LASIK vs LASEK vs PRK – Understanding the Options

for Clearer Vision

For millions of people around the world, laser eye surgery has been a life-changing solution to eliminate dependency on glasses and contact lenses. With advancing medical technology, several procedures are now available — the most common being LASIK, LASEK, and PRK. Each comes with its own approach, advantages, and considerations.

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK is the most popular vision correction procedure globally. A thin corneal flap is created, lifted, and the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser to correct refractive errors. The flap is then repositioned, allowing rapid recovery.

• Recovery: Quick, with most patients achieving clear vision within 24–48 hours.

• Pain: Minimal discomfort.

• Ideal for: Patients with sufficient corneal thickness.

2. LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis)

LASEK is a surface treatment procedure in which the thin outer epithelial layer of the cornea is loosened using an alcohol solution and moved aside before reshaping the cornea with a laser. The epithelium is then repositioned.

• Recovery: Slower than LASIK, but faster than PRK.

• Pain: Mild discomfort for a few days.

• Ideal for: Patients with thinner corneas or those not suited for LASIK.

3. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery developed and remains a trusted option. In this procedure, the corneal epithelium is completely removed, the cornea is reshaped with the laser, and the epithelium grows back naturally over time.

• Recovery: Longest among the three, with initial healing in about a week and vision stabilizing over weeks to months.

• Pain: More discomfort compared to LASIK and LASEK.

• Ideal for: Patients with very thin or irregular corneas, or those at higher risk of eye trauma.

Khichdi News Network Recommends

While all three procedures have proven success, LASIK continues to be the gold standard for those eligible due to its safety, precision, and rapid recovery.

We at Khichdi News Network strongly recommend Dr. Shail Vasavada, Director and leading Ophthalmologist at Raghudeep Eye Hospital, for LASIK procedures. One of our colleagues recently underwent LASIK surgery under his expert care and had an incredibly successful, quick, and pain-free experience — the entire procedure was completed in under 25 minutes inside the operation theatre.

Raghudeep Eye Hospital
Address: Drive In Rd, opp. Sunset Drive In Cinema, Sunrise Park, Gurukul, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054
Phone: +91 079 4040 0909

Dr. Shail Vasavada’s expertise, patient-centric approach, and the hospital’s advanced technology make Raghudeep Eye Hospital one of the most trusted destinations for vision correction in India.

✨ If you are considering freedom from glasses or contact lenses, consult with an experienced ophthalmologist to understand which option — LASIK, LASEK, or PRK — is best suited for your eyes.