Laser eye surgery can help reduce your reliance on corrective lenses by reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors. Two of the most common procedures are PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis).
While PRK and LASIK reshape the cornea, RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Understanding the differences in technique, recovery, comfort, suitability, and risks can help you and your optometrist choose the option that’s right for you.
What Does Laser Eye Surgery Address?
All three procedures aim to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- PRK & LASIK: Reshape the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina.
- RLE: Removes and replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens, which corrects refractive errors and can also address presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on near objects).
Who Is Eligible for Laser Eye Surgery?
No matter which type of corrective surgery you’re considering, there are some basic eligibility requirements. Your optometrist can help determine if you’re a candidate, but these are the key factors to keep in mind:
- You are at least 18 years old for PRK and LASIK.
- For RLE those over 40 are often considered a good candidate.
- Your vision prescription has been stable for at least 12 months.
- You have good overall eye health.
- Your refractive error falls within the treatable range.
- Your pupil size is appropriate to help reduce the risk of complications.
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations for the results. While many people experience clearer vision, complete correction isn’t guaranteed, and you may still need glasses or contact lenses for certain activities. In most cases, improving vision to at least 20/40 is considered a successful outcome.
Understanding PRK
PRK, short for photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of laser eye surgery that’s been used for decades to help correct vision. It remains a widely used option today.
After numbing drops are applied to keep you comfortable, your surgeon gently removes the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) to access the underlying tissue. They then use a laser to precisely reshape the cornea, improving how light focuses in the eye.
Some people notice clearer vision shortly after surgery, but it can take several days to weeks for the eyes to fully heal and for the final results to appear. Because the epithelium is removed as part of the process, a contact lens–like bandage is usually placed over the eye during recovery while new epithelial cells regenerate.
One benefit of PRK is that it doesn’t involve making a corneal flap, which can reduce certain complications associated with LASIK. As such, PRK is often recommended for people with thin corneas or specific corneal irregularities.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a common type of laser eye surgery often chosen for its relatively quick recovery and rapid vision improvement.
First, your surgeon will numb your eyes, after which they’ll create a thin flap in the cornea using a laser. This flap is then gently lifted, so the laser can reshape the underlying corneal tissue. Once the adjustment is complete, the flap is placed back in position to protect the eye during healing.
Because the corneal flap shields the treated area, recovery is usually faster than with PRK. Many people notice significant vision improvement within 24 to 48 hours, along with less discomfort during recovery.
LASIK is generally recommended for people with adequate corneal thickness and a stable vision prescription. As part of a consultation, we can assess whether this procedure is a suitable option for you.
Understanding RLE
Refractive lens exchange replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is similar to cataract surgery and can correct distance, intermediate, and near vision, depending on the lens type selected.
Recovery typically takes a few weeks, and the improvement in vision is often noticeable within days. Plus, because the natural lens is removed, patients will never develop cataracts in the future.
RLE is typically not recommended for younger patients whose natural lenses are still clear, as it is more invasive than corneal laser surgery.
Key Differences Between PRK, LASIK & RLE
Surgical Technique
- PRK: Removes corneal epithelium before reshaping the cornea.
- LASIK: Creates a corneal flap before reshaping the cornea.
- RLE: Replaces the natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens.
Recovery Time
- PRK: Several weeks for full recovery.
- LASIK: Vision often improves within days.
- RLE: A few weeks for complete healing, with many noticing improvement quickly.
Comfort After Surgery
- PRK: More discomfort as the epithelium heals.
- LASIK: Less discomfort due to protective corneal flap.
- RLE: Mild discomfort, typically managed with drops; no corneal surface healing required.
Patient Suitability
- PRK: Thin corneas, irregular corneal shapes.
- LASIK: Sufficient corneal thickness, stable prescription.
- RLE: Age-related presbyopia, early cataracts, unsuitable for corneal laser surgery.
Potential Risks
- PRK: No flap-related complications, but longer healing.
- LASIK: Rare flap-related complications.
- RLE: Higher surgical complexity; potential for lens-related issues such as glare or halos.
Exploring Your Laser Eye Surgery Options
Choosing between PRK, LASIK, and RLE depends on your vision needs, age, and overall eye health. At Erie Shores Eyecare, we help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Our team provides a thorough consultation to assess your candidacy for PRK, LASIK, or RLE, during which we help you consider the benefits of each possibility. We also work closely with your surgical team to co-manage your care, guiding you through preparation, monitoring your recovery, and providing post-operative follow-ups to help protect your vision long-term.
Book a consultation today to explore the vision correction option that’s right for you.
