10/15/2026
Refractive Eye Surgery
Modern solutions for clearer vision — and a life with fewer limits. At All Eyecare Optometry, we're here to help you explore your options for refractive surgery and find the best fit for your eyes, lifestyle, and visual goals.
Your Options for Refractive Surgery
There are several surgical options that can reduce or, in some cases, eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Here's a closer look at four common procedures.
LASIK
Fast recovery. Sharp results.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) reshapes the cornea using a precise laser to correct refractive errors. A thin flap is created on the cornea, and the underlying tissue is reshaped to improve how light focuses on the retina.
Potential benefits:
- Quick procedure, typically about 10–15 minutes per eye
- Minimal discomfort for most patients
- Relatively rapid visual recovery, often within 24–48 hours
- May correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
Considerations: LASIK may not be suitable for patients with thin corneas, certain corneal conditions, or significant dry eye. It can also increase or worsen dry-eye symptoms in some patients.
PRK
A proven option for a wider range of corneas.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) reshapes the cornea with a laser after removing the surface epithelial cells. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require creating a corneal flap.
Potential benefits:
- No corneal flap, eliminating flap-related complications
- May be suitable for patients with thinner corneas or certain active lifestyles
- Effective long-term vision correction for appropriately selected patients
Considerations: Recovery is generally slower than LASIK. Discomfort may occur during the first few days, and vision can take days to weeks to stabilize. Temporary or persistent dry eye and other complications are possible.
ICL
A lens-based option that preserves your natural lens.
The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is a biocompatible lens placed inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. It corrects refractive errors without reshaping the cornea.
Potential benefits:
- May be suitable for patients with higher prescriptions or certain corneal limitations
- Preserves the natural crystalline lens
- Can provide excellent visual quality
- The lens can generally be removed or exchanged surgically if needed
Considerations: ICL requires intraocular surgery and carries risks such as infection, elevated eye pressure, cataract formation, and other complications. Not every patient is a candidate.
Watch this video to understand differences between LASIK, PRK and ICL.
Clear Lens Exchange
A lens-based procedure for selected patients seeking greater visual freedom.
Clear lens exchange (CLE), also called refractive lens exchange, removes the eye's natural crystalline lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery but is performed before a visually significant cataract develops, primarily to correct refractive error.
Potential benefits:
- Can correct significant refractive errors
- May reduce dependence on glasses for distance and/or near vision, depending on lens selection
- Prevents a natural-lens cataract from developing in the future because the natural lens has been removed
Considerations: CLE is irreversible and involves intraocular surgery. It may increase the risk of retinal detachment, particularly in younger patients with high myopia. Other risks include infection, inflammation, and visual disturbances. Lens options and expected outcomes should be discussed carefully before proceeding.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
The best option depends on your prescription, corneal shape and thickness, tear-film health, age, eye health, lifestyle, and visual goals.
During your consultation, we'll perform a comprehensive eye examination and review your surgical options, including potential benefits, risks, recovery expectations, and long-term considerations. We can also coordinate care with a refractive surgeon to help you make an informed decision.
See the World More Clearly.
Ready to learn more?
Schedule a consultation with All Eyecare Optometry to find out whether LASIK, PRK, ICL, or clear lens exchange may be appropriate for you.
Our team is here to help you understand your options and take the next step toward your visual goals.
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