LASIK vs. PRK vs. SMILE: What’s the difference?
Three kinds of laser surgery can help improve vision. Here is how each one compares and what to ask before choosing.
Imagine waking up and seeing the time on your phone without glasses. Sounds great, right? For many people, laser eye surgery can make this dream a reality.
LASIK, PRK and SMILE are three common types of laser eye surgery. Each procedure has different steps and a different healing time. Read on to learn how they compare and what to ask an eye care provider.
How does each surgery work?
LASIK, PRK and SMILE serve the same purpose: to change the shape of the cornea. This is the clear front part of the eye. A better shape helps the eye focus light the right way.1 The big difference between the procedures is how the surgeon gets to the cornea.
LASIK: The surgeon cuts a thin flap in the cornea and lifts it up. A laser reshapes the tissue under the flap. Then the flap goes back down. It heals on its own with no stitches. The eye surgery takes about 30 minutes.2
PRK: The surgeon removes the thin top layer of the cornea. A laser reshapes the surface. A soft bandage lens covers the eye while the top layer grows back. PRK takes around 5 to 15 minutes.3
SMILE: A laser makes a tiny piece of tissue inside the cornea. The surgeon takes it out through a very small cut. Taking it out changes the curve of the cornea. And the entire procedure can be done in a matter of minutes.4
Considering an eye surgery? Talk through options with an eye care provider today.
How long does healing take?
Post-surgery care is important. Following an eye care provider’s instructions carefully can help make sure the eyes heal properly. The amount of time it takes to heal is one of the biggest differences between the procedures.
LASIK: Vision often gets clear in a day or two. Many people get back to normal life fast. Dry eyes are common and can last for weeks or months.2
PRK: Healing can take longer because it happens in stages. Eyes may feel sore for a few days. Vision can stay blurry for days or weeks. For most people, it takes about 6 weeks to fully heal.
SMILE: Healing is often fairly quick. Blurry vision and dry eyes are common at first. Vision usually gets better in days or weeks.4
One truth about LASIK: UnitedHealthcare Vision members get a free exam and up to 35% off laser vision correction services. Schedule a consultation now.
Looking to go glasses- and contacts-free?
LASIK surgery can help make it happen. UnitedHealthcare members get up to 35% off laser vision correction services.
Which surgery is the best fit?
Most people who get surgery are at least 18. Their eyeglass prescription has stayed the same for a year or more. Their eyes and corneas are healthy. Pregnancy and some health problems can mean waiting or skipping surgery.
Within that group, the best match depends on the eyes and daily life:
LASIK: This surgery is common and easy to find. It often heals fast with little pain. It can fix nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism.² It may fit people who want fast healing and have thick enough corneas. Night driving may bring glare or rings around lights. In rare cases, the flap shifts during early healing. LASIK may also be a poor fit for people with thin corneas or jobs where the face or eyes could get hit.⁵
PRK: This surgery has no flap, which makes it a good choice for people with thin corneas or a higher chance of eye injury. That includes people who play contact sports and some military members. The trade-off is slower healing and more pain at first.³
SMILE: This surgery also has no flap, and the cut is very small. Some studies show it may be the better choice for those with dry eyes. It may fit people who are nearsighted and want a flap-free choice. But it only fixes nearsightedness and some astigmatism. Nearsightedness means seeing things far away as blurry. Astigmatism means the eye has an uneven curve. Fewer providers offer SMILE too, so one must be nearby.⁴
While all three have risks, serious problems are rare. Some people need a second round of laser work to get the best results. Also, surgery does not stop the normal changes that come with age. Many people still need reading glasses later. While all three have risks, serious problems are rare. Some people need a second round of laser work to get the best results. Also, surgery does not stop the normal changes that come with age. Many people still need reading glasses later. Talk with an eye care provider to see which surgery is best.
Sources
- How does the cornea affect vision? Optometrists Network, accessed September 24, 2026
- LASIK eye surgery Cleveland Clinic, May 26, 2026
- Photorefractive keratectomy Cleveland Clinic, June 28, 2024
- SMILE eye surgery Cleveland Clinic, June 15, 2023
- LASIK surgery: Is it right for you? Mayo Clinic, May 21, 2025
