There are several popular types of LASIK, such as PRK, which removes the corneal surface to reshape the cornea; LASIK, which uses a microkeratome blade to create a corneal flap; Femto LASIK, which uses a laser instead of a blade; and ReLEx SMILE, which involves a smaller incision and faster recovery. LASIK is suitable for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, who have a strong and sufficiently thick cornea, and no chronic or severe eye diseases. It is ideal for those who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses in daily life. Choosing the most appropriate LASIK technique depends on your vision condition, corneal structure, and lifestyle. It’s best to consult an experienced ophthalmologist for a personalized evaluation and treatment recommendation. What Are the Different Types of LASIK? Vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can significantly affect one’s quality of life. LASIK has become a popular and effective solution for permanent vision correction.Today, there are various LASIK technologies — each with its unique principles, advantages, limitations, and costs.This article explores how many types of LASIK there are, comparing each method’s pros and cons and helping you choose the best technique for your eye condition, budget, and lifestyle.   Main Types of LASIK Surgery LASIK technologies have evolved continuously to meet different vision correction needs. Each type works differently and has its own benefits and precautions:   1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) The earliest LASIK method. The surgeon removes the outer corneal surface before reshaping the cornea with a laser. The surface gradually regenerates.Pros: No risk of flap displacement; suitable for thin corneas or people with high-impact activities.Cons: Longer recovery (3–5 days of discomfort or blurred vision).   2. TransPRK An advanced form of PRK using Excimer laser to remove the epithelium and reshape the cornea in one step — without touching the eye directly.Pros: No flap creation; ideal for thin corneas.Cons: Similar recovery time to PRK; may cause temporary discomfort.   3. Standard LASIK Traditional LASIK using a microkeratome blade to create a corneal flap, then reshaping with a laser.Pros: Fast recovery, minimal pain.Cons: Possible flap displacement if the eye is hit within 1–3 months.   4. FemtoLASIK (Femtosecond LASIK) An upgraded version of standard LASIK using a Femtosecond laser instead of a blade to create the flap.Pros: More precise, safer, smoother flap surface, faster healing.Cons: Still carries minor flap displacement risk.   5. ReLEx SMILE Uses a Femtosecond laser to create a small tissue lenticule, which is removed through a 2–4 mm incision — no flap creation.Pros: Tiny incision, faster recovery, lower dry-eye risk, better corneal stability.Cons: Suitable only for myopia and astigmatism (not presbyopia).   6. SMILE Pro® The most advanced and comfortable LASIK technology today, using high-speed laser correction — only 8 seconds per eye.Pros: Fast, accurate, less anxiety during the procedure.Cons: Applicable for myopia and astigmatism only.   7. NanoLASIK An enhanced all-laser LASIK using low-energy femtosecond laser and AI-assisted scanning for higher precision.Pros: Painless, accurate, safe, effective for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.   8. NanoReLEx® Uses next-gen femtosecond laser with AI + real-time OCT scanning, creating and removing corneal tissue via a small incision (~2 mm).Pros: Extremely precise, safest option, quick recovery.Cons: Suitable for myopia and astigmatism only.   9. NV LASIK Designed for presbyopia correction, using blended vision — one eye is corrected for distance, the other slightly nearsighted for near focus.Pros: Reduces dependency on reading glasses.Cons: Requires a short adaptation period.   10. Nano NV LASIK An advanced form of FemtoLASIK using ultra-fast femtosecond laser (nanojoule energy) for smooth corneal separation and rapid recovery.Pros: Enhances both near and distance vision for presbyopia; minimal discomfort.Cons: May slightly reduce contrast sensitivity.   Comparison Table: Types of LASIK Type Principle Advantages Precautions PRK Removes surface layer before reshaping cornea No flap, suitable for thin corneas Slower recovery, discomfort TransPRK Laser removes surface and reshapes in one step Touch-free, no flap Slower recovery Standard LASIK Blade creates flap, laser reshapes Fast recovery Flap may shift with impact FemtoLASIK Laser creates flap, no blade High precision, safer Minor flap risks ReLEx SMILE Laser creates small lenticule, removed via tiny incision Small incision, quick recovery Limited to myopia/astigmatism SMILE Pro® Fast femtosecond laser (8 sec/eye) Quick, comfortable Myopia/astigmatism only NanoLASIK Low-energy laser, AI precision Safe, accurate Slight risk if impacted early NanoReLEx® AI-assisted femtosecond laser, OCT scan Highly precise, safest Myopia/astigmatism only NV LASIK Blended vision correction See near & far Needs short adjustment Nano NV LASIK Nano-energy laser for presbyopia Fast recovery, smooth May reduce image sharpness   Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK? LASIK is effective but not suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates should: Be 18 years or older Have stable vision for at least 1 year Have sufficient corneal thickness Have no severe eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts) Have no uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., diabetes)   Pre-LASIK Preparation Stop wearing contact lenses before surgery Wash your face and hair thoroughly Avoid makeup and wear front-button clothing Do not use perfume or deodorant sprays Avoid alcohol the day before Inform your doctor of all medications Do not drive on the day of surgery — have someone accompany you   Post-LASIK Care and Precautions Do not rub your eyes Avoid getting water in your eyes Do not swim or dive until cleared by your doctor Avoid eye makeup for at least 2 weeks Use prescribed eye drops strictly Wear protective eye shields while sleeping for 1 week Rest your eyes regularly when using screens   How Much Does LASIK Cost? Costs vary by technology. A comprehensive eye evaluation at Bangkok Eye Hospital can help determine the most suitable technique and estimate the total cost, including aftercare and insurance options.   Conclusion How many types of LASIK are there?There are several — such as PRK, LASIK, Femto LASIK, and ReLEx SMILE, each differing in technology, incision size, and recovery time.Choosing the right LASIK method requires professional evaluation to ensure safety, accuracy, and long-term results.Bangkok Eye Hospital offers modern technology and specialized eye care to help you achieve clearer vision confidently.   FAQs About LASIK Types 1. Can I undergo another LASIK procedure with a different technique?Yes, but it depends on your corneal condition and previous method. For example, if you previously had LASIK with a flap, your surgeon may reopen it for enhancement. PRK retreatment is also possible for certain cases.   2. Does the LASIK type affect recovery time?Yes. PRK typically takes several days to a week for recovery, while LASIK, Femto LASIK, and ReLEx SMILE allow clear vision within 1–3 days.   3. Which LASIK technique is best for me?It depends on your vision type, corneal thickness, lifestyle, and budget. Consulting a specialized ophthalmologist is essential for finding the most suitable and effective option.

