Why does one work better?
I believe the key to a great result when treating astigmatism is not whether PRK or Lasik is done, but the type of corrective laser that is used. Essentially, the terms PRK and Lasik refer to how the eye is prepared for the corrective laser and really have more to do with the speed of healing than the quality of the result. PRK is performed on the very outer surface of the eye and has a slightly slower recovery time when compared to Lasik, which is performed under a corneal flap. The corrective treatment is identical, whether PRK or Lasik is performed. My laser of preference for the best astigmatic results is the Wavelight Allegretto 400 hz laser. I have been using this laser for several years and have treated many complex prescriptions, including complex astigmatism, with amazing results and extremely low retreatment rates. My retreatment rates with the Visx Customvue laser were somewhat higher than the Wavelight, so I use it exclusively now. In the early days of Laser Vision Correction, astigmatism was not always so easy to correct. Modern laser systems have changed all of that and astigmatism correction is now a routine treatment that I perform everyday.
