Did you know that over 40,000 refractive laser surgeries have been performed at the Mater Private since 1992?

​

 We offer the most up to date bladeless Femtosecond LASIK and transepithelial ( no touch) PRK Laser

​

​​

 

1. What Are These Procedures?

​

Femtosecond LASIK

Femtosecond LASIK is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea

to correct vision. A very precise femtosecond laser creates a thin

corneal flap; a second laser (excimer laser) reshapes the underlying

corneal tissue. The flap is then replaced.

​

 

​​

Transepithelial ( no touch) PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK also reshapes the cornea but does not involve a flap.

Instead, the surface corneal layer (epithelium) is gently

removed by laser, and then the laser reshapes the cornea,

and the epithelium regrows over the following days.

​

 

2. What Vision Problems Do They Treat?

Both femtosecond LASIK and PRK can correct:

• Myopia (short-sightedness)

• Hyperopia (long-sightedness)

• Astigmatism

• Presbyopia options may require blended vision/monovision

 

3. Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be suitable if you:

• Are 18 years or older

• Have a stable glasses/contact lens prescription for 12+ months

• Have healthy eyes and no active eye disease

• Have a suitable corneal thickness (LASIK requires more; PRK is suitable for thinner corneas)

• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have realistic expectations

PRK may be preferred if you:

• Have thinner corneas

• Have a history of dry eyes

• Engage in high-impact sports where flap injuries are a risk (military, boxing, martial arts)

LASIK may be preferred if you:

• Want faster recovery

• Have adequate corneal thickness

• Want less discomfort after surgery

 

4. Benefits of Femtosecond LASIK

• Fast visual recovery (usually within 24–48 hours)

• Minimal discomfort after surgery

• High accuracy and precision with femtosecond technology

• Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better

• Stable results

• Both eyes treated on the same day

 

5. Benefits of PRK

• No corneal flap → no risk of flap complications

• Suitable for thin or irregular corneas

• Good option for people with high physical activity

• Lower risk of post-LASIK dry eye

• Long-term visual results similar to LASIK

 

6. Risks and Possible Side Effects

Common (usually temporary)

• Dry eyes

• Light sensitivity

• Glare or halos around lights (especially at night)

• Mild discomfort (LASIK) or moderate discomfort for several days (PRK)

• Fluctuating vision during healing

Less Common

• Under-correction or over-correction (may need enhancement)

• Inflammation

• Infection

• Slow healing (more common in PRK)

• Difficulty with night vision during early recovery

• Corneal haze (mostly PRK; often mild and preventable)

Rare but Serious

• Ectasia (progressive corneal weakening)

• Permanent vision loss (very rare)

• Severe infection or scarring

 

7. Recovery Time

Femtosecond LASIK

• Functional vision: 1–2 days

• Return to driving: usually 24–48 hours

• Full healing: several weeks

PRK

• Functional vision: 3–7 days

• Return to driving: 4–7 days

• Full healing: 1–3 months (surface healing takes longer)

 

8. Before the Procedure

• Stop contact lens wear as advised (soft: 1 week; rigid: 2–4 weeks)

• Do not use eye makeup on the day of surgery

• Arrange transportation home

• Eat normally; no fasting required

 

9. After the Procedure

• Use prescribed eye drops as directed

• Avoid rubbing your eyes

• No swimming or hot tubs for 2 weeks

• Avoid eye makeup for 1 week (LASIK) or at least 2 weeks (PRK)

• Wear protective shields at night as instructed

• Expect scheduled follow-up appointments

 

10. Long-Term Outcomes

• Most patients remain glasses-free for many years

• Natural aging changes (such as presbyopia) still occur

• Some patients may require reading glasses later in life

 

11. When to Contact Your Doctor

• Increasing pain after the first day

• Sudden drop in vision

• Redness or discharge

• Persistent irritation

• Halos or glare that worsen over time

 

LASIK vs. PRK: Key Differences​​

 

Feature                                    LASIK                      PRK
Corneal flap?                          Yes                           No
Pain                                          Minimal                   Higher (early)
Recovery speed                      Fast (1–2 days)        Slow (days–weeks)
Dry eye risk                              Higher                     Lower
Good for thin corneas?          Usually no               Yes
Trauma safety                          Lower                      Higher
Final vision quality                  Same                       Same
 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

​