Femto LASIK or PRK: Am I A Good Candidate?

Ready for laser eye surgery? If so, you’ve probably been trying to decide whether you’re a stronger candidate for Femto LASIK or PRK. This post will tell you what you need to know to make sure you meet the basic requirements for laser eye surgery and then provide some general guidance on qualifying for Femto LASIK and PRK.

General Guidelines for Laser Eye Surgery Readiness

Whether it’s Femto LASIK or PRK, there are a few baseline criteria that determine whether you’re a good candidate for these laser eye surgeries:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Not pregnant or nursing
  • Stable prescription for at least one year
  • Free from eye injuries and infection for at least one year
  • Not suffering from dry eye syndrome

This is not an exhaustive list, but you’ll want to make sure you check these boxes before you move forward.

Am I A Good Candidate for PRK?

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is the original laser eye surgery. What makes it unique is how the surgeon uses an alcohol solution or laser to remove the outer corneal layer and gain access to the cornea itself. While this makes for a longer recovery time⏤anywhere from two to six weeks⏤the elimination of the need for a corneal flap makes PRK a solid option for people involved in high impact hobbies like contact sports, or careers that run the risk of eye injury like construction or manufacturing.

Other elements that might make PRK more appealing:

  • Many types of LASIK require a thick cornea in order to be safe and effective. If you have a thin cornea, PRK may be the better choice.
  • PRK is the best choice for severe myopia (nearsightedness).

Am I A Good Candidate Femto LASIK?

Femto LASIK is one of the most commonly performed laser eye surgeries. During the Femto LASIK procedure, the surgeon will create a small flap of corneal tissue which is folded back so that a laser can reshape your cornea and correct your vision. Most people are happy to choose Femto LASIK because of the quick healing time: you are often able to return to work and daily activities only a day after your procedure.

Other elements that might make Femto LASIK more appealing:

  • Femto LASIK can treat mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
  • The precise flap means a reduced healing time, with better quality of vision following surgery. 

How To Make The Best Decision

The best way to know for sure whether Femto or PRK will fit your unique needs is to book your free laser eye surgery consultation with a surgeon. We’ll walk you through all of your options, give you our professional recommendation and you’ll also get to discuss any questions you may have. We can’t wait to hear from you!