The PRK technique is a surgical procedure often referred to as a "surface" technique, whereas the LASIK technique is a surgical procedure known as the technique involving the creation of a "corneal flap."
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a technique performed using the Excimer laser.
The eye surgery using the PRK method involves 2 successive steps:
- The removal of the epithelium, which is the thin superficial layer of the cornea,
- The action of the Excimer laser which performs a true refractive sculpting of the deep layers of the cornea (photoablation) according to the visual defect to be corrected (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia).
This technique was the most commonly performed in the early 1990s and remains the simplest from a technical standpoint.
The difference with surface Excimer laser lies in the absence of a corneal flap, which is created in the LASIK method. The PRK technique remains a solution if the cornea is too thin to be treated with 100% laser LASIK, for professional fitness requirements, or for sports with possible eye contact. Postoperative recovery is longer than for LASIK, as healing takes several days for the epithelial layer to regenerate and smooth out.
Before any procedure, you must have an eligibility assessment with your ophthalmologist. They will be able to advise you on the best technique for you. If you have any questions, they will also be able to answer them. To make an appointment, you can visit our website www.ophtalmo-nord.fr or call us at 0327647236.