LASEK and PRK

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Farmington Hills, Garden City and Rochester Hills, MI

Laser eye surgery is a game-changer for patients with refractive errors. Two major procedures are LASEK and PRK, which focus on reshaping the cornea to help light focus properly on the retina. (1) Both procedures aim to deliver clear vision, reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses. These methods use precise excimer laser technology to provide safe and effective correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, offering patients sharp, exceptional vision.

These procedures have many similarities, and sometimes their names are even used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences involving the epithelium: PRK removes the epithelium, while LASEK preserves and replaces it.

Dr. Mazin Yaldo, a board-certified ophthalmologist and one of Michigan’s most experienced refractive surgeons, performs both LASEK and PRK at Yaldo Eye Center. With offices in Farmington Hills, Garden City, and Rochester Hills, Dr. Yaldo and his team combine advanced laser technology with decades of surgical expertise to achieve clear, stable results. Having performed more than 30,000 laser vision correction procedures, Dr. Yaldo’s precision, safety, and commitment to patient-centered care have earned him wide recognition.

To learn whether LASEK or PRK is the best choice for your vision goals, schedule a personal consultation online or call (248) 553-9800.

About LASEK and PRK

Both LASEK and PRK correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea so that light focuses accurately on the retina. The main difference lies in how they handle the epithelium during surgery.

PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy, was the first laser vision correction procedure introduced in the late 1980s. When performing PRK, ophthalmologists remove the thin epithelial layer to expose the cornea, then reshape it with an excimer laser. After making the necessary adjustments, they place a soft contact lens over the cornea to protect it as the epithelium naturally regenerates over several days. (2)

LASEK, which stands for Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis, is a refinement of PRK that emerged in the late 1990s. In this approach, the surgeon loosens the epithelial layer with a diluted alcohol solution, folds it back during laser treatment, and then repositions it afterward. (3) This method preserves more of the cornea’s surface and can lead to faster healing and reduced post-operative discomfort compared to traditional PRK. (1)

In its early stages, PRK had a potential side effect known as corneal haze that sometimes developed as the eye healed. Modern techniques have largely eliminated this concern. Surgeons now apply a medication called Mitomycin-C (MMC) during the procedure to prevent haze formation and improve recovery. With these advancements, ophthalmologists now consider LASEK and PRK equally effective and safe, with minimal risk and positive long-term stability.

Benefits

Under Dr. Yaldo’s expert care, our patients experience improvements through:

  • Corrected nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
  • Long-lasting, stable results that remain clear for years
  • Greatly reduced or eliminated need for glasses or contact lenses
  • Enhanced vision clarity, contrast, and color perception
  • Use of advanced laser technology tailored to each patient’s corneal profile
  • Safety for patients with thin or irregular corneas
  • Ability for active patients to pursue sports and physical activities without concern for flap-related complications

These benefits make LASEK and PRK excellent choices for patients who want clear vision and a reliable, long-term solution to refractive errors.

Ideal Candidates

Patients who are interested in LASEK or PRK should meet certain health and vision criteria to achieve optimal results. Dr. Yaldo or a member of the Yaldo Eye Center staff will determine if you are an eligible candidate for these treatments during your personal consultation, but ideal candidates tend to include:

  • Adults 18 years or older who have had a consistent vision prescription for at least one year
  • Individuals with healthy corneas free from conditions such as keratoconus or glaucoma
  • People seeking to reduce or eliminate dependence on corrective eyewear
  • Patients who are not pregnant or nursing
  • Those without autoimmune disorders that could affect healing
  • Individuals with thinner corneas who may not qualify for flap-based surgery
  • Patients looking for permanent, safe, and effective correction for refractive errors

Personal Consultation

A comprehensive consultation at Yaldo Eye Center is the first step toward achieving clear, natural vision. During this appointment, Dr. Yaldo or a member of his team will perform a complete eye examination to assess factors such as your corneal thickness, curvature, and prescription. We will use advanced imaging technology to determine whether you are a better candidate for LASEK or PRK.

Dr. Yaldo will explain both procedures in detail, review the preparation process, and answer all your questions, then personalize a treatment plan toward your goals.

