LASIK and PRK are both well-established forms of refractive surgery that reshape the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism — reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contacts for many patients. While they aim for similar results, the procedures differ in meaningful ways.

How LASIK Works

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) involves creating a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea, folding it back, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap. Because the flap is left largely intact, recovery is typically fast — many patients notice significantly improved vision within a day.

How PRK Works

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) removes the outer layer of corneal cells entirely (rather than creating a flap) before reshaping the cornea with a laser. The surface layer regenerates naturally over several days. Recovery takes longer than LASIK — often a week or more before vision stabilizes — but long-term visual outcomes are generally comparable to LASIK.

Who's a Better Candidate for Which?

Not everyone is a candidate for either procedure, and the right choice depends on individual factors, including:

• Corneal thickness: Patients with thinner corneas may not be candidates for LASIK's flap but may still qualify for PRK.
• Lifestyle and occupation: Athletes or those in occupations with higher risk of eye trauma sometimes prefer PRK, since there's no flap that could later be dislodged.
• Dry eye and corneal health: Certain corneal conditions may steer the recommendation toward one procedure or away from surgery altogether.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Both procedures have strong safety and success track records, but no surgery is entirely without risk, and outcomes vary by individual. A comprehensive evaluation — including corneal mapping and a review of your eye health history — is the only way to know whether you're a candidate, and if so, which procedure fits you best.

Next Steps

Curious if LASIK or PRK is right for you? Schedule a refractive surgery consultation to find out.