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View Full Version : Traditional Lasik vs. PRK Vision Correction


pluckyflamingo
Sep 28, 2009, 11:41 AM
I have an appointment tomorrow with an eye specialist and am looking into getting vision correction.

My insurance pays for either one of these procedures and I am just curious as to which one is better based off personal experiences or etc.

How was the healing process for you?

Just a little nervous.

Thanks!!

Alty
Sep 28, 2009, 12:31 PM
I had the PRK because I couldn't get the lasik, something about my cornea being too soft.

The surgery itself was easy, no problem, felt nothing. The 5 days after the surgery were hell! You will want to gouge your eyes out with a fork!

In the end I'd say it was worth it, I have 20/20 vision now.

My husband got the lasik (lucky bugger), went home, had a nap, woke up with no pain and perfect vision.

If you can I'd choose lasik.

Also, there's less of a risk of halo's with the lasik.

Let us know how it goes. :)

pluckyflamingo
Sep 28, 2009, 01:28 PM
Thank you for you much needed and very helpful advice. I was first wanting the PRK because of having something slice my eye open just frankly gives me the creeps but I guess I will just have to get over it. Haha Was you husband worried at all about the Lasik procedure?

Alty
Sep 28, 2009, 01:44 PM
Thank you for you much needed and very helpful advice. I was first wanting the PRK because of having something slice my eye open just frankly gives me the creeps but I guess I will just have to get over it. haha Was you husband worried at all about the Lasik procedure?

He was worried but really, you won't feel a thing. They numb your eyes with drops, it's actually really weird that a few drops can totally and completely numb your eye.

He was a bit nervous but after the procedure all he could do was rave about it.

Yes, they do cut a flap but you won't feel it. With the PRK they actually burn your cornea, much worse in my opinion. The reason for the pain with PRK is that your eyeball has been burned. You have to wear protective contacts (they're huge) for 5 days after the procedure. You won't see very well for at least a week. I slept for the most part because of the pain and the fact that I couldn't really see. Heck, I couldn't even open my eyes until the end of the second day, and then only for a short time.

My husband had the procedure, went home, slept, got up with perfect vision and was back to work the next day. If I had been working when I had mine I would have had to take a week off, at least.

I know it sounds scary, I was so nervous when I went in to get mine, but even with the pain I have to say, it was worth it. No more glasses, ever!

ChihuahuaMomma
Sep 29, 2009, 01:52 AM
PRK is generally an alternative for patients that aren't candidates for Lasik. Your doctor will tell you your best option. There's nothing to be frightened about. They take the tiniest layer of cornea off, and stick it right back on with lasik. However with PRK they dissolve the top layer of your cornea with a chemical. PRK is more uncomfortable and a longer healing process for this reason.

pluckyflamingo
Sep 30, 2009, 06:27 AM
Here is an update I got approved for Lasik and I will be doing the Wavelight Lasik. I am getting it done November 5th, wish me luck

pluckyflamingo
Apr 23, 2010, 06:56 AM
Just an update, I had the procedure done in December and it was a success. I don't miss the contacts at all.

Thanks for everyone's help.

ChihuahuaMomma
Apr 23, 2010, 01:35 PM
Yay!!