LASIK VS PRK

LASIK VS. PRK

Ever consider laser vision correction? DON’T WAIT! Our LASIK special expires January 31st, 2018!  For a limited time, you can receive Custom All Laser LASIK, both eyes, for just $3600! Start your New Year out right with a new set of eyes and let your future be in 20/20!

What is LASIK and PRK?

LASIK and PRK are both laser vision correction procedures. Think of your eye as a camera, the retina (the lining of the back of the eye) is the film, while the cornea (front part of the eye) and the lens (inside the eye) focus the light; however, not all eyes are made perfectly. In fact, most are not! Some people are nearsighted, farsighted and/or have astigmatism that needs to be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, which may also be cumbersome and expensive. LASIK and PRK both use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea, which allows light to focus on the retina. The process takes only minutes and the procedure is painless. People opt for laser vision correction to be free of glasses and contact lenses. Nearly every patient I’ve met, who has had the procedure, has had two things to say:

1. I wish I would have done this sooner!
2. It was the best money I ever spent!

A life with laser vision correction means a life with fewer restrictions. Contact lenses and glasses will no longer be an issue for swimming and exercising. You won’t need to constantly deal with the discomfort associated with contact lenses.

So What’s the Difference?

LASIK, the newer of the two laser vision correction procedures, works by creating a flap on the surface of the eye. The laser then treats under the flap to reshape the cornea, then the flap is laid back down like a natural bandage. LASIK is painless. It has become extremely popular because of the quick healing time. After LASIK surgery, you’ll be seeing well enough to return to work or school the next day. Your only restrictions will be no water in the eyes or swimming (or make-up) for one week and no contact sports for two weeks. You’ll sleep with protective eye shield/goggles for two weeks.

PRK is the original laser vision correction procedure. No corneal flap is created and the laser treatment is directed on the surface of the eye. This procedure is more often recommended for individuals with thin corneas, who are not candidates for LASIK. PRK has a longer healing time and you can expect fluctuating vision and mild discomfort for approximately five days. For example, if you were to schedule your PRK procedure on a Thursday, you wouldn’t be back to work until Tuesday.

Am I a Good Candidate?

There are three criteria to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK or PRK.

1. Is my prescription stable? Meaning, has your glasses prescription significantly changed within the past year? If yes, you should wait until your prescription stabilizes. Consider a recheck of your prescription in six months.
2. Is my cornea thick enough? This requires you to come in for measurements of the cornea using our state-of-the-art Pentacam. During the laser reshaping process, corneal tissue is lost; if the cornea is not thick enough for LASIK, PRK is recommended.
3. Is my eye healthy? Any eye conditions such as keratoconus, cataract or any retinal problem, will lessen your candidacy for the procedure.

How do you know if you are a good candidate? LASIK consultations are FREE and consist of a complete eye exam, including corneal and retinal imaging.

Pro’s and Con’s

As with all procedures there risks and benefits, so, what is the risk to you and what are the benefits?

LASIK

Pro: Quicker recovery time. You’re back to work or school the next day. The procedure is painless.

Con: It is possible to wrinkle the flap after surgery, if you’re not careful, which would result in an additional procedure to smooth the flap. All patients experience dryness temporarily after the surgery for usually one month.

PRK

Pro: Considered safer than LASIK, because no flap is created. It is ideal for patients with thin corneas.

Con: Slower recovery time, up to five days, with fluctuating vision and mild discomfort. All patients experience dryness temporarily after the surgery for usually one month.

What Now?

Not sure whether LASIK or PRK is right for you or if you’re a candidate? Are you sick of wearing glasses or contact lenses? Call us at (973) 325-3300, to schedule your FREE consultation. Bring your glasses, contact lenses packages and a list of any medications you may be taking. Contact lens wearers need to remove their lenses for four days before the consult. During your visit, the technician will evaluate your eyes using state-of-the-art technology to determine your candidacy for the procedure. You will then be examined by Dr. Kenneth S. Miller, Director, Laser Vision Correction Center of New Jersey, and he will recommend the laser procedure right for your eyes.

DON’T WAIT! Our $3600 time-limited offer for Custom All Laser LASIK expires January 31st! Start your New Year right with a new set of eyes and let your future be in 20/20.