To schedule your personal consultation and start planning your treatment, contact Yaldo Eye Center online or call (248) 553-9800.

Preparation

Preparing for LASEK or PRK is a relatively seamless and straightforward process, but it is essential for achieving optimal results. We ask patients to remove contact lenses several days before the procedure to allow the cornea to return to its natural shape. Dr. Yaldo may prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eyedrops before treatment to minimize the risk of infection or irritation.

On the day of your treatment, you should arrange for transportation, as you will not be able to drive immediately after the procedure. You should also avoid using makeup, lotions, or perfumes that could interfere with the surgical environment. The Yaldo Eye Center staff will review all pre-operative instructions and ensure that you feel comfortable and well-prepared before treatment.

Procedure

Both LASEK and PRK are outpatient procedures that we perform with local anesthetic eyedrops. The treatment typically takes about fifteen minutes per eye. Dr. Yaldo performs both procedures with advanced technology that ensures precision and consistency. The use of wavefront-guided and topography-guided laser systems allows for highly personalized corrections based on each patient’s eye structure.

In PRK, Dr. Yaldo removes the thin epithelial layer of the cornea to expose the surface for laser reshaping. An excimer laser then sculpts the cornea to correct vision errors. Afterward, we place a clear, soft contact lens on the eye to protect it as the epithelium naturally heals over several days. In LASEK, Dr. Yaldo loosens the epithelial layer using a mild alcohol solution and gently moves it aside before applying the laser. After reshaping the cornea, he carefully repositions the epithelial layer and places a contact lens to protect the eye during healing.

Recovery

Patients generally tolerate both LASEK and PRK recovery well. Patients may experience mild sensitivity, watering, or blurriness during the first few days following the procedure. Most individuals return to normal activities within a week, and visual clarity continues to improve over the following days and weeks.

Dr. Yaldo and his team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and resources, including medicated eyedrops to support healing and prevent infection. We recommend wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from bright light and UV exposure. We will also schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and ensure that your vision stabilizes as expected.

Results

As with any treatment, results will differ for each patient, but many of Dr. Yaldo’s patients achieve excellent vision, often 20/20 or better, depending on their initial prescription. The results are long-lasting, as the cornea retains its new shape permanently. These treatments not only improve vision but also have the potential to enhance overall quality of life, allowing patients to work, drive, and engage in activities without glasses or contact lenses.

Once healing is complete, patients often report sharper color perception and improved contrast sensitivity. Because LASEK and PRK do not create a corneal flap, results maintain strong structural integrity, making them ideal for those who value both safety and durability in their correction.

Cost of LASEK and PRK in Michigan

The cost of LASEK and PRK varies based on factors such as treatment complexity, the technology we use, and whether we treat one or both eyes. After establishing your treatment plan, Dr. Yaldo will give you a detailed price estimate and discuss available financing options.

Schedule your consultation today to explore the cost of your LASEK or PRK treatment. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call any of our locations at (248) 553-9800.

FAQ

Are LASEK and PRK painful?

We perform both procedures with numbing drops to ensure comfort. Mild irritation or dryness may occur during recovery, but most patients describe it as minimal/manageable.

How long do LASEK or PRK results last?

The vision correction we achieve with LASEK and PRK is permanent. Aging-related changes may occur later, but the reshaped cornea remains stable.

Which is better, LASEK or PRK?

The choice depends on corneal thickness, lifestyle, and eye health. Dr. Yaldo will help determine which method best fits your visual goals.

How soon will I see results from LASEK or PRK?

Most patients notice improvement within a few days, with continued vision improvements as the eyes fully heal.

Can I treat both eyes simultaneously with LASEK or PRK?

Yes. We typically treat both eyes in the same session for convenience and balanced recovery.

References

  1. Li SM, Zhan S, Li SY, et al. Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) versus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for correction of myopia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Published online February 22, 2016. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd009799.pub2
  2. Somani SN, Majid Moshirfar, Patel BC. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK). Nih.gov. Published October 29, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549887/
  3. Joffe SN. The 25th Anniversary of Laser Vision Correction in the United States. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2021;Volume 15:1163-1172. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/opth.s299752