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

PRK v/s Bladeless Lasik
1. Procedure
PRK Bladeless Lasik
• PRK is a procedure of eye surgery, • A suction ring is placed on the eye to 
wherein numbing eye drops are applied keep eyes still after using the drops for 
in the eyes of the patient. maintaining numbness.
• In the next step, the top layer of cornea- • A Femto-second laser device is used in 
also known as the epithelium is removed this surgery to make a thin cut in the 
cautiously. cornea, after which it is reshaped with 
• Finally, an excimer laser is used to the help of a laser.
reshape the cornea and hence the vision • As a final step, the thin flap is folded back 
is corrected. to its original place. 
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.
2. Recovery
PRK Bladeless Lasik
• Contact like bandages are applied on • In Lasik Eye Surgery, recovery is very 
the affected eye to help the eyes quick.
recover from surgery. • The patient is able to see more clearly 
than before from the very next day of 
the surgery.
• This can cause irritation and sensitivity 
in the eyes due to light until the • No bandage is required after the 
bandages are removed. surgery.
• Not much pain or discomfort is 
experienced. In rare cases, burning 
• Some people may experience blurry 
sensation may be felt but it doesn’t 
vision for some time.
lasts longer than a hour.
• In case of any slight discomfort or 
• However, once the eyes recover and irritation in the eye, 
bandage is removed, you will achieve Lasik Surgery Specialists recommend 
the desired vision. lubricating drops to ease the healing 
process.
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.