Falls Church, Virginia –
As the demand for vision correction surgery continues to rise, Brusco Vision, a premier provider of advanced laser eye surgery in the Washington, D.C. area, has released a new article titled “What’s the Difference Between LASIK and PRK?” The comprehensive guide is designed to help prospective patients understand the key distinctions between LASIK and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), two of the most trusted procedures in modern refractive surgery. The piece offers an objective breakdown of both surgical methods, candidacy criteria, recovery experiences, and long-term outcomes, providing critical context for patients considering laser vision correction. With misinformation and confusion surrounding vision correction options still common, Brusco Vision is stepping forward to offer clarity, evidence-based comparisons, and a personalized approach to choosing the right procedure.
LASIK and PRK both correct common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea with a precise excimer laser. However, the way each procedure accesses the corneal tissue differs significantly. LASIK involves the creation of a thin flap in the cornea, which is lifted to allow laser reshaping beneath the surface. The flap is then repositioned and allowed to heal naturally. PRK, on the other hand, does not involve flap creation; instead, the outermost layer of the cornea—the epithelium—is gently removed before the laser is applied, and a bandage contact lens is placed to protect the eye during healing.
This distinction, while subtle in terms of surgical technique, leads to notable differences in patient experience. LASIK patients typically experience a faster visual recovery, often seeing improvement within 24 to 48 hours and returning to work within a day. PRK patients generally face a longer healing period, with blurry vision, light sensitivity, and discomfort lasting several days before gradual improvement. Full visual stability with PRK may take several weeks. Despite these differences, both procedures offer long-term results that are highly effective and comparable in visual acuity outcomes. The article emphasizes that individual eye anatomy and lifestyle considerations are the most important factors when determining the right approach.
One area where the article offers particular value to readers is its explanation of surgical candidacy. While LASIK is ideal for individuals with thicker corneas and lower to moderate refractive errors, PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas, irregular corneal surfaces, or those engaged in contact sports or high-impact activities where a flap may pose a risk. Patients with conditions such as dry eye syndrome may also be better suited for PRK, as LASIK can sometimes worsen dryness due to temporary disruption of corneal nerves. Other medical conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes and certain autoimmune diseases, may limit candidacy for either procedure. Dr. Michael Brusco, a board-certified refractive surgeon and founder of Brusco Vision, uses advanced diagnostic imaging and individualized assessment to guide each patient to the safest, most effective solution.
Cost is another factor that many patients weigh carefully. According to the article, LASIK is generally slightly more expensive than PRK due to the additional technology and surgical step involved in flap creation. At Brusco Vision, LASIK typically ranges from $2,200 to $3,500 per eye, while PRK costs usually fall between $2,200 and $3,200 per eye, although prices may vary depending on the technology used and services included. Both procedures are considered elective and are rarely covered by insurance, but Brusco Vision offers flexible financing options to help make either choice more accessible.
The article also addresses patient concerns regarding side effects, risk of infection, and long-term outcomes. LASIK patients may experience more dryness postoperatively, and while flap-related complications are rare, they remain a consideration for some. PRK patients may face more immediate postoperative discomfort and a slightly higher risk of surface-level infection while the epithelium regenerates. Still, when performed by an experienced surgeon and followed by proper post-operative care, both procedures have excellent safety profiles. Dr. Brusco and the Brusco Vision team prioritize patient education, comfort, and long-term success through every step of the process, offering extensive preoperative screening and personalized follow-up care.
Of particular interest to reporters covering health trends or innovations in ophthalmology, the article highlights how modern advancements in laser technology and diagnostics have minimized the impact of factors once considered limiting. For example, pupil size, which was once a major concern in determining LASIK candidacy, is no longer a disqualifier with today’s technology. Both LASIK and PRK now benefit from highly customized treatment plans using data from wavefront analysis and corneal topography, increasing the precision and predictability of results.
The article positions Dr. Brusco as a leader in personalized refractive care, underscoring his commitment to matching each patient with the right procedure—not just offering a one-size-fits-all solution. With a focus on optimizing long-term visual outcomes and patient safety, Brusco Vision is helping reshape how people approach their vision correction decisions. In a field where patients are often inundated with marketing claims and confusing jargon, Brusco Vision aims to simplify the decision-making process with expert guidance and clinically grounded recommendations.
Reporters interested in learning more about the differences between LASIK and PRK or seeking quotes from Dr. Brusco on the latest trends in refractive surgery can contact the Brusco Vision media team using the information below. Dr. Brusco is available for interviews on topics including laser vision correction, innovations in ophthalmic diagnostics, and patient-centered approaches to refractive surgery.
