Which one is better PRK or LASIK?
If you’re looking at laser eye surgery to correct your vision, you’ve probably seen two popular options: PRK and LASIK. But which one is better?
The truth is, neither is better for everyone — but one may be better for you.
Let’s break it down simply so you can understand the differences, pros, cons, and which option might suit your eyes and your life.
First, what do PRK and LASIK do?
Both PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) use a laser to reshape your cornea so light focuses properly in your eye — giving you clear vision without glasses or contacts.
Both procedures can correct:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
How are they different?
It’s all about how the surgeon accesses the cornea:
- LASIK: A thin flap is created in your cornea. The laser reshapes tissue underneath, and the flap is placed back like a natural bandage.
- PRK: The surface layer (epithelium) is gently removed. The laser reshapes the exposed cornea. The surface then heals on its own over a few days.
Which one recovers faster?
LASIK: Faster recovery — most people see well the next day and can drive within 1–2 days.
PRK: Slower recovery — vision is blurry for 3–5 days, and it takes 1–2 weeks to return to most daily activities.
Which one is safer for active lifestyles?
PRK: No flap means there’s no risk of the flap shifting if you play contact sports or work in risky environments (like military or law enforcement).
LASIK: While very safe, the flap remains in place for life — which is why PRK is sometimes preferred for very active people.
Which one works better for thin corneas?
PRK: A good option if your corneas are too thin for LASIK, because no flap is created.
LASIK: Requires a certain corneal thickness.
Are the results different?
No — both PRK and LASIK deliver excellent vision.
Most people achieve 20/20 vision or better with either option. In skilled hands, results are equally good for both.
What about comfort during the procedure?
LASIK: No discomfort during or after the procedure (just some pressure during flap creation).
PRK: No discomfort during surgery (thanks to drops), but mild to moderate discomfort in the first 2–4 days during healing.
So... which one is “better”?
That depends on you.
Choose LASIK if you want:
- Faster recovery
- Immediate vision clarity
- A lifestyle with lower physical risk
Choose PRK if you need:
- No flap (safer for active lifestyles)
- Treatment for thin corneas
- Lower cost
- The same great vision — with more patience during healing
How do I know which is right for me?
Start with our free, quick self-test. It will help you understand if you’re a likely candidate for laser eye surgery — and whether PRK or LASIK may suit you best.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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“I would refer Dr Beatty to anyone interested in LASIK or PRK eye surgery. The entire experience was really pleasant with his and his staff’s professional advice and care before, during and after the surgery.
I am very thankful to be able to look at the world and go about my day to day activities without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.”
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“Best money spent ever. I am so happy with the results after I had LASIK done.”
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M.M.We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both Atlantic Eye Centre, an eye specialist centre, and LIQID Medical Pty, a biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and receive awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing dedicated, patient-centred care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is for every patient to feel genuinely informed, comfortable, and well cared for – from their first conversation right through to their last post-operative visit.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
