PRK
The same excimer laser used to correct vision in LASIK is used for PRK. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve the creation of a flap in the cornea. In both LASIK and PRK, Dr. Mandel reshapes the tissue beneath the epithelium, the very thin top layer of the cornea. In PRK, the epithelium is removed. Because the epithelium is affected, the healing time is longer with PRK than with LASIK. Patients usually have to wear a bandage contact lens for five to eight days following the laser eye surgery, during which time the vision is somewhat blurred. In addition, steroid eye drops are used, and Vitamin C tablets are taken for up to one year.
Dr. Mandel explains the differences between LASIK eye surgery and PRK eye surgery in the video below: