How Each Procedure Works
- LASIK: A corneal flap is created, the cornea is reshaped, and the flap is replaced. Fast recovery and comfort; best for stable prescriptions and healthy corneas.
- PRK: The surface epithelium is gently removed, laser reshapes the cornea, and the surface heals over several days. No flap makes it safer for thinner or irregular corneas.
- RLE: The natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), similar to cataract surgery. It addresses presbyopia and farsightedness and prevents future cataracts.
Candidacy at a Glance
- Choose LASIK if you have stable vision, adequate corneal thickness, and want quick recovery.
- Choose PRK if your cornea is thin, you have mild surface irregularities, or you prefer to avoid a flap.
- Choose RLE if you are 40+ with presbyopia, early lens changes, or want a one-time solution that also removes cataract risk.
Recovery and Comfort
- LASIK: Clear, comfortable vision in 24–48 hours for most. Dryness is temporary.
- PRK: Blurry, gritty sensation for several days; vision sharpens over 1–2 weeks.
- RLE: Similar to cataract recovery—brighter vision in days with a defined drop schedule (see our recovery guide).
Durability and Long-Term Planning
- LASIK and PRK do not prevent future lens aging, so readers may still be needed later.
- RLE uses advanced IOLs (monofocal, toric, EDOF, or multifocal) that can reduce glasses for decades (details in the premium IOL guide).
- Some patients pair approaches: corneal laser now, lens surgery later, or RLE now with minor laser refinement years down the road.
Questions to Discuss With Your Surgeon
- How do your corneal maps and tear-film health influence safety?
- What is the expected night-driving experience for each option?
- How will astigmatism and presbyopia be addressed in one plan?
- Which timeline best fits your work and travel schedule?
Bottom Line
If you want fast freedom from glasses and your corneas are ideal, LASIK excels. If safety margins are tighter or you accept a slower recovery, PRK is reliable. If you want cataract-proof clarity and presbyopia control, RLE brings lens-based precision with a cataract-like recovery.