When it comes to vision correction, few decisions feel more important than choosing the right procedure. LASIK and PRK are both safe, effective, and life-changing options, but each has unique advantages depending on your eyes and your lifestyle.
At Chicago Cornea, our board-certified ophthalmologists have performed tens of thousands of refractive procedures, combining advanced diagnostic technology with subspecialty training in corneal surgery. This depth of expertise allows us to provide clear, personalized recommendations so you can move forward with confidence in your choice.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is one of the most well-known and widely performed vision correction procedures. During LASIK, a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea, which is gently lifted so that an excimer laser can reshape the underlying tissue. This reshaping corrects the refractive error, and the flap is repositioned to heal naturally.
Key points about LASIK:
- Works best for patients with adequate corneal thickness and stable prescriptions
- Offers quick visual recovery, with many patients noticing improved clarity within 24 hours
- Minimal discomfort compared to other procedures
- Rare but possible flap-related complications and dry eye symptoms
What Is PRK?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) was the first excimer laser vision correction procedure and remains an excellent option for many patients today. Instead of creating a corneal flap, the outer epithelial layer is removed so the excimer laser can directly reshape the surface of the cornea. The epithelium then regenerates over the following days.
Key points about PRK:
- A strong choice for patients with thinner corneas or those at higher risk of eye trauma (e.g., athletes, military)
- Avoids the risk of flap complications entirely
- Requires a longer recovery period, with initial blur and discomfort as the cornea heals
- Final visual outcomes are comparable to LASIK once healing is complete
Side-by-Side Comparison: LASIK vs. PRK
| Feature | LASIK | PRK |
| Flap creation | Yes | No |
| Speed of vision recovery | Very fast (often within a day) | Gradual (several days to weeks) |
| Patient comfort post-op | Mild discomfort, minimal | More discomfort initially |
| Risk of flap complications | Present (though rare) | None (avoids flap risk) |
| Suitability for thin corneas / borderline corneas | May be limited by residual thickness | More forgiving for thinner corneas |
| Risk of haze | Lower under standard protocols | Slightly higher, especially in high corrections |
| When preferred | Most “routine” refractive candidates | Patients with thin corneas, trauma risk, or contraindications to flap |
Personalized Guidance for Your Best Vision
Choosing between LASIK and PRK is not about finding a universally “better” procedure. It is about finding the one that is right for you. At Chicago Cornea, we take the time to perform a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, including advanced testing such as corneal topography, pachymetry, OCT imaging, and biomechanical analysis. These detailed measurements allow us to determine whether your eyes are best suited for LASIK, PRK, or another refractive option such as SMILE or lens-based surgery.
With decades of experience, subspecialty expertise in corneal surgery, and a patient-first philosophy, our ophthalmologists guide you through every step of the decision-making process. If you are ready to explore which vision correction path will give you the clearest, safest results, we invite you to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward seeing your world with confidence.
