Herzig Eye Institute in Refractive Surgery on May 22, 2019

At Herzig Eye Institute, our surgeons have access to the most advanced technology under one roof, allowing us to match the right procedure with the right patient. Our surgeons are highly trained, board-certified ophthalmologists with experience performing laser vision correction procedures, including Custom PRK, Custom LASIK, and SMILE/SMILEpro. Each procedure is safe, proven and effective, but each also differs from the others in important ways.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the different laser vision correction options. Here, Dr. Sheldon Herzig breaks down the differences between Custom PRK, Custom LASIK, and SMILE/SMILEpro.

What Do Custom Custom LASIK, SMILE/SMILEpro and Custom PRK Treat?

Custom LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the most widely-performed laser vision correction procedure in the world. It is designed to treat a wide range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Custom PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) also treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is the latest generation in the evolution of laser vision correction. It is designed to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism.

Procedural Differences

Custom LASIK involves reshaping the cornea so the light that enters the eye is focused, improving vision. During Custom LASIK, a femtosecond laser creates a thin circular flap on the tissue of the outer cornea to expose the bed of the cornea. Next, an excimer laser removes a small amount of tissue to reshape the cornea. The corneal flap is then carefully placed back where it will heal itself over time.

During Custom PRK, the cornea is also reshaped but no corneal flap is created. Instead, the top cell layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, is removed, exposing the internal tissues of the cornea. An excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct vision. Following Custom PRK, a soft contact lens is placed over the treated eye, acting as a bandage while the epithelium heals. Custom PRK may be an appropriate choice for patients who do not qualify for Custom LASIK, including those with very thin corneas.

SMILE/SMILEpro differs from Custom LASIK and Custom PRK in that it does not use an excimer laser to remove corneal tissue nor does it involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, a femtosecond laser is used to create a small lens-shaped piece of tissue, known as a lenticule, within the cornea. The same laser is used to create a tiny incision on the surface of the cornea to extract the lenticule. This process reshapes the cornea, allowing it to focus light more clearly on the retina, improving vision. Most patients who are candidates for Custom LASIK and Custom PRK are candidates for SMILE/SMILEpro.

Recovery Details

Recovery with Custom LASIK and SMILE/SMILEpro is similar; most patients are able to resume their normal activities the day after surgery. An advantage to SMILE/SMILEpro is that it minimizes the likelihood of dry eye after surgery. Custom PRK does involve a slightly lengthier recovery than the other two procedures; patients are able to resume all normal activities approximately one week after surgery.

Which Is Right for You?

The only way to determine which laser vision correction procedure is right for you is to schedule a personal consultation. During your consultation, we will thoroughly evaluate your eye health and vision needs to determine the appropriate treatment option. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and equipment to diagnose your vision problems and design a customized treatment plan leads to the best visual outcomes.

Are you interested in learning more about Custom LASIK Eye Surgery? Get started on the road towards crisper and clearer vision by scheduling a consultation with us. Contact Herzig Eye Instituteto speak to a member of our team today.