This section explains how refractive surgery works and why it improves vision.
LASIK and PRK are the most recognized refractive surgeries. In both, a laser reshapes the front surface of the eye so that light focuses directly on the retina, creating clear vision without corrective lenses.
The cornea bends incoming light. If the cornea is too steep or too flat, light focuses in front of or behind the retina, causing blur. By changing corneal curvature on a microscopic level, refractive surgery redirects light onto the retina for sharper images.
Modern lasers remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue with extreme accuracy. These controlled changes make the cornea the correct shape for clear vision, and the entire process often takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes.
Several procedures are available, each with unique steps and benefits.
LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap, reshaping the tissue beneath it with a laser, and then repositioning the flap.
PRK removes the outer corneal layer instead of creating a flap. The exposed tissue is reshaped with a laser, and a bandage contact lens is applied.
Both surgeries provide excellent vision, but recovery time and possible side effects differ.
Candidacy depends on eye health, corneal thickness, and overall expectations.
Candidates usually meet several medical and lifestyle criteria.
Refractive surgery greatly reduces dependence on glasses but does not halt normal age-related changes. Reading glasses may still be needed, and future prescriptions are possible.
Proper preparation ensures smoother procedures and better outcomes.
Follow these guidelines before arriving for your surgery.
Healing time and care routines vary with each procedure but share common principles.
PRK patients wear a bandage contact lens, whereas LASIK patients do not. Both receive medicated drops to prevent infection and support healing.
Avoid strenuous activity, eye rubbing, and sun exposure during the first week. Wear sunglasses as advised to protect healing tissue.
Eye drops reduce inflammation and infection risk. Typical follow ups after LASIK occur at one day, one week, one month, and one year. PRK may require additional visits because of longer healing.
Refractive surgeries are safe, but understanding possible effects is important.
Mild symptoms usually resolve as the eye heals.
Serious problems are rare but can occur.
Most issues respond to additional medications or minor surgical adjustments, such as lifting and cleaning a flap or increasing steroid drops for inflammation.
These answers address common concerns about refractive surgery.
A comprehensive eye examination evaluating corneal thickness, prescription stability, and overall eye health is required to confirm candidacy.
Only numbing eye drops are used. You remain awake throughout the procedure.
Most patients enjoy long-lasting clarity, but some residual prescription or age-related changes can occur, and reading glasses may still be needed after age 40.
Many people achieve 20/20 or better, yet factors such as pupil size, lighting, and aging can influence final vision.
Temporary burning, itching, blurry vision, glare, or halos are possible. Infection or significant vision loss is very rare.
Costs vary by provider, insurance coverage, and procedure type. PRK is often slightly less expensive because it is simpler to perform.
Individual eye measurements, lifestyle, and risk factors determine the optimal choice. Discussing pros and cons with an eye care professional helps guide the decision.
LASIK follow ups typically occur at one day, one week, one month, and one year. PRK often requires more frequent visits due to the bandage lens and longer healing period.
