What type of laser eye surgery does the military do?

The military does various forms of refractive surgery (laser surgery.)  The two most common refractive techniques are PRK and LASIK.  The military tends to do about 80% PRK and 20% LASIK.

There are advantages and disadvantages with both PRK and LASIK.

PRK

Advantages

     Safer

     Less complications

Disadvantages

     Slower recovery

     More discomfort (can be very painful for 2-3 days)

     Corneal Haze

LASIK

Advantages

     Faster recovery

     Less Discomfort

     Less Follow up

     Enhancements easier

Disadvantages

     Increase risk and complication

     Flap complications/displacement

                  PRK vs. LASIK  (based off of military data)

          PRK                                                                 LASIK

          Pain                                                                Little to No pain

          Less surgical Risk                                            More surgical rise

          Slower Recovery                                               Quicker recovery

          80%  20/20 initially                                            80%  20/20 initially

          Possible Haze                                                  No Haze           

          No Flap                                                            Flap (possible complications)

          0.3 % risk of visual < 20/30                                0.3 % risk of visual < 20/30