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Side by Side comparison of RK, PRK and LASIK ___________________________________________________________   RK   PRK   LASIK   Incisional Technique   Laser Technique   Laser Technique               Incisions   Spares central cornea   Laser on surface in center of cornea   Laser under flap in center of cornea   Does not disrupt covering tissue   Covering tissue removed at start, must heal   Covering tissue not removed, flap cut with microkeratome Surgeon skill   High   Low   Medium Cost   Low   Moderate   Most expensive Visual recovery   Fast (few days)   Slower: 1-2 months   Fast (few days) Bilateral surgery?   NO   NO   YES (increased risk) Range of refractive error:   Low myopia   Best for low to moderate myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism   Low to high myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism Night vision problems:   Starburst (usually transient)   Glare, haloes (usually transient)   Glare, haloes (usually transient) Ease of enhancement:   Moderate   More difficult   Least difficult Unique side effects:   Progressive effect (may become farsighted)   Haze and scarring   Flap complications Structurally weakens eye:   YES   NO   NO Altitude can effect:   YES   NO   NO Back to top ___________________________________________________________