Different Types of Laser Eye Surgery
Explore your options for laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery can be divided into two main types: PRK and LASIK. These two main categories can also be divided into several different variations or modifications of each type. For example, LASEK surgery is just a newer type of PRK surgery. All laser surgeries are performed with the patient awake.
All laser surgeries that call under the category of PRK are characterized by a special surface ablation technique which removes the cornea’s outermost layer, which is called the epithelium. This is done instead of creating a flap with a cutting technique as with LASIK procedures.
Following is a brief summary of all the PRK laser surgeries that use the surface ablative technique:
PRK (PhotoRefractive Keratectomy) – In this surgery, the outermost layer of the cornea is scraped away while an excimer laser reshapes tissues on the underlying surface of the cornea. This is a good option for those with thin corneas. Cons include a longer recovery period and a more uncomfortable time healing. Pros include avoiding the creation of a cornea flap, a risky procedure, and reducing the risk of ecstasia.
LASEK – This is an advanced form of PRK surgery which uses alcohol to soften and remove the epithelium. After the excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct the vision, the epithelium is replaced.
Epi-LASEK – This is a modification of a LASEK procedure which uses a separator to preserve a living layer of epithelium, which is replaced after the excimer laser reshapes the stroma.
The following is a brief summary of the different types of LASIK procedures, which create a corneal flap by cutting, either with a microkeratome blade or laser:
LASIK – This surgery uses a microkeratome metal blade to cut the cornea flap and an excimer laser to reshape the eye. The flap is returned to its position after the procedure and is painless for most patients. Healing time is much faster than PRK; however, this procedure runs more risk for ecstasia.
Custom Vue Lasik - Although this surgery uses the same hardware as conventional Lasik the excimer laser is guided by advanced software that is twenty five percent more accurate than traditional mapping systems. The precision of this technique can be used to correct previous laser surgical mistakes as well.
Conventional IntraLasik – This surgery uses a femtosecond Intralase laser rather than a metal blade to make the corneal flap. This allows a much thinner flap to be created, and eliminates imperfections caused by a metal blade. This is regarded as a far superior method for corneal flap creation.
Custom Vue IntraLasik - This type of laser eye surgery uses a laser to create a cornea flap, and advanced software technology to guide the excimer laser for the best possible results.