PRK
Surface Ablation Procedure - diagram of eyeball with full circle incision around the cornea
- More suitable for patients with thin corneas or cornea scars
- Requires removal and regrowth of epithelial cells
- Postoperative healing period can often be uncomfortable
- May require more time off from work and activities
LASIK
Flap procedure - diagram of eyeball with 3/4 circular incision around the cornea
- Quick visual discovery
- Wide range of treatment options
- Requires creation of a flap on the cornea
- May require use of multiple lasers
SMILE
Flapless procedure - diagram of eyeball with small incision on the cornea
- Quick visual recovery
- No flap required
- Requires one laser only
- Quick return to normal activities