LASIK vs. PRK: Which Laser Eye Surgery Is Right For You?

LASIK and PRK are two of the most trusted laser eye surgeries available today. Both can correct blurry vision, reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts, and offer long-term results, but they’re not interchangeable.

If you live in San Jose or the surrounding area and you’re thinking about vision correction, understanding the difference between LASIK and PRK is the first step in choosing the procedure that fits your eyes, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.

At Furlong Vision, we’ve helped thousands of patients, ranging from tech professionals in their 30s to adults over 50 ready to ditch readers and make the right decision with confidence. Here’s what you need to know before choosing your path to clearer vision.

Understanding LASIK and PRK: The Basics

Laser vision correction isn’t new, but the technologies behind it have evolved. LASIK and PRK are two FDA-approved procedures that use laser technology to reshape the cornea and correct common refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

Both offer excellent long-term vision results. The key differences come down to how the procedure is performed, who qualifies, and how the eye heals afterward.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) involves creating a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. A laser is then used to reshape the corneal tissue underneath, correcting how light enters the eye.

• Fast recovery: Most patients see improved vision within 24–48 hours
• Minimal discomfort: Numbing drops are used; the procedure takes minutes
• High satisfaction: According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, LASIK has a patient satisfaction rate of over 96%, one of the highest in all of medicine

What Is PRK?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is the original laser vision correction procedure, and it’s still widely used today for patients who aren’t ideal LASIK candidates.

Instead of creating a corneal flap, PRK works by gently removing the outer layer of the cornea before reshaping the tissue with a laser. The surface then heals naturally over several days.

• Great for thin corneas: Ideal for patients who aren’t eligible for LASIK
• Longer healing period: Recovery takes a bit more time, but vision outcomes are comparable to LASIK
• No flap = less risk: Especially beneficial for patients with active or high-impact lifestyles

Shared Benefits of Both Surgeries

Whether you choose LASIK or PRK, you can expect:

• Precise, customized correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
• Freedom from glasses or contacts in most daily activities
• A safe, well-studied procedure backed by decades of clinical success

With the right surgeon and a thorough evaluation, both LASIK and PRK deliver life-changing results, often in less time than it takes to get a new pair of glasses.

LASIK vs. PRK: Key Differences

While LASIK and PRK both use advanced laser technology to correct vision, the way each procedure is performed (and how the eye heals afterward) can make one a better fit for your needs than the other.

Here’s how they compare across the most important factors:

LASIK vs. PRK at a Glance

Feature	LASIK	PRK
Procedure Type	Corneal flap + laser reshaping	Surface layer removal + laser reshaping
Ideal For	Patients with healthy corneal thickness	Patients with thin corneas or corneal irregularities
Recovery Time	1–2 days for most daily activities	3–5 days off work; 1–2 weeks for full recovery
Initial Discomfort	Minimal	Moderate (can include tearing, light sensitivity)
Vision Results	Clear vision typically within 24–48 hours	Clear vision develops more gradually
Risk of Dry Eye	Slightly higher due to flap creation	Lower, flapless approach preserves more corneal nerves
Corneal Strength After	Slightly reduced due to flap	Preserves more natural strength of the eye
Flap Complications	Rare, but possible (flap-related risks)	None (no flap involved)

Both LASIK and PRK offer long-term vision correction, and outcomes are very similar over time. The biggest differences are in recovery experience, corneal anatomy requirements, and personal lifestyle factors.

Factors That Help Determine the Right Procedure

There’s no one “best” laser eye surgery. Only the one that fits your eyes, your lifestyle, and your vision goals. Here are the key factors that help determine whether LASIK or PRK is the right choice for you.

Corneal Thickness and Eye Anatomy

One of the first things your surgeon will assess is the thickness and shape of your cornea. LASIK requires enough tissue to safely create a corneal flap. If your corneas are thinner than average or if you’ve had previous eye injuries or surgeries, PRK may be the safer, more effective option.

Good to know: A detailed corneal mapping exam at Furlong Vision will help determine this in your consultation.

Lifestyle, Work, and Hobbies

Certain lifestyles put more pressure on your eyes. If you play contact sports, work in a physically demanding environment, or are at higher risk for eye injuries, PRK may be preferred. Since there’s no flap involved, there’s no risk of it shifting due to impact.

On the other hand, if you want fast visual recovery and have a lower-risk lifestyle, LASIK may be the better match.

Age and Long-Term Vision Planning

As you enter your 40s and 50s, your eyes naturally begin to change; most people start experiencing presbyopia, or age-related near vision loss. Your surgeon may take this into account when recommending LASIK or PRK and may also discuss options like monovision correction.

While both LASIK and PRK are effective for older adults, the long-term planning strategy may differ slightly depending on your age, vision goals, and whether you’ve already had other corrective procedures.

Digital Eye Strain in Younger Adults

If you’re in your 20s or 30s and spend most of your day in front of a screen, you’re not alone. A 2023 study from the Vision Council found that 68% of adults report symptoms of digital eye strain; a growing reason why many younger professionals are turning to LASIK or PRK for long-term relief from glasses or contacts
(source).

Both LASIK and PRK can offer long-term freedom, but the right procedure depends on your eye health, daily habits, and future plans.

Why San Jose Patients Trust Furlong Vision for LASIK and PRK

Choosing the right laser vision correction provider is just as important as choosing the right procedure. At Furlong Vision in San Jose, thousands of patients have entrusted their vision to a team that combines deep expertise with personalized care.

Over Two Decades of Surgical Expertise

Founded by Dr. Michael Furlong, a board-certified ophthalmologist with more than 25 years of experience, Furlong Vision is one of the most established laser eye surgery centers in the Bay Area.

Dr. Furlong has personally performed over 40,000 vision correction procedures, including both LASIK and PRK. His work has helped patients from every walk of life (engineers, teachers, medical professionals, and athletes) gain lasting freedom from glasses and contacts.

Thorough, Personalized Evaluations

No two eyes are alike, and that’s exactly how Furlong Vision approaches patient care. Every consultation includes:

• Advanced diagnostic imaging
  
• A full assessment of eye anatomy and corneal thickness
  
• Lifestyle and vision goal review
  
• Clear, pressure-free guidance on whether LASIK or PRK is right for you
  

The focus is never on selling procedures. It’s on helping you make the right decision for your eyes.

Local Access, Long-Term Care

Conveniently located in San Jose, Furlong Vision serves patients throughout the South Bay, including:

• Santa Clara
  
• Sunnyvale
  
• Mountain View
  
• Cupertino
  
• Los Gatos
  

Whether you’re coming in for your first consultation or post-op checkup, you’ll always be seen by a local team that’s accessible, experienced, and committed to your long-term results.

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK and PRK

Have more questions? We have more answers.

Ready to take the first step?

Find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK or PRK. Schedule your consultation at Furlong Vision today.