Dr Moïse Tourabaly · Refractive surgery
LASIK, PRK or SMILE: how to choose
Criterion
LASIK
PRK
SMILE
Corneal flap
Yes, in the stroma
No, on the surface
No, micro-incision
Incision size
Flap cut
None, on the surface
≈ 3 mm
Visual recovery
Fast, within a few days
More gradual
Fast, within a few days
Thin cornea indication
More limited
Often suitable
More limited
Post-operative sensations
Mild, short-lived
Discomfort a few days
Mild, short-lived
Return to activities
Fast
Gradual
Fast
The choice of technique depends on your cornea and your lifestyle; it is decided at the pre-operative assessment.
Diagram for educational purposes. It does not replace an ophthalmological examination. Results vary from one patient to another.