Laser Eye Center of Hawaii - What is LASIK and PRK?

What is LASIK and PRK?

Excimer Laser Refractive Surgery

LASIK (Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis)

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

A Comparison

The excimer laser is an exciting medical instrument uniquely suited to the task of refractive corneal surgery. In all types of refractive surgery, the cornea is reshaped so that the rays of light are focused clearly on the retina. This laser produces a cool, ultraviolet beam of light which literally vaporizes tissue as it breaks carbon-carbon bonds. Tissue is removed in a precise fashion on a microscopic level. Each pulse of the laser removes 0.25 microns of tissue or 1/39 millionth of an inch. This allows the cornea to be reshaped gently and precisely into a more desirable shape.

is a two step procedure. First, the surgeon creates a micro-thin corneal flap using an ultra-fast, femtosecond laser that uses an infrared light beam. The flap is attached by a “hinge” and folded back from the rest of the cornea. In the second step, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. The laser treatment takes place in the corneal bed and the flap is replaced in its original position. The flap is guided into position by the eye’s natural suction ability. The procedure takes less than 10 minutes and is painless.

is a procedure in which the front surface of the cornea is directly sculpted by the excimer laser. The surgeon prepares the eye by gently removing the surface layer of the eye known as the epithelium. This layer regenerates itself within a few days. Computer controlled pulses of the laser are directed onto the surface to reshape the cornea. Less than 10% of the cornea is affected with the deeper layers remaining virtually untouched. The whole procedure takes less than ten minutes and is painless.

Over 19,000 successful procedures

Statewide premium pre-and post-op patient care

Nationally renown refractive surgeons

808-946-6000
Toll Free 866-950-6000

Both PRK and LASIK are refractive procedures that utilize the precision of the excimer laser. Below is a chart outlining a brief comparison of PRK and LASIK.

Because LASIK affords faster visual recovery with less discomfort than PRK, the procedure of choice at the Laser Eye Center of Hawaii is LASIK. For patients with central scarring or corneal thickness considered too thin, PRK is a possible option. Although no doctor can promise 20/20 vision without correction, 98% of our typical myopic patients achieve vision within two or three lines of 20/20 without correction after having refractive surgery.


*Caring* The friendly doctors and staff of Laser Eye Center of Hawaii know that this is a decision that will change the quality of your life. That's why our goal is to educate you about the expected outcome and inherent risks associated with laser vision correction and to provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision about your options.	What is LASIK and PRK? Excimer Laser Refractive Surgery The excimer laser is an exciting medical instrument uniquely suited to the task of refractive corneal surgery. In all types of refractive surgery, the cornea is reshaped so that the rays of light are focused clearly on the retina. This laser produces a cool, ultraviolet beam of light which literally vaporizes tissue as it breaks carbon-carbon bonds. Tissue is removed in a precise fashion on a microscopic level. Each pulse of the laser removes 0.25 microns of tissue or 1/39 millionth of an inch. This allows the cornea to be reshaped gently and precisely into a more desirable shape. LASIK (Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis) is a two step procedure. First, the surgeon creates a micro-thin corneal flap using an ultra-fast, femtosecond laser that uses an infrared light beam. The flap is attached by a “hinge” and folded back from the rest of the cornea. In the second step, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. The laser treatment takes place in the corneal bed and the flap is replaced in its original position. The flap is guided into position by the eye’s natural suction ability. The procedure takes less than 10 minutes and is painless. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a procedure in which the front surface of the cornea is directly sculpted by the excimer laser. The surgeon prepares the eye by gently removing the surface layer of the eye known as the epithelium. This layer regenerates itself within a few days. Computer controlled pulses of the laser are directed onto the surface to reshape the cornea. Less than 10% of the cornea is affected with the deeper layers remaining virtually untouched. The whole procedure takes less than ten minutes and is painless. A Comparison Both PRK and LASIK are refractive procedures that utilize the precision of the excimer laser. Below is a chart outlining a brief comparison of PRK and LASIK. Because LASIK affords faster visual recovery with less discomfort than PRK, the procedure of choice at the Laser Eye Center of Hawaii is LASIK. For patients with central scarring or corneal thickness considered too thin, PRK is a possible option. Although no doctor can promise 20/20 vision without correction, 98% of our typical myopic patients achieve vision within two or three lines of 20/20 without correction after having refractive surgery.