PRK for Thin Cornea and Dry Eye?

It is very common for PRK to be reserved for eyes with thinner than average corneas. PRK has been shown to cause less dry eye postoperatively. This is thought to be because there is no temporary disruption of corneal nerves as with the LASIK flap (nerves regenerate over 6 month period, but during this time LASIK patients may experience more dry eye)PRK is very safe, effective and stable over time.The drawback of slightly prolonged visual recovery is well worth the benefits of gaining excellent vision a few weeks after the procedure.

I’ve performed 1,000 PRKs, 5,000 LASIKs & 20,000 LASEKs  100% there is less dryness after a surface ablation than after LASIKthe cornea never heals after LASIK. I’ve been doing this for 25 years. Every experienced refractive surgeon has seen someone who’s had LASIK a decade ago get it in the eye & the flap comes back up. It’s only held in place by a glue-like extracurricular matrix +  the skin of your eye. No true wound healing at all. Proven by SEMGet LASEK in 2020. I did my last PRK in 1998.

While thin cornea is most definitely an indication for PRK as opposed to Lasik, I have not personally seen a difference in the degree of dryness induced following PRK as compared to that of Lasik  

PRK uses less cornea than LASIK and causes less dry eye. The outcomes are the same or better. If you are a candidate for PRK and can tolerate the initial discomfort and blurred vision, it is at least as good as having LASIK.

While PRK is preferable over conventional Lasik for those with thinner corneas, newer all laser Lasik surgeries like RelEx SMILE have made laser vision possible for many of those who were advised against conventional Lasik. You could discuss with your ophthalmologist if they offer surgeries like SMILE and if your cornea is suitable for it.