LASIK, PRK & SMILE: What’s the Difference and Which One’s Right for You?
- Northern Sight Optometry
- May 14
- 3 min read
Updated: May 25
If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching your glasses or contact lenses, you’ve probably looked into laser eye surgery. With today’s technology, achieving clear vision without corrective lenses is more possible than ever — but choosing the right procedure can feel a little overwhelming.
At Northern Sight Optometry, our doctors are here to counsel our Vaughan and Kleinburg patients prior to surgery and monitor recovery during post-operative appointments.
The most common types of vision correction surgery are LASIK, PRK, and SMILE. Each option uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct your vision, but they differ in technique, recovery time, and who they’re best suited for.
Before diving into the differences, here’s a quick overview of how these surgeries work:
Your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) helps focus light onto the retina at the back of your eye. The curvature of your cornea determines if you're nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism — which causes blurry vision without glasses. LASIK, PRK, and SMILE all use lasers to reshape the cornea so light can focus more clearly, improving your vision.
Let’s break down the differences so you can feel more confident exploring your options.
1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
The most popular and well-known procedure.
How it works: A thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea, lifted, and a laser reshapes the underlying tissue. The flap is then repositioned.
Benefits:
Fast recovery — many patients see clearly the next day!
Minimal discomfort
High precision with decades of data backing its success
Great for most prescriptions
Consider if:
You have healthy corneas with good thickness
You want quick results and minimal downtime
You’re an adult with a stable prescription
Things to know:
The flap can shift if the eye is injured during early healing
Not ideal for people with dry eyes or thin corneas
2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
The original laser eye surgery — still a great option!
How it works: Instead of creating a flap, the outer layer of the cornea is gently removed. A laser reshapes the exposed cornea underneath. The surface cells grow back over a few days.
Benefits:
No flap = safer for contact sports and physically active jobs
Suitable for thinner corneas
Lower risk of certain complications
Consider if:
You have dry eyes or thin corneas
You play contact sports (e.g., martial arts, hockey)
You’re comfortable with a longer recovery time
Things to know:
Vision recovery takes longer (up to 1–2 weeks)
More discomfort in the first few days post-op
3. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
The newest option in laser vision correction.
How it works: A small laser creates a thin disc of tissue inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny incision — no flap required.
Benefits:
Minimally invasive
Smaller incision = faster healing and less dry eye
Great for moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness)
Consider if:
You’ve got high myopia or high astigmatism
You want a fast-healing, flapless option
You’ve been told LASIK might cause dryness
Things to know:
Not as commonly used to treat hyperopia (farsightedness)
Fewer clinics offer SMILE, but it’s growing in popularity
So… Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — the best procedure depends on your eyes, lifestyle, and preferences. At Northern Sight Optometry, we don’t perform these surgeries ourselves, but we work closely with trusted local refractive surgeons in Vaughan to help you choose the safest, most effective option.
If you’re curious about laser vision correction, we offer pre-surgical consultations where we:
Evaluate your eye health
Measure your corneal thickness and prescription stability
Discuss your goals and lifestyle needs
Refer you to a trusted surgeon who’s the best fit for you
Laser eye surgery has come a long way. Whether you’re drawn to the tried-and-true LASIK, the no-flap security of PRK, or the high-tech elegance of SMILE, there’s an option that can help you see the world more clearly — no glasses or daytime contacts required.
Thinking about vision correction surgery? Start with a consultation at Northern Sight Optometry — we’ll answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way.