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PRK or Lasik for 8+ Myopia?

asked 8 months ago by Sam in Indy in Indianapolis, IN
Latest answer by Anthony J. Kameen, MD
Question viewed 287 times
Tags: alternative, candidate, myopia

I'm looking at getting lasik or PRK performed. My script reads (sph, cyl, ax) (-8.75, +2, 085) and (-8.00, +3.00, 080). My first consultation was last Saturday. With my correction, cornea shape, and pupil size, they recommended PRK. In response, I emailed PRK questions to my other clinics. One of them responded immediately that with over 5, they would not recommend PRK due to haze. They said that the first clinic had older lasers, which would not be sufficient lasik for me. Please help!

4 answers to PRK or Lasik for 8+ Myopia?

+1

PRK vs Lasik to Correct Myopia

It is important to know that both of these procedures are excellent at correcting this level of nearsightedness. As with anything in life, there are things to consider with each that might make one choose one over the other. PRK involves the removal of the epithelial layer of the cornea, then the laser pattern is applied and a bandage contact lens is placed in the eye for about 4 days while the surface recovers. Lasik, on the other hand, involves lifting up this outer layer(I create a... more
Anthony J. Kameen, MD

Baltimore Ophthalmologist

www.kameen.com

+1

Lasek lasik epilasek for high hyperopia

Since your myopia is very high, i would suggest you avoid getting LASIK, because your residual stromal thickness, which is the amount of untouched cornea, would be very close to 250 microns, which is the absolute lower limit of safety after LASIK, or else you risk developing KC, for which you might need a corneal transplant, and is the #1 reason surgeons are losing lawsuits after LASIK this is why i switched from performing LASIK to LASEK/epiLASEK, as by not cutting a flap, you save... more
Emil Chynn, MD

New York Ophthalmologist

www.ParkAvenueLasek.com

+1

LASIK vs PRK (LASEK)

First off your spherical equivalent would be -7.75 right eye and -6.50 left eye. LASIK candidacy would ultimately be dependant on your corneal thickness and curveature. Is there enoug tissue to treat? Is your cornea steep enough to treat? Surface treatments such as PRK or LASEK would preserve more corneal treatment. There is a slower healing process, but if done with mitomycin c (MMC) would have minimal haze risk. LASIK would provide a faster recovery... more
Cary M. Silverman, MD

West Orange Ophthalmologist
+1

Lasik vs prk for -8 myopia

Without knowing your corneal thickness or the appearance of your corneal topography, it is difficult to comment on your situation specifically. In general, for a surgeon who does both lasik and prk, lasik would be preferable for higher levels of myopia because healing is more predictable. However, relatively thin corneas and some topography patterns would tilt things in the direction of surface ablation (PRK, lasek). If you have any uncertainty about how to proceed, it's probably a good... more
Howard S. Kornstein, MD

White Plains Ophthalmologist

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