Types of Laser Eye Surgery: LASIK, SMILE, PRK & More

If you're looking into laser eye surgery, the solutions can seem endless. You've heard terms like LASIK, SMILE and PRK - but what do they involve and, more importantly, which one is right for your circumstances?

If you're looking for clear answers to your laser eye surgery questions, you've come to the right place. At personalEYES, we've helped thousands of Australians find lasting freedom from glasses and contact lenses through various types of laser eye treatment — not just LASIK.

In this article, you'll learn about the different laser eye surgery types available today, how they compare, and how to choose the one that best fits your vision goals. By the end, you'll be equipped with all the information you need to take the next step toward clear, glasses-free vision.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a group of procedures designed to correct vision problems like short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These treatments use advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea - the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye - so light focuses correctly on the retina.

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution for clearer vision. Each procedure is tailored to different eye shapes, lifestyles, and medical histories. Some offer faster recovery times; others are better suited for those with thinner corneas or dry eyes. That's why understanding the types of laser eye surgery is so important, so you can find the best solution for your circumstances.

The one thing these procedures have in common? They aim to permanently fine-tune your eye's focusing power, removing the need for glasses or contact lenses. Whether you're in your 20s or way past 50, laser eye surgery offers a long-term solution that can change how you live day to day for the better.

LASIK: The Most Well-Known Option

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most recognised and widely performed type of laser eye surgery. It's popular for a reason – quick, effective, and usually fast recovery.

How LASIK works

LASIK involves creating a thin flap on the surface of your cornea. This flap is gently lifted so a laser can reshape the underlying corneal tissue to improve how your eye focuses on light. Once the reshaping is done, the flap is repositioned and left to heal naturally, with no stitches required.

Who is LASIK best for?

LASIK is a strong option for people with mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. It's especially ideal if you have a healthy cornea and a stable prescription.

What to expect after LASIK?

The procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye. Most people notice improved vision within 24–48 hours, and many return to work the next day. It's relatively painless, with only mild discomfort or dryness in the early healing stages.

SMILE: The Minimally Invasive Alternative

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer concept of laser eye surgery that offers a less invasive alternative to LASIK — with equally impressive results.

How SMILE works

Instead of creating a flap, SMILE uses a single femtosecond laser to carve a tiny lens-shaped piece of tissue (called a lenticule) within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a small keyhole incision. The result? The cornea is reshaped to correct your vision — without the need for a flap.

Who is SMILE best for?

SMILE is ideal for people with short-sightedness and mild astigmatism. It's particularly suited to those with dry eyes or active lifestyles, as the small incision causes less disruption to the eye's surface and nerves.

What to expect after SMILE?

Because there's no flap, there's less risk of flap-related complications. Recovery is quick and vision begins improving within days, with minimal discomfort.

PRK: For Those Who Can't Have LASIK

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the first laser vision correction procedure developed, and it continues to be a highly effective option for patients not suited to LASIK or SMILE.

How PRK works

Instead of creating a flap or a small incision, PRK involves gently removing the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium). A laser is then used to reshape the underlying tissue, just like with LASIK. The epithelium naturally grows back over a few days.

Who is PRK best for?

PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas, dry eyes, or specific corneal irregularities that make LASIK or SMILE unsuitable. It's also a good choice for people at higher risk of eye trauma, such as those involved in contact sports or serving in the military.

What to expect after PRK?

Recovery with PRK takes a bit longer. You may experience some discomfort for the first few days, and vision typically clears up gradually over one to two weeks. But once healed, the results are just as strong as other types of laser eye surgery.

Other Vision Correction Procedures

While LASIK, SMILE, and PRK are the most common types of laser eye surgery, there are other procedures available for those who may not be ideal candidates or who need correction beyond what laser reshaping provides.

LASEK

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) is similar to PRK but uses a slightly different method to loosen and preserve the epithelial layer before laser reshaping. It's another great option for people with thin corneas or dry eyes, though less commonly performed now due to advancements in other techniques.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

This procedure is more like cataract surgery than laser eye surgery. The eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It's ideal for people over 45 who are dealing with presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) or high prescriptions that aren't suitable for laser correction.

