What is the difference between LASIK, SMILE and PRK?

LASIK creates a thin corneal flap and reshapes the underlying tissue with laser. SMILE uses a very small incision without a flap. PRK removes the surface epithelium and applies laser to the corneal surface; it suits thinner corneas.

Is the procedure painful?

No. It is done under topical anesthesia (drops only) and takes about 10 minutes per eye. Mild discomfort can occur for a few hours after PRK.

Am I a suitable candidate?

Age 18 or older, stable prescription for at least one year, sufficient corneal thickness, no corneal disease (such as keratoconus). This is confirmed by examination and measurements.

Laser Vision Correction

LASIK · SMILE · PRK — a long-term alternative to glasses

Modern laser techniques to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The right technique for you is chosen after a full corneal workup — not from a preference set in advance.

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What is laser vision correction?

A procedure that reshapes the surface of the cornea with a laser so that light entering the eye focuses precisely on the retina — without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

The three main techniques

LASIK

A thin corneal flap is created with a femtosecond laser, lifted, and the underlying tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser. The flap is then repositioned. Recovery is fast — most patients see well the next day.

SMILE

A flapless technique that works through a very small incision (2–3 mm) to remove a microscopic lenticule of tissue. Preferred in some cases because it is gentler on the superficial corneal nerves and is associated with less post-operative dry eye.

PRK

The surface epithelium is removed and the laser is applied directly to the corneal surface. Suits patients with thinner corneas or those involved in contact sports. Recovery takes a few days longer and may involve mild discomfort early on.

Before surgery — the essential workup

Choosing between the three techniques is not done from general reading; it is based on precise measurements:

Corneal topography: to rule out keratoconus.
Pachymetry (corneal thickness): to confirm enough tissue is available for the planned correction.
Pupil size measurement in low light.
Dilated retinal exam: to rule out retinal changes that may need treatment before laser.
Stability of the glasses prescription over at least a year.

Who is a suitable candidate?

Age 18 or older.
Stable refraction for at least one year.
Sufficient corneal thickness.
No corneal disease (e.g. keratoconus).
General good health and no active autoimmune disease.
Not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Important note

Not every patient is a candidate for laser surgery, and there is no universally "best technique" — each eye is its own case. A direct clinical examination is what determines the safe, appropriate technique for you.

FAQ

Patient questions about laser vision correction

What's the difference between LASIK, SMILE and PRK?

LASIK uses a corneal flap. SMILE uses a very small incision with no flap. PRK removes the corneal surface layer and suits thinner corneas.

Can I return to work the next day?

With LASIK and SMILE — usually yes. With PRK — 3–5 days of rest are generally needed.

Is the result permanent?

The reshaping of the cornea is permanent. With age, however, reading glasses may still be needed for presbyopia — an unrelated age-related change.

Can I have surgery while wearing contact lenses?

Contact lenses must be stopped before the measurements: at least 1 week for soft lenses and 3 weeks for rigid ones, because they temporarily change the shape of the cornea.

Clinical references

The content on this page is grounded in guidance from the following international bodies:

Educational content — candidacy is determined only after a full corneal workup.