LASIK vs PRK — Which Is Right for You?
(A practical guide from Saluja Eye Care Center Indore)
A new perspective — understanding the two most trusted procedures
Freedom from spectacles today comes mainly through LASIK and PRK, two highly reliable laser-based methods of reshaping the cornea.
Both are scientifically proven, time-tested, and deliver excellent visual outcomes when chosen correctly.
The difference lies not in “better or worse,” but in which suits your eye’s structure and lifestyle best.
At Saluja Eye Care Center, Dr. Praveen Saluja personally evaluates each cornea before recommending LASIK or PRK, ensuring that every decision balances safety, clarity, and long-term comfort.
LASIK — quick recovery, flap-based precision
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) involves creating a thin flap on the corneal surface, reshaping the underlying tissue with an excimer laser, and then replacing the flap.
Highlights
- Fast visual recovery — most patients resume normal work in 1–2 days.
- Minimal discomfort.
- Ideal for eyes with healthy corneal thickness and stable numbers.
Who benefits most
Professionals needing early return to routine, students, and individuals with adequate corneal strength and no surface dryness.
PRK — surface laser for strength and safety
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) removes the surface epithelial cells before reshaping the cornea.
No flap is created — the surface heals naturally in a few days.
Highlights
- Preferred for thinner corneas or surface irregularities.
- No flap-related issues, ideal for contact sports, defense, aviation.
- Slightly longer healing, but equally accurate end results.
Who benefits most
Those with borderline corneal thickness, active lifestyle, or jobs requiring higher structural stability.
Which gives better vision?
Both achieve 20/20 or better results when properly selected.
LASIK provides quicker clarity; PRK ensures greater tissue conservation.
Dr. Saluja focuses on personalized mapping — not a one-procedure-fits-all approach.
“Our goal is simple — choose the safest path to clear, natural vision that lasts for life.” — Dr. Praveen Saluja
Healing and after-care — what to expect
| Parameter | LASIK | PRK |
|---|---|---|
Discomfort |
Mild for few hours |
Slightly more for 2–3 days |
Visual recovery |
24–48 hours |
5–7 days |
Return to work |
2–3 days |
About a week |
Surface healing |
Flap replaced |
Epithelium regenerates |
UV protection |
Sunglasses for 2 weeks |
Mandatory for 1 month |
Tips for both:
Use prescribed lubricants, avoid rubbing eyes, limit screen time early, and wear UV-blocking glasses outdoors.
Choosing confidently
Dr. Saluja’s recommendation is always evidence-based and ethical.
Every patient undergoes corneal topography, pachymetry, and tear-film analysis before final decision.
If corneal strength is optimal, LASIK is preferred; if borderline or lifestyle demands extra safety, PRK becomes the wiser choice.
“Clarity is not just visual — it is also the clarity in choosing the right procedure.”
Key Patient FAQs
Both are extremely safe when performed on the right candidate. LASIK heals faster; PRK preserves more corneal tissue.
Both give permanent correction once power is stable.
Mild irritation or watering for a few days is normal; medication keeps it comfortable.
No — the procedure is chosen based on anatomy before surgery.
PRK is preferred due to its surface-based strength and absence of flap.
Our practice at Saluja Eye Care Center Indore
Each eye is unique.
We use advanced corneal wavefront mapping and topography-guided excimer systems that personalize laser ablation for highest precision.
Our goal is not just perfect numbers — but effortless vision that feels natural.
References
- AAO Clinical Update 2023 — Comparative Safety in LASIK and PRK.
- Indian J Ophthalmol 2022 — Healing Patterns Post PRK and LASIK.
- ESCRS Review 2024 — Refractive Surgery Outcomes in Asian Eyes.
- EyeWiki — Surface Ablation Techniques 2023.
- Front Ophthalmol 2022 — Patient Satisfaction and Dry-Eye Profiles Post-LASIK/PRK.
रिफ्रेक्टिव सर्जरी में LASIK और PRK का अंतर
(आपके लिए कौन-सी प्रक्रिया उपयुक्त है — डॉ. प्रवीण सलूजा की सलाह)
LASIK और PRK दोनों ही सुरक्षित और प्रभावी लेज़र सर्जरी हैं जो दृष्टि दोष को ठीक करती हैं।
अंतर केवल तकनीक का है — LASIK में कॉर्निया पर एक फ्लैप बनाकर लेज़र किया जाता है, जबकि PRK में ऊपरी परत हटाकर लेज़र किया जाता है।
LASIK का फायदा — तेज़ रिकवरी और आरामदायक अनुभव।
PRK का फायदा — पतली कॉर्निया या एक्टिव लाइफस्टाइल में अधिक सुरक्षा।
डॉ. सलूजा हर मरीज के कॉर्निया की मैपिंग करके व्यक्तिगत सलाह देते हैं, ताकि सर्जरी हमेशा सुरक्षित और दीर्घकालिक हो।
About Saluja Eye Care Center, Indore
Established in 2008, Saluja Eye Care Center is a NABH-accredited eye hospital in Indore, trusted for advanced cataract, glaucoma, retina, cornea, refractive and children’s eye care. We are consistently ranked among the top eye hospitals in Madhya Pradesh, delivering superior care with ethical, patient-centered service.
सालुजा आई केयर सेंटर, इंदौर के
बारे में
2008 में स्थापित, सालुजा आई केयर सेंटर इंदौर का NABH मान्यता प्राप्त नेत्र चिकित्सालय है, जहाँ मोतियाबिंद, ग्लूकोमा, रेटिना, कॉर्निया, रिफ्रैक्टिव और बच्चों की आँखों के लिए आधुनिक एवं सुरक्षित उपचार उपलब्ध हैं। मध्यप्रदेश के शीर्ष नेत्र केंद्रों में से एक, हमारा वचन है – नैतिक और मरीज-केंद्रित देखभाल।
Superior Care, Trustworthy Service (श्रेष्ठ चिकित्सा, विश्वसनीय सेवा)
For Appointments/अपॉइंटमेंट के लिए:
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM – 8 PM (By Prior Appointment)
समय: सोमवार से शनिवार, सुबह 11 से रात 8 बजे (पूर्व अपॉइंटमेंट पर)