I am scheduled for surgery this Wednesday and will be having PRK in my left eye and LASIK in my right eye. After 6 evaluations over the course of two years, I finally found a doctor that I felt was the most thorough in the examinations and treated my like a person, not just another patient going through the "turnstile". The cost for PRK and LASIK was the same regardless of prescription and includes 1 year of post op care and enhancements as necessary. (Wavefront is extra.)

After reading through numerous posts on these forums, I do have further questions that I intend to ask him. . .but I also wanted to get feedback here.
My prescription (for contacts) is -6.5D(Left) and -5.25D(right). My pupils are about 6mm and my corneas are around the 470-480um range. This was the first time LASIK (classic) was recommended for me (in my right eye only since the prescription wasn't as bad), and I'm assuming it's because of the use of Intralase vs. Microkeratome. The doctor has a VISX 4. . .does this machine have Intralase capabilities? Classic as opposed to wavefront was also recommended due to my thin corneas and relatively small pupils.

With the complications of LASIK and the flap/outcome compared with PRK, should I switch and have PRK done in both eyes instead? Pain isn't too much of an issue, I've been through childbirth twice. . .what could be worse? Also, I feel that my healing time may be faster since I'm young (30) and exercise regularly. I'm currently on Vitamin C 1000mg/day , and Doxycycline 50mg/day by prescription.

Is there more risk to a LASIK enhancement because of the flap? Is a 50% rate of need for enhancement within the first year typical?

I've spoken with those who've had wavefront procedures and the outcomes over time don't seem to be all that different.

Hi! I had PRK because my cornea was too thin (around 520) just like you. But if I knew before, I would have chosen PRK over Lasik because all the benefits of PRK : no flap, long-term effects are more known (compared to Lasik), no strie or infection under the flap, etc. Why bother with the risky business of a flap if you can have PRK for the same price? Also there are some known problem with Intralase. Look around on this forum.

About the pain, yes it is like having sands in your eyes for a week, and it takes longer to have 20/20 (after 2 months I am at 20/25 but it is still getting better every week). But in the long term, you are young, you will probably better appreciate the PRK. Also you can get an enhancement easier I think with PRK. If you get Lasik they have to use the old flap it they can.

Good luck! Don't forget to rest a lot during the first week, you will need it!

Daniel

I forgot the wavefront part! each case is different, but I would get what is best for my eyes. You will live with it the rest of your life!

Daniel