The Procedures Compared
| |
PRK |
LASEK |
EPI-LASIK |
LASIK |
Epithelium |
Lost but re-grows |
Mostly preserved |
Preserve in a viable healthy
state |
Unharmed |
Bowman's Layer
|
Lost |
Lost |
Lost |
Kept |
Return to useful vision
|
5-8 days |
4-7 days |
3-4 days |
1-2 days |
Post-op. Pain
|
2-3 days |
2-3 days |
1-2 days |
1-8 hours, if any |
Time off work
|
4-5 days |
3-4 days |
2-3 days |
1-2 days |
Myopia (short-sightedness)
|
Up to –6.00D |
Up to –6.00D |
Up to –6.00D |
Up to -12.00D |
Hyperopia (long-sightedness)
|
Up to +3.00D |
Up to +3.00D |
Up to +3.00D |
Up to +3.00D |
Anaesthetic
|
Eye drops |
Eye drops |
Eye drops |
Eye drops |
Outpatient
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Treatment time
|
10 minutes per eye |
10 minutes per eye |
10 minutes per eye |
10 minutes per eye |
Bandage contact lens required?
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Both eyes treated
together?
|
Not advisable |
Maybe |
Maybe |
Yes |
Flap Complications
|
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
0.2% |
Corneal Haze during
healing
|
Possible |
Possible |
Probably less likely |
Rare |
Infection
|
Rare |
Rare |
Rare |
Rare |
Steroid eye drops
|
1-3 months
|
1-3 months
|
1-3 months |
1-3 weeks |
Side effects of drops (glaucoma/cataracts) |
Possible |
Possible |
Possible |
Unlikely |
This table (based on the literature) allows a direct comparison
of PRK, LASEK, EPI-LASIK and LASIK. Please note that there is variation
between individuals. Eyes treated by PRK must always be treated
on separate days, but those treated by LASEK, EPI-LASIK and LASIK may be treated on the same day at the surgeons’ discretion.
This will be discussed at your consultation. Feel Free to call
us on 0800 781 7177 to arrange a consultation or contact us online
here. |