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

For those who are not eligible for LASIK or PRK due to extremely high prescriptions or thin corneas, ICL involves implanting a soft lens inside the eye - like a permanent contact lens. It provides excellent visual outcomes and can be removed or replaced if needed.

How to Choose the Right Option

With so many types of laser eye surgery available, it's natural to wonder which one is right for you. The answer depends on your eye shape, prescription, age, lifestyle, and overall eye health.

Key factors that affect your suitability:

• Corneal thickness: LASIK needs a certain thickness for the flap, while PRK and SMILE work better for thinner corneas.
• Dry eyes: SMILE and ICL may be preferable as they disrupt fewer nerves on the eye's surface.
• Lifestyle: If you play contact sports or have an active job, SMILE or PRK might be safer due to fewer complications with impact.
• Prescription stability: You'll need a stable prescription for at least 12 months before being eligible for any surgery.
• Age: Younger patients typically do well with LASIK or SMILE; over-45s may benefit from options like RLE, especially if they're also struggling with reading vision.

The best way to decide? Book a consultation with a trusted personalEYES clinic.

Your journey starts with a comprehensive eye assessment using advanced diagnostic tools. From there, an experienced ophthalmologist will talk you through your best options to remove any guesswork. You're left with a clear understanding of what to do next to correct your vision – whether you choose to have laser eye treatment with personalEYES or a different provider.

What Types of Laser Eye Treatments Does personalEYES Offer?

At personalEYES, your safety and long-term results always come first. Our team offers a full range of vision correction procedures, so you can choose the one that's right for your eyes, lifestyle, and prescription.

Here's what you can expect from our expert surgeons:

LASIK:

We use advanced femtosecond and excimer lasers to deliver precise, safe results — tailored to your unique eye shape and prescription.

SMILE:

personalEYES was one of the first clinics in Australia to offer SMILE. Our team has performed thousands of successful procedures using the latest Zeiss VisuMax® laser system, trusted worldwide for its accuracy and minimal invasiveness.

PRK:

For patients who aren't suited to LASIK or SMILE, we offer PRK using advanced techniques and pain management protocols — designed to ensure a smooth recovery and long-term clarity.

Non-laser options:

If laser surgery isn't the safest or most effective choice for you, we also offer non-laser treatments like LASEK, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), or Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) — all carefully recommended based on your eye health and vision goals.

Why Choose personalEYES?

When it comes to your vision, the right clinic matters just as much as the right laser eye treatment. That's where personalEYES stands out.

With over 20 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, personalEYES is one of Australia's most established names in laser eye surgery. Our clinics across NSW and ACT are equipped with cutting-edge technology and led by highly trained ophthalmologists who specialise in a full range of vision correction procedures.

What sets personalEYES apart for eye surgery?

• Full range of treatments: We offer types of LASIK, SMILE, PRK, and non-laser options, so you get what's best for your eyes - not just what's available.
• Personalised care: Our team delivers expert assessments, clear communication, and a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
• Proven outcomes: personalEYES patients consistently report excellent visual results, greater confidence, and freedom from glasses or contacts.

Next Steps: Book a Consultation at personalEYES

Now that you understand the main types of laser eye surgery - from LASIK and SMILE to PRK and beyond - you're in a better position to make an informed decision about your vision.

The next step is simple: book your free, no-obligation consultation with personalEYES.

During your visit, you'll undergo a comprehensive eye assessment using advanced diagnostic technology. You'll speak directly with a specialist who'll explain your options clearly, answers your questions honestly, and helps you decide what's right for you.

Whether you're ready to ditch your glasses for good or just want to explore what's possible, personalEYES is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact your closest clinic and book your consultation today.

FAQs

Are there several types of LASIK eye surgery?

If you're researching laser eye treatment, you may have seen different types of LASIK - bladeless LASIK, wavefront-guided LASIK, or custom LASIK. These are all variations designed to improve precision, comfort, or recovery time - but the core procedure is the same. Your eye surgeon will recommend the version that suits your eye's shape and prescription best.

Can I get laser eye surgery if I've been told I'm not suitable for LASIK?

Yes — if you're not a candidate for LASIK, other types of eye laser treatment like PRK or SMILE may still be an option. At personalEYES, your consultation will explore all available procedures to find the safest solution for your eyes.