5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Preoperative evaluation includes biometry, corneal topography or tomography, OCT, and tear film assessment to guide procedure selection and identify risks.

• 2

  PRK reshapes the cornea without creating a flap and may suit some patients with relatively thin corneas or flap-related concerns, but recovery is slower than with LASIK.

• 3

  SMILE treats eligible patients with nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, when prescription and corneal measurements fall within the procedure's approved range.

• 4

  ICL places a corrective lens inside the eye while preserving the natural lens and may suit some patients with moderate to high myopia who meet anatomical requirements.

• 5

  RLE replaces the natural lens and may be considered for some adults over 40, but its permanent removal requires careful assessment, particularly in younger patients.