PRK vs LASEK in Turkey: Understanding Surface Laser Eye Surgery
Quick Answer
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy) are two surface laser vision correction procedures that reshape the cornea without creating a corneal flap. Both can effectively treat myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism. Today, modern TransPRK (No-Touch Laser) has replaced LASEK in many clinics because it simplifies the procedure and avoids manual handling of the corneal surface. Nevertheless, PRK remains an excellent option for carefully selected patients.
What Are PRK and LASEK?
Before the development of Femto LASIK and SMILE Pro, surface laser procedures were the standard way to correct refractive errors.
Unlike LASIK, which creates a corneal flap, PRK and LASEK reshape the surface of the cornea.
Because no flap is created, these procedures preserve the natural anatomy of the anterior cornea and eliminate flap-related complications.
Although newer techniques have become available, PRK still has an important role in modern refractive surgery.
What Is PRK?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the first widely accepted laser vision correction procedure and has been performed successfully for more than three decades.
During PRK:
- The thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed.
- An excimer laser reshapes the cornea.
- A soft bandage contact lens protects the eye while the epithelium regenerates naturally.
The epithelium usually heals within several days.
Although recovery takes longer than Femto LASIK or SMILE Pro, long-term visual results are excellent.
What Is LASEK?
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy) was developed as a variation of PRK.
Instead of completely removing the epithelium, the surgeon loosens it with a diluted alcohol solution and gently moves it aside before laser treatment.
After the cornea has been reshaped, the epithelial layer is repositioned.
The original idea was to reduce discomfort and accelerate healing.
However, clinical studies have shown that long-term visual outcomes are very similar to PRK.
For this reason, LASEK has become much less common in recent years.
How Are They Different?
The main difference lies in the treatment of the epithelium.
| PRK | LASEK |
|---|---|
| Epithelium is removed | Epithelium is loosened and repositioned |
| No alcohol required | Alcohol solution is used |
| Simpler technique | More surgical steps |
| Widely performed | Less commonly performed today |
| Excellent long-term results | Similar long-term results |
Although the surgical approach differs slightly, patients can generally expect comparable visual outcomes.
Why Are PRK and LASEK Still Performed?
Many people assume that newer procedures automatically replace older ones.
In reality, every laser technique has specific indications.
Surface laser procedures remain valuable because they:
- Avoid creating a corneal flap
- Preserve more anterior corneal tissue
- Eliminate flap-related complications
- Are suitable for selected corneal characteristics
- Can be appropriate for certain occupations or sports
For some patients, PRK remains the safest option.
What Can PRK and LASEK Treat?
Both procedures can correct:
- Myopia
- Hyperopia
- Astigmatism
- Mixed refractive errors
The amount of correction depends on your prescription, corneal thickness and overall eye health.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Surface laser procedures may be recommended if you:
- Have healthy eyes
- Have a stable prescription
- Prefer a flap-free procedure
- Have corneal characteristics that favour surface treatment
- Understand that recovery takes longer than with Femto LASIK or SMILE Pro
Only a comprehensive examination can determine the most appropriate procedure.
Advantages of PRK and LASEK
No Corneal Flap
Neither procedure creates a flap.
This eliminates flap-related complications that, although uncommon, can occur after LASIK.
Long-Term Stability
Both procedures have excellent long-term clinical results and continue to be trusted worldwide.
Suitable for Selected Corneas
Patients who are not ideal candidates for Femto LASIK may still be suitable for surface laser treatment.
Excellent Visual Outcomes
When performed on carefully selected patients, PRK and LASEK provide highly predictable vision correction.
Disadvantages
Compared with Femto LASIK and SMILE Pro:
- Recovery is slower.
- Temporary discomfort is greater.
- Vision improves more gradually.
- The bandage contact lens is usually worn for several days.
These disadvantages are temporary, while the long-term visual outcomes remain excellent.
PRK vs LASEK
This is one of the most frequently asked questions.
For most patients, the long-term results are almost identical.
The main difference is the surgical technique rather than the final visual outcome.
Today, many refractive surgeons perform PRK or TransPRK instead of LASEK because these procedures simplify treatment while providing equally excellent results.
PRK vs TransPRK
Both are surface laser procedures.
Traditional PRK removes the epithelium mechanically.
TransPRK removes it with the laser itself.
Because TransPRK is a completely laser-based procedure, many modern refractive surgeons now prefer it over conventional PRK.
PRK vs Femto LASIK
Femto LASIK generally offers:
- Faster recovery
- Less discomfort
- Earlier return to work
PRK offers:
- No flap
- Excellent long-term outcomes
- A valuable option for selected corneal characteristics
Neither procedure is universally better.
PRK vs SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro has become increasingly popular because of its rapid recovery and minimally invasive technique.
However, PRK remains an excellent solution for selected patients.
The right procedure depends on your eyes—not on current trends.
What Happens During Surgery?
The procedure is performed under anaesthetic eye drops.
The surgeon removes or prepares the epithelial layer, the excimer laser reshapes the cornea, and a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye.
Both eyes are usually treated during the same session.
Recovery
Recovery requires patience.
Most patients experience:
- Light sensitivity
- Watering
- Foreign body sensation
- Mild to moderate discomfort for several days
Vision improves gradually over the following weeks.
Although recovery is slower than flap-based procedures, long-term results are comparable.
Why Choose Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital?
Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu has been performing refractive surgery since 1992.
Every patient receives a detailed examination before treatment.
Rather than recommending one procedure for everyone, we evaluate:
- Corneal thickness
- Corneal topography
- Tear film quality
- Prescription
- Occupation
- Lifestyle
- Long-term visual expectations
Our goal is to recommend the treatment that offers the safest and most predictable outcome.
Professor’s Perspective
“PRK was the first laser vision correction procedure I performed early in my refractive surgery career. Even after the introduction of Femto LASIK and SMILE Pro, PRK has never disappeared. It continues to be an excellent procedure for selected patients. Modern technology gives us more choices, but careful patient selection remains the most important factor in achieving excellent results.”
— Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRK painful?
Some discomfort is expected during the first few days while the corneal surface heals.
Is LASEK better than PRK?
Neither procedure has been shown to provide consistently better long-term vision. The difference lies mainly in surgical technique.
Why is PRK still performed?
Because it remains one of the safest and most effective options for selected patients.
Is recovery slower than LASIK?
Yes. Surface laser procedures require more healing time.
Can PRK treat astigmatism?
Yes. It can effectively correct many forms of astigmatism.
Can I have cataract surgery later?
Yes. Previous PRK or LASEK does not prevent cataract surgery in the future.
Quick Answers
What is PRK?
PRK is a surface laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea after removing the outer epithelial layer.
What is LASEK?
LASEK is a variation of PRK in which the epithelium is loosened with alcohol and repositioned after laser treatment.
Is PRK permanent?
Yes. The corneal reshaping is permanent, although natural ageing of the eye continues throughout life.
Is LASEK still performed?
Yes, but much less frequently than in the past. Many surgeons now prefer TransPRK or PRK because of their simplicity and predictable outcomes.
Is PRK safer than LASIK?
Both procedures have excellent safety profiles when performed on suitable candidates. The best option depends on the individual patient.
Which is better: PRK or LASEK?
For most patients, long-term visual results are very similar. Today, PRK and especially TransPRK are more commonly performed than LASEK.
Can patients with thin corneas have PRK?
Some patients with relatively thin corneas may be suitable, depending on detailed corneal measurements and the amount of correction required.
Does PRK require a flap?
No. One of the defining features of PRK is that it does not involve creating a corneal flap.
