Originally Posted by
joepilot
LASIK is usually the first choice. It is quicker, less painful, and the healing process is much quicker. Some people have eyes that are not suitable for LASIK, usually because the lens is too thin. Many of these people can be helped by PRK.
Be sure you go to a top specialist who does both LASIK and PRK. If the doctor only does either LASIK or PRK, then that is sure to be what he recommends.
Joe
Be very very careful of LASIK. You can do the research on LASIK v PRK but I think you'll find that of both treatments PRK is the better 'results' version. You also have to remember that a Dr may or may not tell you what is the 'best' but rather sell you what he/she provides in which case they become sort of like car salesmen. Bottom line: PRK has way less long term side effects, and that is a fact. Night visual acuity issues and drying of the eyes are the most common symptoms. Remember that PRK actually scrapes away your outer layer of the cornea whereas LASIK cuts the flap. The outer layer grows back over your eye with essentially no scarring. The flap is simply put back in place and allowed to heal after the laser treatment. That is the where the majority of the issues with LASIK happen. I know the Navy/Marine Corps are doing studies at Balboa Naval Hospital with LASIK right now. PRK is tried and tested and it works. I had PRK in 2006 and was 20/80(20/200 dilated) with an astigmatism. I am now still 20/15 in both eyes and have 0 side effects. I would recommend PRK to anyone. The week of pain you endure is well worth the end result. Just my .02. Feel free to PM me if you want more details.