Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Can you get PRK After LASIK? Understanding LASIK Enhancement.
Can you get PRK after LASIK? And if so, why would you want to? The vast majority of patients report permanently improved vision after LASIK surgery. However, there are a few rare cases in which someone may need additional eye treatment to reach their optimal vision.
That’s where LASIK enhancements come in, including PRK enhancement surgery. Learn about when the top LASIK surgeons in Houston advocate for PRK enhancement, how PRK is different from LASIK surgery, and more.
How is PRK different from LASIK surgery?
PRK enhancement after LASIK surgery is rarely needed. But if you decide to undergo a post-LASIK surgery eyesight enhancement, you and your ophthalmologist have several enhancement options to choose from: wearing contacts after LASIK, PRK after LASIK as an enhancement, and a LASIK enhancement.
If you opt for an enhancement procedure, you will likely ask yourself, “How is PRK different than LASIK surgery?” The most common way doctors discern whether to perform LASIK or PRK enhancements after LASIK recovery is by assessing the amount of time that has passed since the initial LASIK procedure.
LASIK enhancements
If you require vision enhancement within the first few months after your initial LASIK surgery, many ophthalmologists choose to perform a LASIK enhancement. LASIK typically requires less recovery time. LASIK enhancement requires that a surgeon re-lift the flap made during the original LASIK eye surgery.
PRK enhancements
The older the corneal flap gets, however, the higher the risk that re-lifting it would cause epithelial growth. Those in need of LASIK enhancement after 10 years may find that PRK enhancement is the better option for improved eyesight.
In PRK enhancement, your surgeon won’t lift your corneal flap but will remove the epithelial (outer) tissue of your cornea (which regenerates after your surgery) before commencing with the rest of your surgery.
So, can you get PRK after LASIK?
Absolutely. PRK enhancement surgery is very safe. However, your doctor will need to check that your eyes have an adequate amount of corneal thickness before performing PRK.
PRK enhancement recovery typically lasts a little longer than standard LASIK recovery (around one week). There are also minimal PRK enhancement risks: PRK enhancement surgery may be associated with increased chances of dealing with haze, but the use of topical mitomycin C has been shown to reduce this risk.
All of that said, the best way to improve your chances for a successful surgical recovery is to know what not to do after LASIK and/or PRK.
How often do you have to re-do LASIK eye surgery?
The results of LASIK eye surgery are typically permanent. If needed, adjustments are taken care of shortly after the original surgery or long after the procedure, when age has caused eyesight deteriorated. That said, it’s good to know that you do have the option for enhancements.
Are you considering LASIK enhancement?
Now that you know the answer to, “Can you have PRK after LASIK?” chances are you’re curious if you need PRK enhancement surgery? Or maybe you have other questions about LASIK, such as “Can LASIK correct astigmatism?” or even “Can you get LASIK after PRK?”
With experienced doctors and six convenient locations, Eye Center of Texas has everything you need to answer your questions about better vision. Don’t spend another day wishing for better vision—contact us today to schedule a consultation regarding PRK and LASIK in Houston.
Related resources
Related Articles
Financing Options Available
Apply today to find a financing option that meets your needs.
Our Locations
Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
Office: 713-395-1515
Fax: 713-357-7278
Pasadena
4415 Crenshaw RoadPasadena, TX 77504
Medical Office:
281-977-8800
Medical Fax:
281-977-8877
Sugar Land
15200 S.W. Freeway, Suite 130Sugar Land, TX 77478
Medical Office:
281-277-1010
Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
281-282-9152
Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
346-547-7070
Medical Fax:
281-214-2971
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
936-647-1610
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620