Can I undergo PRK surgery if my prescription is -5.5 diopters and -2.75 astigmatism in both eyes?

Question

My prescription is -5.5 diopters and -2.75 astigmatism in both eyes, both eyes have corneal thickness of 480 microns. I do not want to undergo anything other than PRK. I have had two consultations and one doctor recommended ICL, the other said I can have PRK and will have 370 microns of thickness left after surgery. Does this sound correct? How much cornea thickness do I need to correct -8.25 D with PRK?

Deepankur Mahajan, MD · Answer

PRK surgery can be done even with higher prescriptions but results start going down drastically especially with coexisting astigmatism. I would not like to do PRK in this prescription. ICL is better definitely if you are otherwise fit for procedure.

Samer Hamada, MD · Answer

A very good question!
Well, the direct answer to your question is that it depends on the type of laser performing PRK. Some are tissue hungry, others tissue saving! on average for each 1 D laser will take away 12-15 microns so in your case around 120 microns.I have a long and extensive experience with ICL and have performed the highest number of ICL in the UK in 2020. I would say ICL is way more safer than PRK and LASIK. Obviously, in your case LASIK is a no with thin corneas.
Samer HamadaConsultant Ophthalmic SurgeonCornea, Refractive Surgery, Cataract, LASIK, and Dry Eye DiseaseEye Clinic London

Can I undergo PRK surgery if my prescription is -5.5 diopters and -2.75 astigmatism in both eyes?

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