LASIK vs PRK: What’s the Difference?

Modern laser vision correction procedures have helped millions of people reduce their dependence on glasses and contacts. Among the most well-known options are LASIK and PRK—two highly effective techniques that reshape the cornea to correct common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While the goal of each procedure is similar, the way they’re performed—and how patients experience recovery—differs. If you’re exploring laser vision correction, understanding the distinctions between LASIK and PRK is a helpful first step.

What do LASIK and PRK Treat?

Both LASIK and PRK are designed to correct refractive errors—issues that occur when light doesn’t focus properly on the retina. For vision to function normally, light must enter the eye, pass through the cornea and lens, and come to a single focal point on the retina, where light is transformed into signals the brain can interpret.

Refractive errors happen when this process is disrupted. In nearsightedness (myopia), light focuses in front of the retina, often due to a longer-than-average eyeball. With farsightedness (hyperopia), the opposite is true—light focuses behind the retina, which may be the result of a shorter eye. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to scatter or focus unevenly.

LASIK and PRK address these errors by reshaping the cornea so that incoming light is better aligned with the retina, leading to more precise visual function without relying on glasses or contact lenses.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a widely performed outpatient procedure that uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Before the laser is applied, a thin flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea and gently lifted. The underlying tissue is then reshaped to improve how the eye focuses light. The flap is then repositioned, where it naturally adheres without the need for x Trusted Source What is LASIK? American Academy of Ophthalmology Go to Source stitches.

LASIK is typically known for a shorter recovery period and minimal discomfort for most patients. It’s commonly recommended for individuals with healthy eyes, adequate corneal thickness, and no underlying conditions that would affect healing.

What Is PRK?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the first laser eye surgery approved for vision correction and remains a trusted option today. Instead of creating a flap, PRK involves gently removing the outermost layer of the cornea (the epithelium) before using the excimer laser to reshape the x Trusted Source What is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)? American Academy of Ophthalmology Go to Source corneal surface.

Because there is no flap, PRK may be a better option for patients with thinner corneas or those who have certain lifestyle factors—such as high-contact activities—that make flap-related complications more likely. Recovery from PRK generally takes longer than LASIK, and patients may experience more noticeable temporary visual changes during the healing period. However, long-term results are similar.

Key Differences Between LASIK and PRK

While LASIK and PRK share the same goal—reducing reliance on corrective lenses—their approaches differ in a few key ways:

• Surgical Technique: LASIK creates a flap in the cornea, while PRK removes the surface layer.
• Recovery Timeline: LASIK typically offers a faster visual recovery, whereas PRK may take longer for vision to stabilize.
• Post-Procedure Sensation: Patients often report more discomfort in the days following PRK compared to LASIK.
• Ideal Candidates: PRK may be more suitable for individuals with thin corneas or those at risk for flap-related issues.
• Long-Term Outcomes: Both procedures deliver excellent results, with comparable rates of patient satisfaction x Trusted Source A Comparison of Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction Between Photorefractive Keratectomy and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis Hashmani N, Hashmani S, Ramesh P, Rajani H, Ahmed J, Kumar J, Kumar A, Jamali M Go to Source across the board.

How to Choose the Right Option

The decision between LASIK and PRK is best made with guidance from a qualified eye care provider. Factors like corneal thickness, eye health, lifestyle, and occupation all play an important role in determining the safest and most effective option. In many cases, patients may be candidates for both and can choose the approach that aligns with their personal preferences.

Final Thoughts

LASIK and PRK are both time-tested procedures that can provide lasting improvement in visual function. Though they differ in technique and recovery, they share a strong track record of safety and success. Working closely with a knowledgeable specialist is the best way to determine which path aligns with your needs.

Schedule a Consultation with Kovach Eye Institute

If you’re ready to explore your options for laser vision correction, the experienced team at Kovach Eye Institute is here to help. Schedule a personalized consultation to find out whether LASIK, PRK, or another vision correction procedure is right for you.

¹ American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is LASIK? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik. Accessed April 8, 2025.
² American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk. Accessed April 8, 2025.
³ Hashmani N, Hashmani S, Ramesh P, Rajani H, Ahmed J, Kumar J, Kumar A, Jamali M. A Comparison of Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction Between Photorefractive Keratectomy and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. Cureus. 2017 Sep 1;9(9):e1641. doi: 10.7759/cureus.1641. PMID: 29119072; PMCID: PMC5665689. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29119072/. Accessed April 8, 2025.