during this period.
• Gradual Vision Improvement. With PRK, it may take several weeks for vision to stabilize. While some patients see improvements relatively quickly, it can take a few months for vision to fully refine.
• More Post-Op Care. PRK requires additional follow-up visits and the use of more medications for a longer period than LASIK.

PRK and LASIK use the same laser technology to reshape the cornea. This means they can produce similar results, however most clinic data shows that final visual outcomes are superior with LASIK. At 20/20 Institute, 99.67% of our LASIK patients have achieved 20/20 vision or better. However, PRK has traditionally been recommended for people with thinner corneas. While advancements in LASIK technology have made this less of an issue, we may still recommend PRK under certain circumstances. 

At 20/20 Institute, PRK is not a procedure we typically offer. We recommend EVO-ICL for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK. During your initial vision correction surgery consultation, we will use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to evaluate your candidacy for laser vision surgery and help you determine which option will best meet your needs.

We Care About Your Vision

Whether LASIK or PRK is better for you, our goal is the same: to help you see the world with renewed clarity. We believe in using advanced technology, delivering comprehensive patient care, and—most importantly—helping you choose the best option for your needs. While LASIK is our specialty, if our doctors determine you are a better match for a different vision correction procedure due to your unique eye anatomy, we will provide the exact same level of care, service, and support. We are fully committed to your visual happiness and are here to help you make the right choice for you.

Your choice, your vision, and our unwavering dedication to helping you get there. It’s as simple as that.

Contact Us for a FREE Laser Vision Correction Evaluation

To learn if custom LASIK, PRK, or EVO-ICL is the better option for you, call 20/20 Institute at 303-202-0669 and schedule your free laser vision correction evaluation today. With four Colorado locations, we welcome patients from Castle Rock, Boulder, Fort Collins, and throughout the state.