Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea with micron precision so that light focuses correctly on the retina, freeing the patient from glasses or contact lenses. The techniques differ in how they reach the inner corneal layer: Femto-LASIK creates a thin laser flap, SMILE extracts a tiny lenticule from inside the cornea through a small incision, while PRK and Trans-PRK work directly on the corneal surface without a flap. No technique is 'best' for everyone; the tests decide what is best for you.
Signs & who it is for
- Short-sight, long-sight or astigmatism and a wish to be free of glasses
- Age 18 or older with a prescription stable for at least a year
- A healthy cornea of sufficient thickness (determined by imaging)
- Dry eye from contact lenses or inability to tolerate them
- Applying to military colleges or jobs that require unaided vision
When is it recommended?
When the prescription has been stable for a year, the cornea is healthy, thick enough and free of signs of keratoconus, and the age is roughly 18 to 40 (up to 50 in selected cases; after 50, lens implantation is usually better). Surgery is postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding because hormones change the prescription. For military applicants: have the procedure well before applying so that vision has stabilised.
Options & techniques
- Femto-LASIK: laser flap, fast recovery and back to work within a day or two
- SMILE: flap-free through a small incision — suited to contact sports and dry eyes
- PRK & Trans-PRK: directly on the corneal surface, the safe option for thin corneas
- Pre-operative tests: corneal topography, thickness (pachymetry), pupil size and dilated refraction
Frequently asked questions
Is LASIK painful?
No. It is done with anaesthetic drops and takes minutes per eye. You may feel burning or a foreign-body sensation for a few hours after Femto-LASIK or SMILE, and for a few days after PRK.
Can my eyesight weaken again after surgery?
Surgery corrects the prescription you have at the time. If it was stable beforehand the result usually lasts; natural age changes such as presbyopia after 40 are not prevented by any procedure.
Does laser vision correction suit everyone?
No. A thin or keratoconic cornea, an unstable prescription and some eye diseases rule it out. That is why the tests come first; if you are not suitable, ICL lens implantation may be the alternative.
Book your appointment in Riyadh
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Specialist Hospital – Riyadh · By appointment — call or WhatsApp for the next available slot