Originally Posted by
u2drvr
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is where the surface of the lens is reshaped by a laser burning away part of the lens to correct vision. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a procedure where the lens of the eye is mostly cut off, then flipped over and reshaping is done to the underside and then the "flap" is placed back in position. The advantage of LASIK is much quicker healing with very little or no scar tissue and far less discomfort. PRK required drops to be placed in the eyes for a week or two after the procedure to slow the healing process to prevent scar tissue.
U2, you are sorta correct. PRK actually scrapes the outer layer of the cornea, also known as the epithelium, away leaving the exposed cornea to be reshaped by the laser. Not only are drops required, but a soft contact lense is inserted to cover the corneal abrasion created by scraping/brushing the epithelium away. The Navy actually requires steroid drops for 3 months post op, not 1-2 weeks, depending on the amount of correction you had or the pre existing condition. Not sure about the AF but I would guess there is a similar requirement depending on the doc. In my case, there is no scarring and there is according to the Dr, no way for them to see my corrective surgery becuase of those drops. WIN WIN. Just wanted to clarify to those out there that read this. It's not an easy decision, but one well worth it in my case. 20/80 and cheaters to 20/10 in both eyes and far more tallies.
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