LASIK - shortened

LASIK Surgery Menu

Menu

LASIK Versus PRK and Other Procedures

Know the difference between our premium vision correction procedures

See the world without glasses or contacts, whether you qualify for LASIK or another of our laser vision correction procedures.

Book your free consultation

LASIK Surgery

Why Do Some Patients Need PRK Instead Of LASIK?

Much like LASIK, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), also known as advanced surface ablation, corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in patients.

However, PRK is an alternative to LASIK for patients with:

  • Thinner corneas
  • Corneal scarring from contacts
  • Previous eye surgery
  • High-impact occupations (e.g., athletes or military personnel)

What Are the Differences Between LASIK and PRK?

Although the goals of these surgeries are similar, the road to vision correction is different.

The PRK procedure: During PRK, the outer layer of the cornea is removed to correct your vision. For those who get SBK Advanced LASIK, a thin flap is created in the cornea to reshape it.

Recovery time from PRK: Recovery time is longer after PRK, as the outer layer of the cornea needs to heal and grow back. The results of SBK Advanced LASIK are often noticeable a day or two after their procedure, but PRK patients can experience optimal results up to a month after surgery.

Learn more about PRK
Schedule today

LASIK Versus EVO ICL™

LASIK and an EVO Implantable Collamer® lens (EVO ICL™) are both meant to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism without glasses or contact lenses. However, EVO ICL™ is particularly effective for extreme nearsightedness. These options also require different procedures.

The EVO ICL™ procedure: LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea. During EVO ICL™, we implant an artificial lens inside the eye between your natural lens and your iris.

Procedure length: LASIK tends to be a 10-to-15-minute procedure, while EVO ICL™ is a 20-to-30-minute procedure.

Recovery: It may take a day or two to notice the full results of LASIK. The results of EVO ICL™ are often noticeable for patients right away.

Read more about EVO ICL™
Schedule with us

LASIK Versus SMILE

LASIK and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) are similar vision correction options, yet SMILE is recommended for mild or moderate nearsightedness or astigmatism.

You can be eligible for either SMILE or LASIK at age 18, and these options require similar recovery timelines. However, the procedures are different.

The SMILE procedure: Although LASIK requires creating a flap in the surface of the cornea, SMILE uses a laser to remove an extremely small, lens-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, to reshape and correct your vision.

Learn more about SMILE
Schedule your free consultation

Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Surgery Versus LASIK

LASIK, refractive lens exchange (RLE), and refractive cataract surgery all have different goals, and one is not a substitute for the others.

Refractive cataract procedure: Patients over 60 may begin to notice the symptoms of cataracts, which is the clouding of your natural lenses. Our refractive surgeon replaces the clouded lenses with an artificial lens that can also correct other vision problems, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

The RLE procedure: RLE is an artificial lens replacement procedure recommended for patients 45 and older. This procedure corrects common vision problems associated with aging, along with common vision errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. RLE also prevents cataracts from forming.

Discover RLE
Learn about cataract surgery

Find Your Vision Solution At Durrie Vision

Whether you’re seeking LASIK, cataract surgery, or any of our procedures, a free consultation from our experts can help you determine the most appropriate choice for your vision goals.

Schedule today

Don’t just take our word for it!

“I was impressed with the amount of detailed testing they did at my initial consultation. I had a great experience the day of my LASIK procedure with all of the staff. The results are amazing for such a quick procedure!”

Melissa S

“After 25+ years of glasses and contacts, all it took was about 10 minutes of surgery to correct my vision. Everyone was friendly and easy to work with throughout the process. To anyone considering getting their vision corrected, I give my highest recommendation to Durrie Vision.”

Brad

“Walked into the office unable to see the Snellen chart, walked out after SBK seeing 20/30, which improved to 20/15 at my next day follow-up. The entire process was seamless and professional, and the results are absolutely unbelievable. Had no idea my vision could ever be this clear.”

Kristin

“Quick, easy, friendly! Dr. Stahl did my SBK and I was seeing 20/15 the next morning! Amazing!”

Madalyn

“I had LASIK done last week and I am very pleased. I had never worn contacts and was not comfortable touching my eyes so I was nervous, but they provide Valium to ease nerves  It was easier than I expected. They say you’re in surgery for eight minutes but it didn’t even feel that long.”

Michael

“From the time that I walked into the building for my consultation until I walked out from my post-operation check-up, I was extremely impressed with the level of care. The attention to detail, the technology used to treat my astigmatism and the affordable cost, all were things that stood out.”

Ryan

Schedule a Free Consultation

During your free consultation visit, you will meet with an experienced refractive surgeon who will discuss your results along with a custom recommendation for treatment.

Book Now

Take the LASIK Eligibility Assessment

Are you a candidate for laser vision correction? Let’s find out. Take our 60-second online test to see what procedure might be the best option for your vision and lifestyle.

Start Test

From The Experts At Durrie Vision