Compare All-Laser LASIK, SMILE, and PRK from the same diagnostic workup. Your corneal maps, prescription, tear film, age, and daily demands determine which option is appropriate - or whether a non-laser alternative is safer.
LASIK is one of several ways to correct refractive error. Depending on your corneal shape and thickness, prescription, dry-eye risk, age, and lifestyle, a better fit may be SMILE, ASA/PRK, EVO ICL, or lens replacement. The goal is to choose the procedure that best protects the eye while meeting your visual priorities.
Two lasers - femtosecond + excimer - create a precise corneal flap and reshape the surface. It can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism when the prescription and cornea fit the treatment range.
Best for: Stable prescription, healthy corneas, active lifestyles, and patients comparing laser vision correction options
No corneal flap. A small incision is used to remove a lenticule, correcting qualifying nearsightedness and astigmatism with less early disruption to corneal nerves than LASIK.
Best for: Dry-eye sensitivity, mild-to-moderate myopia, contact-sport athletes, and patients researching LASIK alternatives
The laser reshapes the corneal surface without a flap. Early recovery is slower than LASIK. Some measurements or activities may favor PRK, but a thin or irregular cornea can rule out laser surgery altogether.
Best for: Selected corneal measurements and work or sports where avoiding a flap matters
A starting reference for LASIK candidacy and LASIK alternatives - the final answer comes from your corneal scans, tear film, prescription, and diagnostic workup, not a chart.
| Attribute | All-Laser LASIK | SMILE | ASA / PRK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corneal flap created | |||
| Flapless procedure | |||
| Corrects nearsightedness | |||
| Corrects astigmatism | |||
| Existing dry eye | Evaluate and treat first | Evaluate and treat first | Evaluate and treat first |
| Strong LASIK alternative | |||
| Work / contact sports | Check role requirements | Check role requirements | Check role requirements |
| Fast early visual recovery |
Free consultation · Corneal scans included · No obligation
Killian Grondin of The Ultimatum, on the day he came in for LASIK.
The research
“I found Visionary Eye by scouring the internet — checked out every option, and the reviews made the decision easy.”
The welcome
“Everyone greeted me with smiles. It felt like home.”
The surgeon
“Dr. Shehz came to greet me personally, let me know everything was going to be okay, and that this would be quick and easy.”
Filmed at our Plano office on the day of his visit. Originally shared on Instagram.
Dr Shehz is awesome. From his office, to his team, to the consult, it was all fantastic. I highly recommend Visionary Eye for all your lasik needs.
Dr. Shehz is a double board-certified vision correction surgeon who completed ophthalmology residency at Dean McGee Eye Institute and pursued advanced refractive training. He performs every surgery at Visionary Eye personally and leads the diagnostic plan used to decide whether a procedure is appropriate.
5.0 Google rating from 120 reviewsMost patients structure LASIK financing through FSA / HSA or 0% APR payment plans via CareCredit and Cherry. Our Affordability page walks through every option in plain English, no surprises.
Ask for a written estimate showing the procedure, testing, medication, follow-up, and enhancement terms. If an offer applies, confirm eligibility, the offer dates, whether the amount is per eye or for both eyes, and your final total. Financing terms and approval depend on the lender.
What patients say
Talk to our team, no pressure, no sales pitch. We answer the question, not the upsell.
High prescriptions, thin corneas, dry-eye risk, or age 40+ sometimes point to EVO ICL, ASA/PRK, SMILE, or lens replacement instead. We map the LASIK alternative that best fits your eyes.
Farsighted or comparing treatment after 40? Read how LASIK treats hyperopia and when lens-based correction may deserve a closer look.
Coming from Dallas? Start with our dedicated guide to LASIK in Dallas — your laser options, honest pricing, and what the drive actually looks like.
Explore cost, recovery, and candidacy at your own pace.
Compare glasses, LASIK, PRK, and lens-based options for confirmed residual prescription after cataract surgery, with suitability checks before an enhancement.
Read articleConsidering LASIK or PRK with a pterygium? Learn why corneal shape, surface health, and stable repeat measurements determine whether treatment should wait.
Read articleLearn why screens can feel uncomfortable after LASIK, how to return to computer work gradually, and which symptoms require a call to your surgeon.
Read articleRead the original guidance before discussing your options with your surgeon. An examination is needed to determine candidacy.
Device indications can change. The age-expansion record below updates the age range in the older EVO ICL approval record.
Glasses on the nightstand. Contacts fighting you at the gym. The menu blurring at dinner. You don't have to live with it. Come find out what's possible for your eyes.