Dry eye after LASIK occurs due to the surgery affecting the function of the tear glands, causing reduced tear production and imbalance in the tear film, which leads to eyes feeling dry and less hydrated. Post-LASIK dry eye is usually not dangerous, but if left unmanaged, it can cause irritation or increase the risk of infection. You should consult a doctor if symptoms are severe or persist. Artificial tears after LASIK help moisturize the eyes, relieve dryness and irritation, promote faster recovery, and reduce the risk of complications. After LASIK, many people experience dry eyes, a common issue that can cause significant discomfort. Understanding the causes and proper care—such as using artificial tears or adjusting daily habits—can help restore eye health quickly and safely, allowing you to return to normal life comfortably. Causes of Dry Eye After LASIK The main causes of dry eye after LASIK are related to temporary effects of the surgery on eye function, such as:   Corneal flap creation During LASIK, a laser creates a flap in the cornea, cutting some corneal nerves that normally send signals to the brain to stimulate tear production. This temporarily reduces tear production.   Corneal surface inflammation LASIK causes mild inflammation on the corneal surface, affecting tear film balance. Normally, the tear film lubricates and protects the eye, but when it becomes unstable, tears evaporate faster, causing dry, irritated eyes. Frequent use of artificial tears can help restore moisture and relieve discomfort.   Pre-existing dry eye Patients who already have dry eye before LASIK may experience worsened symptoms after surgery. The procedure affects tear glands and tear film, increasing dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Inform your ophthalmologist beforehand and prepare for close post-surgery care.   Is Dry Eye After LASIK Dangerous? Dry eye is common after LASIK and usually not severe. It can cause discomfort, burning, or irritation for a period after surgery. The main reason is that surgery affects tear gland function and tear quality, reducing tear production. With proper care and following medical advice, dry eye usually improves and resolves within a few weeks to months.   The Importance of Artificial Tears After LASIK The most effective way to relieve post-LASIK dry eye is frequent use of artificial tears as directed by your doctor, especially in the first week after surgery. Artificial tears contain moisturizing agents like hypromellose, sodium hyaluronate, or carboxymethylcellulose. They are essential for all LASIK patients, helping restore moisture, reduce burning, and relieve dry eye—a common side effect in the first six months after surgery. LASIK affects the cornea and tear production, making artificial tears crucial.   Which Artificial Tears Should You Use? Artificial tears come in various types and formulations to suit individual needs, including: Preservative-free single-use vialsThese are used within 24 hours of opening, feel comfortable on the eyes, have lower risk of allergy, but are more expensive than preservative-containing versions.   Self-Care to Relieve Dry Eye After LASIK Proper self-care is essential in addition to artificial tears, helping eyes recover fully. Recommendations include: Take regular breaksAvoid prolonged screen time. Follow the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet (≈6 meters) away for 20 seconds to reduce strain and maintain moisture. Use eye shields as directedImmediately after surgery, use eye shields to protect from dirt and prevent irritation. Follow doctor instructions, usually for the first day and then nightly for one week, except when applying prescribed drops. Avoid dry environmentsStay away from direct air conditioning, fans, strong wind, or smoke, as these can worsen dryness. Artificial tears help maintain moisture in such conditions. Avoid water contactDo not swim, splash your eyes, or wash your face forcefully to prevent infection or interfere with healing. Avoid eye makeupEyes are sensitive after LASIK, particularly during dry eye recovery. Avoid makeup unless advised by your ophthalmologist, usually allowed one week after surgery. Avoid dustExposure to dust or dirt can cause irritation or infection. Protect eyes with glasses or masks if needed and wash hands before touching eyes. Support eye healthStay hydrated to promote natural tear production. Omega-3 supplements (fish oil or flaxseed) can improve tear quality and reduce dryness.   Summary Dry eye after LASIK is a common side effect caused by surgery affecting tear production, leading to dryness and irritation. Proper care—such as preservative-free artificial tears, adequate hydration, and avoiding dust—helps relieve symptoms and speeds recovery. Choosing the right type of artificial tears according to doctor recommendations is important. Bangkok Eye Hospital provides LASIK with advanced technology and post-surgery care for safe and effective results.   FAQ About Dry Eye After LASIK   How long does dry eye last after LASIK? Symptoms usually improve and resolve within 3–6 months as corneal nerves recover, though some individuals may take slightly longer.   Which artificial tears are best? Preservative-free artificial tears are recommended because they are gentle and can be used frequently without causing irritation. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.   Can I wear contact lenses if my eyes are dry? No, avoid contact lenses during recovery, as they can increase friction, irritation, and complications.