The Procedures Compared
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.
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 |
