Comparison Of LASIK Vs LASEK Vs PRK And Other Laser Eye Surgeries

If you are seeking a solution for clearer vision without the constraints of glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery may be the answer for you. Laser eye surgery is a permanent vision correction method, offering treatment for common refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of LASIK vs LASEK vs PRK, and other laser eye surgeries such as SMILE and SILK.

LASIK Vs LASEK Vs PRK Vs SMILE Vs SILK: Main Similarities And Differences

Laser Eye Surgery	Laser Eye Surgery	Refractive Errors Corrected	Surgical Technique	Surgical Technique
LASIK	Yes, year 1999.	Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.	LASIK involves creating a corneal flap using a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome. The flap is lifted, and an excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is then repositioned, acting like a natural bandage.	May cost S$3,000 and above. Note that price may vary based on various factors.
LASEK	Yes, year 1999.	Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.	LASEK involves the creation of a thinner corneal flap than LASIK. The epithelial layer is lifted using an alcohol solution, an excimer laser is applied to reshape the cornea, and the epithelial flap is repositioned.	May cost S$3,600 and above. Note that price may vary based on various factors.
PRK	Yes, year 1995.	Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.	PRK does not involve the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed. The excimer laser is then applied directly to the exposed corneal tissue to reshape it.	May cost S$3,800 and above. Note that price may vary based on various factors.
SMILE	Yes, year 2016.	Myopia and astigmatism.	SMILE is a flapless procedure where a femtosecond laser is used to create a lenticule within the cornea. The surgeon makes a small incision to remove the lenticule, reshaping the cornea without lifting a flap.	May cost S$5,300 and above. Note that price may vary based on various factors.
SILK	Not FDA-approved as of November 2023.	Myopia and astigmatism.	SILK creates a thin lenticule (disc) of tissue below the cornea’s surface that will be removed through a small incision. A femtosecond laser is used to create microscopic bubbles within the cornea and then remove the corneal lenticule. This will flatten the cornea to correct vision problems.	May cost S$1,700 and above. Note that price may vary based on various factors.

Each laser surgery technique has its advantages and considerations. LASIK and LASEK involve creating a corneal flap, while PRK is a surface procedure without a flap. SMILE is flapless but involves creating a lenticule. All laser eye surgeries mentioned are FDA approved except for SILK which has yet to achieve approval from the FDA.

LASIK Vs LASEK Vs PRK Vs SMILE Vs SILK: Advantages And Disadvantages

Laser Eye Surgery	Laser Eye Surgery	Refractive Errors Corrected
LASIK	Quick visual recovery, minimal discomfort, established procedure.	Potential flap-related complications and not suitable for thin corneas.
LASEK	Suitable for thin corneas. Lower risk of corneal haze compared to PRK.	Longer recovery compared to LASIK and potential discomfort during healing.
PRK	No flap-related complications. Reduced risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK.	Longer recovery time and higher risk of corneal haze.
SMILE	Minimally invasive procedure, and reduced risk of dry eyes.	Not suitable for all refractive errors (hyperopia). May be more expensive than LASIK.
SILK	Minimally invasive procedure, reduced risk of dry eyes.	Not suitable for all refractive errors (hyperopia). May be more expensive than LASIK. Not widely available.

It is to note that the information provided above is a general overview, and individual experiences may vary. Additionally, the status of these procedures and their specifications may change over time.

Which Laser Eye Surgery Is For You?

The choice of which eye surgery to undergo, whether LASIK, LASEK, PRK, SMILE, or SILK may depend on various factors, including individual eye characteristics, refractive error, corneal thickness, lifestyle, and personal preferences. It is essential to consult with an experienced eye care professional who can assess your specific situation and provide personalised recommendations.