Your vision options
A more informed
point of view.
Three approaches. Different considerations. The starting point is the same: a careful examination and a conversation about the way you want to see.
01 / Laser-assisted vision correction
LASIK.
Reshape your focus.
LASIK changes the focusing power of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
A surgeon creates a thin corneal flap, uses an excimer laser to reshape underlying tissue, and repositions the flap. The goal is less reliance on glasses or contact lenses; the achievable correction depends on your eyes and the treatment device.
What an evaluation considers
A stable prescription, healthy corneal shape and adequate thickness, tear quality, and your medical and eye history.
What to discuss
Dry eye, night vision symptoms, flap complications, incomplete correction, and the possibility of continued glasses use.
02 / Surface laser treatment
PRK.
A different approach.
PRK reshapes the cornea without creating a LASIK flap.
The thin surface layer is removed before laser treatment and then regrows. A temporary protective contact lens is typically used while the surface heals. Recovery is generally slower and can be more uncomfortable initially than LASIK.
Why it may enter the conversation
Corneal measurements or activities may make a flap-free approach worth discussing. A thin cornea does not automatically make PRK safe or suitable.
What to discuss
Healing time, discomfort, corneal haze, infection, dry eye, night vision symptoms, and possible residual prescription.
03 / Implantable lens
ICL.
Another way to focus.
An implantable collamer lens sits inside the eye while your natural lens remains in place.
Unlike laser corneal treatment, this approach adds a lens. It may be considered for certain nearsighted prescriptions, depending on the device indication and the measurements inside your eye.
What an evaluation considers
Prescription, age, space inside the eye, corneal cell health, and other device-specific criteria.
What to discuss
Lens surgery has different risks, including cataract, pressure changes, cell loss, infection, and a possible need for further surgery.
The implant is intended to remain in place. Surgical removal does not guarantee a return to your previous vision or eye condition.
Talk through ICL ↗A useful first comparison
See the differences.
Then ask the questions.
This overview introduces the conversation. It is not a recommendation for a procedure.
| Consideration | LASIK | PRK | ICL |
|---|---|---|---|
| What changes | Cornea reshaped beneath a flap | Cornea reshaped at the surface | Lens added inside the eye |
| Corneal flap | Yes | No | No |
| Early recovery | Often faster functional recovery | Surface healing adds recovery time | Different monitoring needs after intraocular surgery |
| Key discussion | Corneal measurements, dry eye, flap risks | Healing, discomfort, haze | Internal eye measurements, lens-related risks |
| Still may need glasses | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Choosing no surgery is an option, too.
Glasses and contact lenses may be the right choice for your priorities. An examination might also identify another eye condition that should be addressed before considering refractive surgery.
Further reading: FDA LASIK risks · FDA phakic lens overview · AAO PRK guide
Explore before you decide.
Your questions.
A thoughtful next step.
Explore a consultation ↗
An interactive demonstration. No real appointment.