Beyond LASIK: Explore Houston’s Full Spectrum of Vision Correction

Discover your options for lasting vision correction
From Advanced LASIK and PRK to ICL & Lens Replacement
Performed by Houston’s Most Experienced, Board-Certified Surgeons
A Legacy of Trust with Over 60,000 Procedures Performed

Schedule A Free Consult Our LASIK Promotion

LASIK vs. PRK vs. EVO ICL™ vs. RLE: Comparing Your Vision Correction Options

Choosing the right path to clear vision can feel overwhelming with several advanced procedures available. LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL™, and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) are all state-of-the-art options offered by Berkeley Eye Center in Houston, but each has unique characteristics, benefits, and ideal candidate profiles.

This page provides a clear comparison to help you understand the fundamental differences and similarities between these leading vision correction surgeries, empowering you to have a more informed discussion during your consultation.

On This Page

Quick Look: What Each Procedure Does

Before comparing, let’s briefly recap the goal of each procedure:

LASIK: Reshapes the cornea using two lasers (femtosecond for flap, excimer for correction) to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Known for fast recovery.
PRK: Reshapes the corneal surface using one laser (excimer) after gently removing the outer layer (epithelium). No flap created. Ideal for thinner corneas; longer initial recovery.
EVO ICL™:: Places a biocompatible lens inside the eye (behind the iris, in front of the natural lens) to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. No corneal tissue removed. Great for high prescriptions/thin corneas; removable.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): Replaces the eye’s clear, natural lens with an advanced artificial lens (IOL). Corrects refractive errors and presbyopia (reading vision loss). Best for patients over 40/45 wanting reduced glasses dependence; prevents cataracts.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

This table highlights key differences and similarities across common considerations:

Feature	LASIK	PRK	EVO ICL™	RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange)
How it Works	Reshapes cornea under a flap	Reshapes cornea surface (no flap)	Adds a lens inside the eye	Replaces natural lens with implant
Corrects	Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism	Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism	Myopia, Astigmatism	Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Presbyopia
Presbyopia Correction?	No (unless Monovision)	No (unless Monovision)	No	Yes (with appropriate IOL)
Corneal Tissue Removal?	Yes	Yes	No	No (Lens replaced, not cornea reshaped)
Ideal Age (Typical)	18 – early 40s	18 – early 40s	21 – 45	40/45+
Thin Corneas?	Often Not Ideal	Often Suitable	Excellent Option	Suitable (Cornea not primary factor)
Dry Eye Risk	Potential increase, usually temporary	Potential increase, usually temporary	Does Not Cause Dry Eye	Generally Low Risk
Recovery Speed (Visual)	Fastest (often 1 day)	Slower (functional ~1 week, stable 3-6mo)	Fast (often immediate/next day improvement)	Fast (similar to cataract surgery)
Initial Comfort	High	Lower (discomfort first few days)	High	High
Reversible?	No	No	Yes (Lens is removable)	No (Lens replacement is permanent)
Prevents Cataracts?	No	No	No	Yes
Procedure Location	Laser Suite	Laser Suite	Surgical Center	Surgical Center

Key Differences to Consider

While the table provides an overview, here are crucial factors when thinking about which procedure might fit you:

Your Age & Reading Vision Needs: If you’re over 40 and primarily frustrated by needing reading glasses or bifocals, RLE becomes a leading contender as it directly addresses presbyopia. LASIK and PRK don’t inherently fix this (though monovision is an option). EVO ICL is typically for pre-presbyopic patients.
Corneal Health & Thickness: If your corneas are thin or have certain irregularities, PRK or EVO ICL are often safer alternatives to LASIK, as they either avoid the flap or don’t involve corneal reshaping.
Severity of Prescription: While LASIK and PRK handle a wide range, EVO ICL excels at correcting very high levels of nearsightedness. RLE can also correct significant refractive errors.
Dry Eye History: If you suffer from significant dry eye, EVO ICL is often preferred as it doesn’t typically worsen the condition.
Recovery Time Tolerance: If getting back to clear vision and minimal discomfort immediately is paramount, LASIK offers the fastest initial recovery. PRK requires more patience during the first week. EVO ICL and RLE recovery are also relatively quick visually.
Desire for Reversibility: Only EVO ICL offers the option of removing the implanted lens if needed in the future.

Finding the Best Fit: The Importance of Consultation

This comparison provides valuable information, but it cannot replace a personalized assessment. The only way to definitively determine the best and safest vision correction procedure for your unique eyes is through a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an experienced refractive surgeon at Berkeley Eye Center.

During your free consultation, we will:

Perform detailed measurements of your eyes, including corneal mapping.
Assess your prescription and overall eye health.
Discuss your lifestyle, visual goals, and concerns.
Explain the pros and cons of each suitable procedure specifically for you.
Answer all your questions thoroughly.

Our commitment is to recommend the procedure that offers you the highest likelihood of achieving your desired vision safely and effectively.

Berkeley Eye Center procedure comparison

Take the First Step Towards Clearer Vision

Ready to explore how advanced vision correction surgery can change your life? Learn more about your options and find out which procedure might be right for you.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation to Compare Options Our LASIK Promotion

Learn More About Each Procedure:

Berkeley Eye Center offers more than a one-size-fits-all approach to vision correction. Discover our comprehensive range of state-of-the-art surgical options, each designed to address specific visual needs and recommended by our expert surgeons.

LASIK Eye Surgery

Achieve the visual freedom you’ve always wanted with our advanced, bladeless LASIK procedure, designed for a quick recovery so you can enjoy life without glasses or contacts.

PRK Eye Surgery

Experience the same life-changing results as LASIK with this advanced flap-free laser procedure, an excellent and proven alternative for those with thinner corneas or active lifestyles.

EVO ICL™ Implantable Lens

Discover the future of vision correction with a remarkable lens implant that works in harmony with your eye to provide ultra-sharp, high-definition vision, even if you’ve been told you’re not a LASIK candidate.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Turn back the clock on your vision and dramatically reduce or even eliminate your need for reading glasses and bifocals with this advanced lens replacement procedure designed for patients over 40.

Financing & Affordability

Don’t let cost stand in the way of clear sight; we offer flexible payment plans and financing options designed to fit your budget and make your vision goals an affordable reality.