Although both PRK and Bladeless Lasik Surgery is very similar in their respective processes, there are still differences between the two. Know what key points differentiates PRK vs Lasik Eye Surgery.

1. PRK v/s Lasik Eye
Surgery
Know the main differences between the two
bladeless surgeries, i.e., PRK and Lasik Eye Surgery

2. What is PRK & Lasik?
• PRK: Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK as is most commonly
known was the first attempt by mankind to induce vision correction
by lasers.
• Bladeless Lasik: Bladeless Lasik is very popularly known as iLasik,
zLasik, Femto Lasik and All Laser Lasik. This surgery has been
around for more than 10 years.

3. Why do you need this surgery?
Either Surgery is required by a patient suffering from eye issues such
as:
• Myopia- It is also known as nearsightedness wherein one cannot
clearly see distant objects.
• Hyperopia- It is also known as farsightedness where a person has
difficulty in seeing nearby objects.
• Astigmatism- It is an eye problem that causes blurred vision due to
irregular shape of the eye.

5. PRK v/s Bladeless Lasik
1. Procedure
PRK
• PRK is a procedure of eye surgery,
wherein numbing eye drops are
applied in the eyes of the patient.
• In the next step, the top layer of
cornea- also known as the
epithelium is removed cautiously.
• Finally, an excimer laser is used to
reshape the cornea and hence the
vision is corrected.
Bladeless Lasik
• A suction ring is placed on the eye
to keep eyes still after using the
drops for maintaining numbness.
• A Femto-second laser device is
used in this surgery to make a thin
cut in the cornea, after which it is
reshaped with the help of a laser.
• As a final step, the thin flap is
folded back to its original place.

6. Note:
Both the procedures are pretty much similar in the sense that both the
procedures make use of lasers to reshape the cornea to get perfect vision.
However, the difference lies in the fact that in PRK- the top layer of cornea
is removed entirely. While, on the other hand, in Bladeless Lasik, a flap is
created on the cornea which is then folded back to its original place once
the procedure is done.

7. 2. Recovery
PRK
• Contact like bandages are applied on
the affected eye to help the eyes
recover from surgery.
• This can cause irritation and sensitivity
in the eyes due to light until the
bandages are removed.
• Some people may experience blurry
vision for some time.
• However, once the eyes recover and
bandage is removed, you will achieve
the desired vision.
Bladeless Lasik
• In Lasik Eye Surgery, recovery is very
quick.
• The patient is able to see more clearly
than before from the very next day of
the surgery.
• No bandage is required after the
surgery.
• Not much pain or discomfort is
experienced. In rare cases, burning
sensation may be felt but it doesn’t
lasts longer than a hour.
• In case of any slight discomfort or
irritation in the eye, Lasik Surgery
Specialists recommend lubricating
drops to ease the healing process.

8. Which Surgery is more Effective?
• The bottom line is that both the surgeries (PRK and Bladeless Lasik) are
effective in correcting the vision permanently. The main difference is that
it takes lesser time to recover after undergoing Bladeless Lasik while it can
take over a month to recover after PRK surgery.
• However, it is always advisable to vision your ophthalmologist and have a
comprehensive eye examination before deciding which surgery to go for.
You surgeon may best recommend you which surgery best fits your needs.