Experience the feeling of new eyes with PRK & LASEK
These specialized treatments are a safe and effective way to achieve clear vision, even if you aren’t a candidate for other laser procedures.
A-PRK & LASEK – what’s the difference?
The A-PRK (Advanced Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) are suitable alternatives to Femto-LASIK for people with a thin cornea. An A-PRK or LASEK can also be useful in sporting or professional situations. Both are surface treatments: the excimer laser does not work within the corneal layers as with LASIK methods, but on the corneal surface — the epithelium.
In the predecessor method, PRK (without the A), the uppermost corneal layer (the epithelium) was removed manually with an instrument. In advanced PRK & LASEK, the epithelium is softened with a special solution and removed. This produces a smoother, smaller treatment surface than manual removal. In other words, this is a development of the PRK surface treatment.
Find out in the free online suitability test whether you are a candidate for laser eye treatment!
The advantages of PRK & LASEK
Advantages of a surface treatment (PRK eye laser): faster wound healing (only 20–30 hours instead of 3–4 days)
The foreign-body sensation is shorter and less intense
A laser method particularly suitable for people with thin corneas
Reasons against PRK & LASEK treatment
Age under 18 years
Insufficient corneal thickness
Presence of a systemic disease (e.g. rheumatism, diabetes)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Eye disease (e.g. cataract / glaucoma)
Unstable refractive values (refractive error changing continuously, +/- 0.5 diopters per year)
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PRK & LASEK risks
Like any eye surgery, laser eye surgery carries certain risks and possible side effects. These can vary depending on the eye condition, the patient’s overall health and the chosen treatment method.
Thanks to technological advances and the expertise of our ophthalmologists, risks and side effects can be minimized. It is important to attend the follow-up appointments after the eye treatment.
PRK & LASEK Alternatives
If you find that a laser treatment (e.g. with the PRK eye laser) is not suitable for you, that does not mean you have to continue living with glasses or contact lenses.
In our laser eye centres we offer all modern correction options. A lens implant may be the right solution for you. We will find the most appropriate treatment for your needs. Learn more about eye laser costs.
The treatment steps at PRK & LASEK
On the day of treatment, the actual correction of refractive error using the PRK eye laser only takes a few seconds. Including preparation and pre‑/post‑operative examinations, you should plan to spend about two hours at our laser eye centre in Stuttgart or Karlsruhe.
Otherwise, you don’t need any special preparations for the day of A-PRK/LASEK. It is important that you do not drive immediately after the treatment.
More detailed information about your treatment process is available here or at our laser eye centre. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and pain in the treated eye.
The prescribed medications therefore include painkillers and sedatives as a precaution, which you can take if needed. Until the uppermost corneal layer has healed, the protective contact lens placed after the procedure remains in the eye.
A-PRK treatment:
Step 1: In A-PRK, the epithelium is softened with a special solution and removed.
Step 2: The excimer laser then ablates a precisely calculated portion of the cornea. This corrects your refractive error and starts your life without glasses.
Step 3: After the laser application, the treated area is covered with a protective contact lens until the epithelium has healed.
LASEK treatment:
Step 1: Unlike A-PRK, LASEK does not remove the epithelium; it is softened with a special solution and pushed to the side.
Step 2: The excimer laser then ablates a precisely calculated portion of the cornea. This corrects your refractive error and starts your life without glasses.
Step 3: After the laser application, the epithelium is repositioned and acts like a natural patch. As with A-PRK, a protective contact lens is then applied.
Back to a better quality of life in 4 steps
Start the suitability test
Take our non-binding online suitability test today to find out which laser procedure is right for you.
Preliminary examinations
Visit us in Stuttgart or Karlsruhe for a preliminary examination. Together we’ll find the ideal laser eye treatment for you.
Laser eye surgery
The treatment is carried out by our experienced ophthalmologists at the laser eye centre in Stuttgart or Karlsruhe and usually takes only about 20 minutes, depending on the method. Afterwards, you can enjoy your improved vision.
Follow-up
After a few days, you’ll typically have full visual acuity. Follow-up checks take place 1 day, 1 week, and 3 months after treatment.
FAQs on PRK and LASEK
What is the difference between A-PRK and LASEK?
A-PRK and LASEK are surface treatments for people with thin corneas. While in traditional PRK the uppermost corneal layer is removed manually, in A-PRK it is softened with a special solution, which leads to faster healing.
Who are A-PRK and LASEK suitable for?
These procedures are ideal for people with myopia up to -6 dpt, hyperopia up to +2 dpt and corneal astigmatism up to 4 dpt who are not suitable for LASIK. Treatment is not recommended for people under 18, those with insufficient corneal thickness, systemic conditions (e.g. rheumatism, diabetes), eye diseases (e.g. cataract, glaucoma), unstable refractive values, or during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
How much does PRK or LASEK treatment cost?
The costs for A-PRK and LASEK start at €990 per eye (up to 1 dpt) and from €1,400 per eye (from 1 dpt). You can also finance the treatment from €58 per month.
Reviewed by Doctor-medic Liliana-Iulia Bányai
With over 50,000 successful surgical procedures, the experienced team at Bányai Neue Augen specializes in eye surgery. Thanks to ongoing professional development and training, you can be confident you are in exceptionally competent hands.
Doctor-medic Liliana-Iulia Bányai & Dr. med. Daniel Bányai
