LASIK

LASIK

LASIK2026-04-20T15:31:34-04:00

LASIK & PRK Vision Correction in Wilmington, DE

Many patients search for LASIK in Wilmington, DE, but at Eye Physicians & Surgeons, P.A., we prioritize a safer, flap‑free alternative: PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). PRK delivers the same outstanding visual results as LASIK—often 20/20 or better—without the risks associated with creating a corneal flap.

Dr. Jeffrey Minkovitz, one of Delaware’s most respected laser eye surgeons, has more than 25 years of experience performing advanced laser vision correction and was among the first in the nation to offer PRK after FDA approval.

Why PRK Can Be a Better Option Than LASIK

PRK offers several important benefits over LASIK, especially for patients who want a safer, more stable form of laser vision correction. Because PRK does not require creating a corneal flap, it eliminates flap‑related complications and is often the preferred option for individuals with thin corneas, irregular corneal surfaces, or active lifestyles. PRK also preserves more corneal tissue and typically results in fewer long‑term dry eye symptoms. Although the recovery period is longer, PRK delivers the same outstanding visual outcomes as LASIK, making it a highly effective choice for patients seeking long‑term clarity, corneal stability, and reduced risk. These advantages make PRK a strong alternative for many LASIK‑ineligible patients.

Key Reasons PRK May Be Recommended Over LASIK

  • No corneal flap — fewer flap‑related risks

    LASIK requires creating a thin flap in the cornea. PRK removes the surface layer (epithelium) instead, so there’s no flap at all.
    This avoids rare but possible flap complications such as; Flap displacement, Irregular healing, Trauma‑related issues for athletes or active individuals. For people with high‑impact jobs or hobbies, PRK is often the safer long‑term choice.

  • Better for patients with thin or irregular corneas

    If the cornea is too thin, LASIK may not be safe. PRK preserves more corneal tissue, making it a better option for thin corneas, mild irregularities, or borderline LASIK candidates.

  • Lower risk of worsening dry eye

    Because LASIK involves cutting a flap, it can disrupt more corneal nerves responsible for tear production. PRK tends to cause less long‑term dryness, which is important for patients who already struggle with dry eye symptoms.

  • Same long‑term vision results as LASIK

    Even though PRK has a longer recovery, the final vision outcome is just as sharp as LASIK. Many patients achieve 20/20 or better once healing is complete.

For patients with active lifestyles, contact sports, or physically demanding jobs, PRK is the safer long‑term choice.

LASIK Eye Surgery Wilmington and Newark De;aware

Frequently
asked questions

Is PRK a good option if I’m not a candidate for LASIK?2026-02-10T13:32:22-05:00

Absolutely. PRK is one of the most common and effective LASIK alternatives, especially for patients who are not ideal LASIK candidates due to corneal thickness, dryness, or lifestyle factors.

Is the recovery from PRK longer than LASIK?2026-02-10T13:31:48-05:00

Yes. PRK requires a few days of initial discomfort and a slower visual recovery because the epithelium must regrow. However, many patients feel the safety advantages outweigh the longer healing time.

Why would a surgeon recommend PRK over LASIK?2026-02-10T13:31:21-05:00

A surgeon may recommend PRK if you have:

  • Thin or borderline corneas
  • Irregular corneal topography
  • Chronic dry eye
  • A high‑impact lifestyle
  • A desire to avoid flap‑related risks

In these cases, PRK offers a more stable and predictable long‑term result.

Do PRK and LASIK provide the same vision results?2026-02-10T13:30:27-05:00

Yes. Although PRK has a longer healing period, the final visual outcome is just as sharp as LASIK. Many patients achieve 20/20 or better once the cornea fully heals.

Does PRK reduce the risk of dry eye compared to LASIK?2026-02-10T13:29:46-05:00

PRK tends to cause less long‑term dryness because it disrupts fewer corneal nerves involved in tear production. Patients who already struggle with dry eye symptoms are often better candidates for PRK.

Is PRK better for people with active or high‑impact lifestyles?2026-02-10T13:29:20-05:00

Yes. Athletes, military personnel, first responders, and anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle often benefit from PRK because there’s no flap that could be injured during impact or contact activities.

Why might PRK be safer than LASIK for some patients?2026-02-10T13:28:52-05:00

PRK is often recommended for patients with thin corneas, mild corneal irregularities, or those at higher risk of eye trauma. Without a flap, there’s no chance of flap displacement or complications, making PRK a safer long‑term option for many individuals.

What is the main difference between PRK and LASIK?2026-02-10T13:28:24-05:00

The key difference is how the surface of the cornea is treated. LASIK creates a thin corneal flap, while PRK gently removes the outer epithelial layer before reshaping the cornea with a laser. Because PRK involves no flap, it eliminates flap‑related risks and preserves more corneal tissue.

Meet Your
Laser Eye Surgeon

Jeffrey Minkovitz, M.D.

Dr. Minkovitz is one of the most respected and accomplished ophthalmologists in Delaware. His specialties include laser surgery for cataracts and laser vision correction.

After graduating from Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Dr. Minkovitz completed residencies and fellowships at some of the country’s finest institutions. During this time, he actually participated in the early research of PRK surgery. He was one of the first doctors to perform this revolutionary procedure, offering it to his Wilmington patients shortly after it was approved by the FDA in 1996.

In 2016, Dr. Minkovitz founded Laser Vision Delaware, LLC, a state-of-the-art facility featuring the state’s newest WaveLight® Allegretto Wave® Eye-Q excimer laser. He can use this cutting-edge technology to safely and predictably correct your vision.

Jeffrey Minkovitz, M.D. LASIK Eye Surgeon in Delaware

Your Eyes Deserve Expert Care

Whether you’re struggling with near vision, farsightedness, or age‑related changes, our board‑certified ophthalmologists provide personalized solutions backed by decades of experience.

Our caring, expert staff is affiliated with the:

  • American Medical Association
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology

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