LASIK
A flap is created in the cornea. A laser reshapes tissue underneath; the flap is repositioned.
Your vision options
A clear view.
More than one path.
Start by understanding what makes each approach different. The right choice depends on your examination, lifestyle, and comfort with the risks.
Compare the approaches ↓A useful starting point
Three approaches.
One individual decision.
Choose a topic to compare. This is education, not a recommendation or eligibility test.
PRK
The surface cell layer is removed before laser reshaping. The surface heals afterward; no LASIK flap is made.
Implantable lenses
A phakic lens is placed inside the eye while the natural lens remains. It changes how light focuses without laser removal of corneal tissue.
LASIK
Arrange transport and time to rest. Early follow-up checks the flap and healing. Visual clarity can fluctuate beyond the early recovery period.
PRK
The surface needs time to regrow. Ask about discomfort management, a protective contact lens, and how much time to set aside from work.
Implantable lenses
This is surgery inside the eye. Follow-up includes checking pressure and lens position. Ask about ongoing monitoring.
LASIK
What do my corneal measurements show? How could dry eye or night-vision symptoms affect my daily life?
PRK
Why might surface treatment be considered for me? How should I plan for healing and the possibility of haze?
Implantable lenses
Does my prescription and eye anatomy meet the device criteria? What are the risks of cataract, pressure changes, and additional surgery?
01 / Laser vision correction
LASIK
A change to the cornea.
A decision about your everyday.
What it does
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to change the way light focuses. Depending on the laser and the person's eyes, it can address nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
What the assessment looks at
An eye surgeon evaluates your prescription, corneal structure, tear film, eye health, and expectations. A stable prescription and suitable cornea matter; there is no universal online eligibility score.
The other side of the decision
Possible effects include dry eye, glare, halos, and under- or over-correction. Flap problems, infection, and vision loss can occur. Glasses may still be needed, including for reading as eyes age.
Learn how LASIK works from the FDA ↗02 / Surface laser treatment
PRK
A different method.
A different healing process.
What it does
Photorefractive keratectomy uses a laser to reshape the cornea after its outer cell layer is removed. This surface layer then regenerates.
Why it belongs in the conversation
PRK avoids a LASIK flap. That difference may be relevant to your activities or eye measurements, but it does not make PRK appropriate for every person who cannot have LASIK.
What deserves a closer look
Surface healing affects comfort and how quickly vision becomes useful. Ask about corneal haze, infection, dry eye, glare, incomplete correction, and your follow-up plan.
Understand the terminology with the FDA ↗03 / Lens-based correction
Implantable
lenses
Another way to focus.
Its own considerations.
What it does
A phakic intraocular lens, including ICL designs, is implanted inside the eye without removing the natural lens. The device is intended to stay in place.
What determines the fit
Your prescription, age, space inside the eye, and other measurements must meet the selected device's criteria. Your surgeon should explain the specific lens and why it is being considered.
Know the tradeoffs
Risks include cataract, increased eye pressure, corneal cell loss, infection, glare, halos, retinal detachment, and vision loss. A lens may need repositioning or removal. Removal does not guarantee restoration of your original vision.
Read the FDA's lens risk guide ↗There is no pressure to choose surgery
Sometimes the right
answer is to wait.
Glasses, contact lenses, and no procedure are valid options. An informed decision includes the option to do nothing.