SMILE Pro vs PRK

How PRK Works PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) removes the cornea's outer surface layer (epithelium) before reshaping the tissue underneath with an excimer laser — no flap or lenticule is involved, and the epithelium regrows naturally afterward. How SMILE Pro Differs SMILE Pro removes a lenticule of corneal tissue through a small incision, leaving the corneal surface largely intact, unlike PRK's surface-removal approach. Recovery Comparison PRK recovery can involve more initial discomfort and a longer visual recovery period than SMILE Pro, since the surface layer must regrow, though individual healing varies. Who May Be Suited to Each PRK is sometimes considered for patients with thinner corneas unsuitable for flap or lenticule procedures; SMILE Pro requires sufficient corneal thickness for its incision-based approach. This is assessed individually. Discussing Your Options Your surgeon will recommend the option best suited to your corneal thickness and healing preferences.