How Does PRK Differ from LASIK?

PRK & LASIK in Beverly Hills

LASIK may be the most popular form of refractive surgery available today, but it was predated by PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). Much like LASIK, PRK has undergone many updates since it was first introduced and remains a strong option for patients who wish to limit their dependence on prescription eyewear. Below, ophthalmologist Brian Boxer Wachler, MD explains how PRK is different from LASIK and why it can be the better choice for some patients. Read more

Top Procedures for Vision Correction

There are several new treatment options that can assist with your vision. In many cases these procedures can reduce the need for glasses/contact lenses.

Over the past two decades several new procedures have been developed that are making changes in the lives of many who suffer with vision issues.

For those who are suffering with Astigmatism, Farsightedness, Nearsightedness, Dry Eye, or even Keratoconus there is hope for your vision. Minimally-invasive procedures like LASIK, PRK and ICL can help your vision drastically,

Below you will see some procedures that can assist you in finding visual freedom:

LASIK – The most well-known vision correction procedure. LASIK uses a laser to carefully shave away cornea tissue to create a smooth surface, and therefore correct the vision.

PRK – The procedure involves gently moving the surface skin of the cornea and applying a laser to reshape the outer cornea. PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction. PRK preceded development of LASIK.

ICL – ICL is a small implanted lens that can reduce or eliminate your need for contacts or glasses. The goal of ICL is to reduce overall prescription. A patient can consider the ICL procedure if they have a high prescription, and may have conditions such as thin corneas which make them not candidates for other procedures.

For more information on vision correction, click the link below to watch a special episode of The Doctors.

Why am I Not a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Often glasses and contact lenses can be a burden and those who have relied on them for years grow tired of the constant maintenance and careful planning it takes to deal with them on a daily basis. They are looking for alternatives.

For many individuals seeking a vision correction procedure, LASIK immediately comes to mind as it is the most widely-known procedure. Although it is the most known procedure, it is important to have a thorough assessment to find the right vision correction treatment for you. LASIK has promised millions over the years that vision correction can indeed change the need for glasses or contact lenses. However over 20% of those who obtain the LASIK procedure are not good candidates. Getting the LASIK procedure if you are not a good candidate can cause several side effects or complications after the procedure which often need to be corrected such as halos, double vision, and floaters in your line of sight. How do you know you’re not a good candidate?

There are many different reasons for different patients; however universally these are two most common disqualifiers:

• Thin cornea
• Large pupil diameter

There are many alternative procedures that can be safely performed on those with thinner corneas and larger pupils which can achieve the same degree of correction. One of the procedures is PRK, which uses a special computer to help guide the laser during the procedure. This allows for closer and more accurate measurements during your procedure.

When seeking a surgeon for your LASIK surgery in Los Angeles, find a surgeon who evaluates you personally

Watch Gino’s explain his experience with PRK:

True Testimonials: Exploring PRK

Exploring PRK for Vision Correction

For many of us the burden of glasses or contact lenses has been one we could do without for years. But there hasn’t always been a procedure that could relieve us from the burden of wearing glasses or contact lenses. One of the first vision correction procedures developed was PRK, or Photo Refractive Keratectomy.

What is PRK?
PRK uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea and provides the patient with improved vision. Those who are not good candidates for LASIK, like with thin corneas or large pupils can make good candidates for PRK.

While PRK takes a little longer for recovery it works roughly the same as LASIK. This procedure has little side effects and can show results the minute you get off the table.

What is the PRK Procedure Like?
PRK helps to treat Myopia (Nearsightedness), Hyperopia (Farsightedness), and Astigmatism. It is a vision correction treatment that uses a special laser to reshape the cornea of the eye. For patients who are not a good fit for LASIK, PRK gives them an alternative. However PRK was available before the LASIK procedure.
The procedure generally takes around 15 minutes per eye and allows the patient to see clearer almost immediately.

Meeting Jessica:

Jessica works for Boxer Wachler Vision Institute as the front office administrative assistant.

