LASIK vs. PRK: Which Is Right for You?
A surgeon's plain-language comparison of the two laser vision correction procedures — and how the choice actually gets made.
LASIK and PRK produce the same long-term vision; they differ in how the laser reaches the cornea. LASIK treats beneath a thin flap and gives clear, comfortable vision within a day. PRK treats the corneal surface with no flap, takes about a week to recover, and is safer for thin corneas, dry eye, and contact sports. Most patients are candidates for both and can choose; some are candidates for only one. At this practice both cost $2,650 per eye.
Side by side
| LASIK | PRK | |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal flap | Yes (WaveLight FS200 laser) | No |
| Laser used for treatment | Alcon WaveLight Allegretto | |
| Discomfort afterward | Mild, 4–6 hours | Moderate, 2–4 days |
| Functional vision | Next day | About 1 week |
| Final vision | 2–4 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Time off work | 1–2 days | 4–5 days |
| Thin corneas | May be unsafe | Preferred |
| Dry eye tendency | Somewhat higher early on | Lower |
| Contact sports / military | Small flap-dislocation risk | Preferred |
| Long-term result | Equivalent | |
| Price | $2,650 per eye, all-inclusive | |
How the decision is made
The measurements taken at your free evaluation drive the recommendation. Corneal thickness and topography determine how much tissue can safely be removed and whether a flap would leave enough residual cornea. Tear-film testing tells us whether a flap would tip mild dry eye into a real problem. Then your life matters: a firefighter, a boxer, and someone who cannot take a week off work each get a different answer.
A cornea fellowship-trained surgeon sees the borderline cases — the ones where a high-volume laser center would simply say "sure, LASIK" — and steers them toward the procedure that will still look like a good decision twenty years from now.
Get a personal recommendationCall 925-705-7299
Frequently asked questions
Which is safer?
Both are very safe. PRK has no flap, so it eliminates flap-related complications and preserves more corneal strength, which is why it is preferred for thin corneas and high-impact activities. LASIK's advantages are comfort and speed of recovery.
Which gives better vision?
Neither. Final vision is equivalent. The choice is made on your corneal measurements, your occupation and lifestyle, and how much downtime you can accept.
Can I choose LASIK if PRK is recommended?
Dr. Feiz recommends PRK only when LASIK would carry a meaningfully higher risk for your specific corneas. In that situation the right answer is PRK — a faster recovery is not worth a weaker cornea for the rest of your life.
Do they cost the same?
Yes. Both are $2,650 per eye, all-inclusive.