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Are you thinking of freeing yourself from glasses or contact lenses? Laser refractive surgery corrects myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Two techniques dominate: the LASIK and the PRK. Here is how they work, their differences, and how to know which suits your eyes.
The principle of refractive surgery
In a myopic, hyperopic or astigmatic eye, light rays do not focus exactly on the retina. Refractive surgery uses a high-precision laser to reshape the cornea and correct this optical defect. The goal: clear vision without correction in the great majority of cases.
LASIK: the most performed technique
LASIK consists of creating a thin flap in the thickness of the cornea, applying the laser underneath, then repositioning the flap — without sutures.
- Fast recovery : vision often clear by the next day;
- Minimal discomfort : a few hours of tingling;
- Both eyes are treated in the same session;
- Requires a sufficiently thick and regular cornea.
PRK: the surface technique
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) applies the laser directly to the surface of the cornea, after removing its thin superficial layer (which grows back naturally in a few days).
- No corneal flap : worthwhile for thinner corneas;
- Indicated for certain profiles or activities (contact sports, jobs with impact risk);
- More gradual recovery: discomfort for 2 to 4 days, vision sharpening over a few weeks;
- Final result comparable to LASIK in the great majority of cases.
LASIK or PRK: how to choose?
It is not a question of a “better” technique in absolute terms: it is your cornea that decides. The choice depends on its thickness, its shape (topography), your correction, your age and your lifestyle.
That is why a complete preoperative work-up is essential: corneal topography to rule out early keratoconus, measurement of corneal thickness, study of dry eye and of the correction. This work-up determines whether you are a good candidate, and with which technique.
Frequently asked questions
Is the operation painful?
It is performed under local anesthesia with drops. LASIK causes a few hours of discomfort; PRK a discomfort of a few days, during healing.
From what age can one have surgery?
Generally from age 20-21, provided the correction has been stable for at least one to two years.
And if I’m not eligible for laser?
Other solutions exist depending on the case, such as ICL implants. The work-up makes it possible to discuss them precisely.
Your refractive surgery work-up in Fez, Morocco
The Dr Oulehri Hassan eye-care centre in Fez carries out the complete refractive surgery work-up — corneal topography and advanced eye imaging — to determine the safest technique for your eyes.
Want a life without glasses? Book an appointment for your work-up or contact us at 0532-023012 / 0615-557141 (WhatsApp).