Jessica is a fun-loving, free spirit that got weighed down by the burden of glasses at age 10 and then with the hassles of contacts at 12.

After having to deal with imperfect vision for half her life and seeing on a daily basis how vision correction has worked for so many she decided to try it for herself.

Jessica was told that she was not a good candidate for LASIK because of her thin corneas but that PRK would still be able to help her. Jessica received her PRK at the very office she worked, at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute. She stated “Knowing I was in really good hands was all I needed to remain calm and relaxed”.

Jessica now has 20/20 vision and wouldn’t change getting the surgery for the world. She no longer relies on glasses or contacts to experience the world around her. All she experienced during the healing process was a slight fluctuation in her sight for about three weeks and some light sensitivity.

PRK Pros & Cons:

Pros
• Good for patients with thin corneas
• Good for patients with large pupils
• Little to no pain or discomfort
• First vision correction procedure with lasers
• Procedure takes only about 15 minutes per eye
Cons:
• A little longer recovery time (2 days to 2 weeks)
• Risks of Infection or haziness over the eyes
You can watch Jessica’s journey here:

Astigmatism: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common eye condition caused by the irregular shape of the patients eye. Astigmatism prevents the patient from getting a clear view of the object they are seeing. While it is a common condition it is not often known why someone gets Astigmatism. But there are several treatment options for those who are suffering from this condition.

What is it?

Astigmatism is created when the shape generally sphere becomes irregular or shaped more like a football. There are several levels of astigmatism. Many patients don’t even realize they have it. However if the condition is severe enough there are more extensive treatments to help the patient.

Symptoms:

Blurred vision
Fatigue
Eye strain

How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?

Astigmatism is often diagnosed during a routine eye examination through the use of equipment called a topographer and measuring your prescription with a phorpter. This condition and many other conditions can be diagnosed at your annual eye examination. Which is why it is so important to be sure to have this done each year. Astigmatism can develop very slowly so be sure to tell your eye care professional when there are any changes in your vision.

Treatments:

There are a few treatments for astigmatism.

Contact Lenses & Glasses

While the most common are glasses and contact lenses there are a special kind of contacts for those who have more severe astigmatism. Toric contact lenses or RGP contact lenses will help those with astigmatism. RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) contact lenses are used to correct severe cases and will give the patient a much more clear vision of what is in front of them.

Refractive (vision correction) Surgery:

For those who want to be reduce the use of contact lenses or glasses refractive surgery is another option. You can ask your eye care professional what procedures are right for your degree of astigmatism. Procedures like LASIK and PRK can help those with astigmatism, but there are some criteria you need to meet before you are eligible. For further information contact your eye care professionals.

True Testimonials ~ Patients Choose “Safe” PRK

What is PRK?

PRK also known as Photorefractive Keratectomy is a procedure that involves moving the outer surface layer of cornea and reshaping the cornea. It can treat those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure only takes 5-10 minutes and can be done in the doctors office. PRK uses a laser and a solution to strengthen the cornea. It does not require the creation of a flap like LASIK. Therefore, there is less risk associated with PRK for patients who actively participate in sports, they don’t have to worry about a LASIK flap being dislodged.

Meet Matt

Matt was tired of wearing contacts. While he was perusing a career as a professional in MMA he wore his contact lenses while performing as a amateur. However he was unable to compete professionally with his contact lenses in. So a eye surgery would be in order to move forward. During his consultation with Dr. Boxer Wachler, PRK was recommended. Since this procedure requires no incision it allows him to participate in more risky activities such as professional fighting. PRK is considered “safe” vision correction option for individuals that participate in contact sports or for patients who might not be a candidate for LASIK due to thin cornea or large pupils.

It took Matt about a month to heal from this procedure completely. This has allowed him to participate professionally in the MMA and over he is amazed at the results it has given him. He says:

“I am now taking professional fights with a smile.”

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is an eye surgeon who specializes in vision correction and Keratoconus treatments. If you are having difficulties with your vision and want a better quality of vision contact the office to learn about advanced treatment options. You can call 310.594.5209 or by email info@boxerwachler.com

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