Dear Doctors,
I'm considering either Lasik or PRK to correct my vision. I have -6.0 (left) and -6.5 (right)near sightedness, and also 1.50(left) 1.75(right) astigmatism. Due to insufficient thickness of my cornea to perform Spot Scanning Laser Lasik, my doctor suggests either Spot Scanning PRK or Broad Beam Lasik. My pupil size is small enough to be covered by broad beam lasers. How do I compare the 2 operations and arrive at a better decision?

Thank you very much for your advice.

Best regards,
Jeffrey Sheh

One key to find out is if you have LASIK, will there be enough room for an enhancement if you end up needing more treatment in the future. Although the risk of an enhancement is typically low (1-15% depending on many factors), you are at higher risk of an enhancement compared to a person with less myopia.
As for clinical results - both PRK and LASIK offer excellent visual results. Obviously there are risks with both procedures, and you need to discuss the risks in detail with your surgeon.
I hope this helps

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

I am considering having lasik surgery. I have found two surgeons that I am comfortable with. One has done more lasik proceedures than they other and that is his specialty. The other is a general eye surgeon who specailizes in corneal transplants. The second surgeon has done in excess of 1,000 lasik proceedure. The first surgeon's brochoure states that he uses a laser that is stationary and not moved from facility to facilty. He uses a VISX STAR S4 WavePrint System. The second uses the same laser that is moved from out patient facility to facility. #2 states that it is moved with a certified tech to make sure every thing is calibrated and says his way is better as the newest software is always used. Any comments on whether moving the laser can cause a problem?

Thanks
CM