Comparison guide

LASIK vs PRK: Differences, Recovery and Who Should Choose Which

LASIK lifts a thin corneal flap and gives clear vision within a day or two; PRK removes the surface layer instead, so healing takes 3–5 days and vision can fluctuate for weeks. PRK is often preferred for thin corneas or contact sports. In Seoul, LASIK costs ₩1.5M–₩2.5M and PRK ₩1.3M–₩2.2M for both eyes.
Reviewed November 2026 · Seoul LASIK Clinic Directory
LASIK vs PRK: Differences, Recovery and Who Should Choose Which

What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

Both use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea; the difference is how the surgeon reaches the tissue. LASIK creates a thin flap and lasers underneath it, while PRK removes the thin surface layer (epithelium) and lasers directly on top.

Because PRK leaves no flap, the epithelium must regrow over the treated area, which is why recovery is slower and more uncomfortable. LASEK is a close cousin of PRK; see PRK vs LASEK in Korea.

LASIK vs PRK side by side

Long-term vision can be similar; the trade-offs are in recovery and corneal safety margins.

Factor LASIK PRK
Flap Yes No
Early pain Mild, usually hours More, peaks around 24 hours, eases by days 3–5
Bandage contact lens Not usually Yes, removed after several days
Functional vision Within 1–2 days About a week; halos or blur for 4–6 weeks
Thin corneas Often unsuitable Often suitable
Contact sports / military Small flap dislodgement risk No flap to dislodge
Haze risk Low Higher; reduced with mitomycin-C
Price in Seoul (both eyes) ₩1.5M–₩2.5M (≈$1,100–$1,900) ₩1.3M–₩2.2M (≈$950–$1,650)

Why does PRK take longer to recover?

The surface layer has to regrow, which usually takes about three to five days, and vision keeps settling for weeks.

A 2024 review in Review of Ophthalmology notes that pain typically peaks around 24 hours and that a bandage contact lens stays in for several days. Halos or blurring can persist for four to six weeks. LASIK patients usually see well the next day. See LASIK recovery day by day.

Is PRK safer for thin corneas?

Often, yes. PRK leaves more of the cornea's structural tissue intact because no flap is cut.

LASIK generally requires a residual stromal bed of at least 250 µm beneath the flap, and many surgeons want more. Ectasia, a progressive bulging of the cornea, is less common after PRK. Surgeons also choose PRK for corneas with suspicious topography or anatomy that raises flap risk. Learn more in corneal thickness for LASIK.

Is PRK an older or less common procedure?

PRK came before LASIK, but it is still widely used and remains the preferred option in several situations.

The 2024 Review of Ophthalmology article estimates that PRK accounts for about 10–15% of laser refractive procedures in the United States. Surgeons choose it not because it is outdated but because it suits particular eyes: thinner corneas, tomography that suggests a higher ectasia risk, very flat or steep corneas or recurrent surface erosions that make a flap riskier, and jobs where a flap could be dislodged. It is also used for enhancements after earlier LASIK or cataract surgery. In Korea, many clinics offer PRK alongside LASEK; see PRK surgery in Korea.

What are the main risks of each?

Both share risks such as dry eye, glare and halos, and under- or over-correction; each also has its own.

LASIK adds flap-related problems and a small ectasia risk. PRK carries more early pain, slower recovery and a higher risk of corneal haze, especially with large corrections, which surgeons reduce with mitomycin-C. Read LASIK side effects.

How long should I stay in Seoul for LASIK or PRK?

LASIK fits a stay of a few days; PRK needs about a week, because the bandage lens has to come out and the healed surface should be checked before you fly.

With LASIK, the usual pattern is exam, surgery and a next-day check, and many patients feel comfortable travelling soon after. With PRK, the Review of Ophthalmology article describes re-epithelialisation finishing around days three to five, with the bandage lens removed several days after surgery; some surgeons wait until day five to reduce discomfort and surface problems. That removal visit is one you should attend in person. Discomfort is also greatest in the first one to two days, so plan quiet days in your hotel rather than sightseeing. Our vision correction travel guide and flying after LASIK cover the logistics.

What do LASIK and PRK cost in Seoul?

PRK is usually slightly cheaper than LASIK in Seoul, although the extra nights you stay can cancel out the difference.

For both eyes, LASIK costs ₩1.5M–₩2.5M (approximately $1,100–$1,900) and PRK about ₩1.3M–₩2.2M (approximately $950–$1,650), prices checked in 2026. Ask whether the quote includes the exam, medication, the bandage lens removal visit and any enhancement. Compare PRK cost, LASIK cost and total trip cost.

Who should choose which?

If your cornea is healthy and thick enough, it often comes down to recovery time versus flap risk.

  • LASIK may suit you if you want the fastest return to work and travel, have adequate corneal thickness and normal topography, and are not in a high-impact job or sport.
  • PRK may suit you if you have thinner or borderline corneas, play contact sports, work in military or police roles, or need an enhancement after earlier surgery.
  • Ask about SMILE or ICL if dry eye or a high prescription is a concern; see SMILE vs LASIK.

What should I ask the clinic?

Ask why the clinic recommends one over the other and what that means for your trip.

  • What are my corneal thickness and residual stromal bed if I choose LASIK?
  • Does my topography show anything that makes PRK the safer choice?
  • Will mitomycin-C be used to lower haze risk with PRK?
  • When will the bandage lens be removed, and when can I fly?
  • Is an enhancement included if I am under-corrected?

Your surgeon makes the final call after a full exam; see questions to ask your LASIK surgeon.

Sources

Key facts

  • LASIK: laser under a corneal flap; vision usually clear in 1–2 days
  • PRK: surface treatment, no flap; epithelium heals in about 3–5 days
  • Thin corneas: PRK preserves more stroma; LASIK generally needs a 250 µm+ residual bed
  • Price in Seoul (both eyes): LASIK ₩1.5M–₩2.5M; PRK ₩1.3M–₩2.2M
  • Haze: higher with PRK; mitomycin-C reduces it
  • More: PRK surgery in Korea

Independent directory. Prices are typical ranges reported by Seoul clinics and change often. Always confirm a written quote and get a full eye exam before booking. This page is general information, not medical advice.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is PRK more painful than LASIK?

Yes, usually. PRK pain tends to peak around the first 24 hours and eases as the surface heals over three to five days. LASIK typically causes only mild discomfort for a few hours.

Are long-term results the same for LASIK and PRK?

For suitable patients, long-term vision is often similar. The main differences are in recovery speed, early comfort and how much corneal tissue is preserved.

How long should I stay in Korea after PRK?

Plan for at least a week so the bandage lens can be removed and the surface checked before you fly. LASIK patients often need only a few days; your clinic will confirm.

Why do soldiers and athletes choose PRK?

PRK has no flap, so there is nothing that a blow to the eye could dislodge. That is why it is often recommended for contact sports and military or police work.

Is PRK cheaper than LASIK in Korea?

Slightly. PRK costs about ₩1.3M–₩2.2M and LASIK ₩1.5M–₩2.5M for both eyes in Seoul, prices checked in 2026.

Planning vision correction in Seoul?

Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.