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PRK/Epi-LASIK
In PRK, an excimer laser is used directly on the surface of the eye to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism after the outer layer of the cornea is removed with the excimer laser. In Epi-LASIK, the corneal epithelial flap is created with the microkeratome and the laser is ablated to the underlying cornea. For patients with thin corneas or those who participate in boxing activities, PRK and Epi-LASIK have proven very effective.
PRK and Epi-LASIK Suitability
PRK and Epi-LASIK procedures are particularly suitable for the following candidates:
- those who participate in boxing activities; or
- those with thin corneas who are not suitable for LASIK
Advantages and Disadvantages of PRK and Epi-LASIK
| PRK | |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Because PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap, patients who undergo this procedure will in their lifetime never experience any misalignment of the flap or wrinkles due to impact to the eye. Patients who are unable to undergo LASIK due to inadequate corneal thickness may receive PRK. |
| Disadvantages | Patients who undergo PRK may experience some pain before the removed epithelial cells regenerate. After PRK, it may take anywhere from one week to several months for vision to stabilize because of epithelial cell regeneration. Some patients may also experience corneal opacity called haze. |
| Epi - LASIK | |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Because Epi-LASIK requires only a corneal epithelial flap, the refractive power will not be affected even when the flap misaligns as a result of an impact to the eye. Even patients who have inadequate corneal thickness may undergo Epi-LASIK. |
| Disadvantages | Because the corneal flap is very thin, patients who undergo Epi-LASIK wear contact lenses after the procedure as with those who underwent PRK. After an Epi-LASIK procedure, it may take anywhere from one week to several months for vision to stabilize because of epithelial cell regeneration. Some patients may also experience corneal opacity called haze. |
PRK and Epi-LASIK Surgical Procedure
PRK Surgical Procedure
The top layer (epithelium) of the cornea is removed with an excimer laser to prepare the eye for treatment. The excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. After treatment, a contact lens is placed on the cornea as a bandage for about three days.
Epi-LASIK Surgical Procedure
First, the top layer (epithelium) flap of the cornea is created with a microkeratome. The flap is lifted to expose the underlying cornea. The excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. After treatment, the epithelium flap is replaced on the cornea and a bandage contact lens is placed on the cornea.
Prices
The cost of PRK surgery on one eye is 170,000 JPY which includes consumption tax. The cost of Epi-LASIK surgery on one eye is 170,000 JPY and on both eyes is 330,000 JPY, which includes consumption tax.
