How Do I Know If I Should Have LASIK or PRK?

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on August 1, 2025

LASIK is often the first procedure that people consider when seeking to permanently correct their vision, but not everyone is a suitable candidate. If you’ve been told that LASIK is not an option, your ophthalmologist may recommend photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) as an alternative.

While you may be familiar with LASIK, you might not have heard about PRK.  Keep reading to learn more about both procedures and some of the signs that indicate which option is right for you.

What is the Difference between LASIK and PRK?

Both LASIK and PRK can correct the clarity of vision affected by myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. They achieve this in the same way: by reshaping corneal tissue so that it directs light to properly focus on the retina.

The primary difference between the two procedures lies in the method used to access the corneal tissue. In LASIK, a small flap is made on the surface of the cornea, while in PRK, the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is removed.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these methods. Recovery from LASIK is usually quicker than PRK, but it carries a higher risk of long-term complications due to corneal flap issues. It can take some time for epithelium to regrow after LASIK, but it is a safer procedure for patients with certain eye conditions and lifestyles.

Which Procedure is Better for Thin Corneas?

Adequate corneal thickness is crucial for safe and successful LASIK. Thin corneas may not be able to preserve corneal structure after the creation of the flap during the procedure.

Corneal thickness is less of an issue for PRK. It impacts only the surface of the cornea, which will be protected by a bandage contact lens and regenerate during the recovery process.

Which Procedure is Better for Active Lifestyles?

The potential for flap complications can also make PRK the safer choice for individuals with active lifestyles or physically demanding professions, such as firefighters or law enforcement personnel. Activities or work situations that often present the potential for eye injuries increase the risk of flap folds, dislocation, or other complications.

How Do Complication Rates Compare Between LASIK and PRK?

While both LASIK and PRK are generally safe, low-risk procedures, LASIK has a slightly higher risk of complications compared to PRK. Patients who opt for LASIK may be more likely to develop dry eye or issues with the corneal flap.

Patients who choose to correct their vision with PRK may experience more initial post-procedure discomfort and a more extended recovery period. It may also take longer for results to be realized and vision to stabilize after PRK. 

Are the Long-Term Results Different for LASIK and PRK?

The long-term results for LASIK and PRK are nearly identical. Most patients achieve long-lasting 20/20 vision or better after both procedures.

Neither LASIK nor PRK can prevent the onset of most age-related eye conditions as a patient ages, including presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) and cataracts. Both of these conditions affect the lens of the eye, a structure that is not altered in either procedure.

When trying to determine whether LASIK or PRK is right for you, you should trust the recommendation of your ophthalmologist. After discussing your goals and assessing your eye health, they can advise which treatment is safest for your eyes while giving you the clearest, crispest vision possible.

Do you want to learn more about the best refractive procedure for you? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today to get on the path to clearer vision!