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.

How long is LASIK recovery? The typical recovery period after LASIK is around 1–2 weeks. Vision gradually improves and fully stabilizes with proper follow-up and care as advised by your doctor. What should you avoid after LASIK? Use prescribed eye drops, avoid rubbing your eyes, keep water out of your eyes, refrain from wearing makeup for at least 2 weeks, and get enough rest to promote faster healing. How often should you follow up after LASIK? Schedule at least 5 follow-up visits — after 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year — to monitor recovery and address any issues. Annual eye exams after the first year are also recommended for long-term eye health. LASIK Surgery and the Importance of Proper Recovery LASIK is one of the most popular vision correction procedures. However, postoperative care and recovery play a vital role in ensuring your eyes heal quickly and safely. This guide explains how long LASIK recovery takes, what precautions to follow, and what you should avoid after surgery to help your eyes recover properly.   LASIK Recovery Timeline Wondering how long it takes to recover after LASIK? Most people experience functional recovery within 1–2 days. However, vision clarity and stability develop over several phases:   Day 1 (Immediately After Surgery) You’ll usually notice better vision right away, though not yet perfectly sharp. It’s normal to feel mild irritation, itching, or tearing during the first few hours.   24–48 Hours After Surgery Eye discomfort should start to subside, and your vision will become noticeably clearer. You can resume light activities such as watching TV or reading briefly, but avoid touching or straining your eyes.   First Week Your vision will continue to stabilize and become clearer. You can return to computer-based work, but remember to rest your eyes frequently.   First Month By this stage, your vision is typically clear and stable, and dry-eye symptoms should gradually improve. You can resume moderate exercise and physical activities.   6 Months – 1 Year Most patients reach full visual stability within this period. Dryness or minor fluctuations usually resolve completely.   Post-LASIK Care: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do Many people wonder not only how long LASIK recovery takes, but also what they should avoid during this period. Proper care varies depending on recovery stage:   The First Night After LASIK: Key Precautions Recovery speed depends greatly on how well you care for your eyes immediately after surgery. On the first night: Get adequate rest, but you may open your eyes and carry out basic activities through the small openings in the protective eye shields. If your surgery was done in the daytime, take a short nap for 2–3 hours afterward. If performed in the evening, go to bed early and take the prescribed mild sleeping pill after dinner. Do not remove your eye shields, unless instructed by your doctor. They prevent accidental eye rubbing or contamination. If your eyes water, gently dab around the shield — never underneath it. If the shields come loose, secure them again with medical tape. You can bathe and brush your teeth, but avoid water contact with your eyes. Use a damp towel to clean your face instead of washing it directly.   First Week After LASIK: Dos and Don’ts During the first week, you should follow these care steps to promote safe recovery: Apply antibiotic drops and artificial tears regularly as prescribed. Continue to wear your protective shields at night to avoid eye rubbing. Keep water and dust away from your eyes. Do not rub your eyes under any circumstances. Avoid wearing makeup, especially around the eyes, for at least 2 weeks. Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce irritation from bright light. After your 1-week follow-up exam, you can wash your face and hair normally without wearing the eye shields. Swimming is allowed about 2 weeks after surgery, once your doctor confirms full healing.   Postoperative Checkups and Long-Term Care After LASIK, you should have scheduled checkups at least five times: 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. During these visits, your ophthalmologist will check your vision stability, monitor for dryness, and ensure proper healing.Even after full recovery, an annual eye exam is recommended to maintain long-term eye health. A strong doctor–patient relationship is essential. Open communication allows timely adjustments to your treatment plan if results differ from expectations, ensuring the best possible visual outcome.   Summary LASIK recovery typically takes about 3–7 days for clear vision to return, and most patients can resume light work within a week. However, strict self-care is essential — avoid rubbing your eyes, makeup, dust, and water exposure, and attend all scheduled follow-ups. If you’re looking for a trusted LASIK center, Bangkok Eye Hospital offers advanced technology, experienced ophthalmic surgeons, and personalized care to ensure a smooth and confident recovery — helping your eyes see the world more clearly than ever.   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About LASIK Recovery Here are answers to some of the most common questions about LASIK recovery time and post-surgery care — designed to help you feel confident at every step of the healing process.   1. How many days after LASIK can I wash my face? Recovery time varies by individual, but generally, you can wash your face after about 7 days. Avoid letting water directly enter your eyes during the first week to prevent infection and irritation.   2. What foods should I avoid after LASIK? Avoid spicy food, fermented products, alcohol, and unsanitary food. These can increase inflammation or infection risk, which may slow down recovery.   3. Can I drive home after LASIK surgery? No, you should not drive immediately after the procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home on the day of your surgery to ensure safety.