Comparing PRK and Lasix (Furosemide)
These are two completely different medications used for entirely different medical conditions and cannot be compared—PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser eye surgery for vision correction, while Lasix (furosemide) is a diuretic medication for fluid retention and hypertension.
Understanding the Fundamental Difference
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
- PRK is a surgical procedure, not a medication, that uses an excimer laser to reshape the corneal surface to correct refractive errors including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism 1.
- The procedure removes corneal epithelium and ablates stromal tissue to modify the anterior corneal curvature 1.
- PRK is indicated for patients with vision problems seeking refractive correction as an alternative to glasses or contact lenses 1.
Lasix (Furosemide)
- Lasix is a potent loop diuretic medication used to treat fluid retention (edema) associated with heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, and hypertension 2, 3.
- The drug acts on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle by inhibiting the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ cotransporter (NKCC2), promoting sodium and water excretion 2, 3.
- Lasix has no role in treating vision problems and does not affect refractive errors 2, 3.
Clinical Context: Why This Comparison is Invalid
If You Have Vision Problems
- PRK is appropriate for correcting refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism 1.
- For low to moderate myopia, PRK achieves excellent outcomes with 79% of eyes within ±1.00 D of intended correction at 12 months 1.
- PRK has advantages over LASIK in certain situations, including preservation of more residual stromal tissue and absence of flap-related complications 1.
- The risk of corneal ectasia is lower with PRK compared to LASIK (20 per 100,000 eyes vs 90 per 100,000 eyes) 1.
If You Have Fluid Retention or Hypertension
- Furosemide is indicated for edematous states associated with cardiac, renal, and hepatic failure, as well as hypertension 2, 3.
- The medication is relatively safe with adverse reactions occurring in 10-21% of patients, most commonly volume depletion (4.6%), hypokalemia (3.6%), and electrolyte disturbances (1.5%) 4, 5.
- Serious adverse reactions are uncommon and occur primarily in seriously ill patients 4.
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse these two completely different interventions. If you are seeking vision correction, PRK is a surgical option that should be discussed with an ophthalmologist 1. If you require diuretic therapy for fluid retention or blood pressure management, furosemide is a medication prescribed by your physician 2, 3. These treatments address entirely separate medical conditions and have no overlap in their indications or mechanisms of action.