LASIK, PRK, and SMILE Eye Surgery: What’s the Difference?

Chances are good that you know someone who has had laser eye surgery. While LASIK is the most familiar type, PRK and SMILE are excellent options for many people. While these procedures have several similarities and work in the same basic way, they also have several important differences that may affect which one is right for you. 

What are LASIK, PRK, and SMILE?

These three treatments are types of laser eye surgery. They all perform the same basic task: changing the shape of your cornea using extremely thin layers so it does a better job of focusing light. Your eye surgeon uses a laser to perform this corneal reshaping, which can dramatically improve your vision and may lessen or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. While all three are extremely effective, several factors will impact which one we recommend for you. 

LASIK, PRK, and SMILE Eye Surgery: What’s the Difference?

How They Work

While all three procedures use a laser to change your cornea’s shape, they use different methods to gain access to the layers of the cornea they need to reshape. 

• LASIK uses a flap on the corneal surface. This round flap is lifted aside so the laser can do its work. The flap, which stays attached to the cornea, is moved back into place and begins healing very quickly, making it a popular option for many people. 
• SMILE uses the laser to create a disc of corneal tissue. Your eye surgeon makes an incision only a few millimeters long and removes this disc, leaving your cornea with the correct shape and providing a fast recovery. People who cannot have LASIK may be able to have this procedure. 
• PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea and then performs the reshaping process. The corneal surface grows back intact, making recovery longer but allowing people who otherwise could not have laser eye surger to enjoy the benefits. 

Pros and Cons

Each of these treatments has advantages for the right person. 

• One advantage of LASIK is its ability to treat a range of conditions, including farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. However, the relatively large flap created by this procedure means it is not the best choice for people with certain corneal or other eye conditions. 
• The small size of the SMILE incision makes it more appropriate for people with conditions that make them ineligible for LASIK. However, it does not treat the range of refractive errors that LASIK does, so it may not treat everyone’s concerns. 
• While PRK has a longer recovery time, people may be able to have PRK even if they cannot have other types of laser eye surgery. PRK can treat a wide range of refractive errors, and because the cornea regrows intact, it is often suitable for people with corneal conditions, dry eye, or who play contact sports. 

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about laser eye surgery, schedule a consultation with our Heart of Texas Eye Care team, serving Dripping Springs, Austin, Kyle, Bee Cave, Marble Falls, and other surrounding areas. Contact us at (512) 213-2220 today!

*Individual results may vary