The Common Question:
“I want freedom from glasses, but I don’t know which surgery is right for me.”
Great news — LASIK isn’t the only route to 20/20 (or better)! At Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute (GSNVI) in La Jolla, our surgeons offer the full spectrum of today’s vision correction options, helping you choose what’s best for your eyes, lifestyle, and goals.
Below, each procedure is broken down by ideal candidacy, recovery process, and long-term results.
If you want a quick answer, jump to the side-by-side comparison or the 3-question decision shortcut near the end.
Short Summary
- LASIK reshapes the cornea under a flap with an excimer laser. It’s fast, comfortable, and delivers rapid visual recovery.
- PRK reshapes the surface of the cornea (no flap). Recovery takes longer, but long-term results are comparable to LASIK.
- EVO ICL places a biocompatible lens behind the iris (no corneal tissue removed). It’s reversible and excels for moderate-to-high myopia and thin corneas.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
LASIK: The “Fast-Track” Option
- Best if you want quick recovery and have adequate corneal thickness, a stable prescription, and a healthy ocular surface.
- If you have significant dry eye or very thin corneas, your surgeon may recommend alternatives.
PRK: The “Surface-Smart” Option
- Great for active lifestyles (no flap to dislodge), thinner corneas, or when your surgeon wants to avoid creating a flap.
- Outcomes match LASIK long-term, but recovery is more gradual as the surface heals.
EVO ICL: The “Lens-Based” Option
- Ideal if you’re aged 21–45 with a stable prescription and mild-to-severe nearsightedness (with or without astigmatism).
- Especially helpful if you were told you’re not a LASIK/PRK candidate (e.g., thin corneas, very high prescriptions).
- Reversible and upgradeable.
What About Dry Eye and Comfort?
- Dry eye symptoms can occur after any refractive procedure but are more common after LASIK in the early postop period. Symptoms typically improve over time.
- EVO ICL does not disrupt corneal nerves (no laser on the cornea), so it does not cause dry eye — it’s often favored if you already struggle with dryness.
Recovery Timelines (What Real Life Looks Like)
- LASIK: Many patients see well within 24–48 hours and return to routine activities quickly.
- PRK: Expect a more gradual “ramp-up.” A protective bandage lens is worn for several days, with best vision typically after a few weeks.
- EVO ICL: Vision is often clear immediately or by the next day, with quick recovery.
Long-Term Results and Safety
- LASIK and PRK: Decades of data show similar long-term outcomes and high satisfaction when candidacy is appropriate.
- EVO ICL: Strong multi-year safety data with excellent visual quality, including superior night-vision performance, in peer-reviewed studies.
The Cheat Sheet
| Feature | LASIK | PRK | EVO ICL |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Laser reshapes cornea under a flap | Laser reshapes surface (no flap) | Additive lens behind the iris (no corneal tissue removed) |
| Best for | Quick recovery; adequate corneal thickness; healthy ocular surface | Thinner corneas; active lifestyles; avoiding flap | Moderate–high myopia; thin corneas; dryness concerns; “not a LASIK candidate” |
| Dry eye risk | Higher in early postop | Lower than LASIK during healing | Does not cause dry eye |
| Reversible? | No | No | Yes (removable/upgradeable) |
| Recovery speed | Fast (days) | Gradual (weeks) | Fast (often next-day clarity) |
| Long-term outcomes | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent (multi-year data) |
| Good for thin corneas | Case-by-case | Often yes | Yes |
| Prescription range | Within corneal limits | Similar to LASIK; surgeon-dependent | Suited for moderate–high myopia; toric options for astigmatism |
A 3-Question Shortcut
- Is your main concern dry eye or a thin cornea?
→ Ask about PRK or EVO ICL. - Is your prescription very high (beyond typical LASIK ranges)?
→ EVO ICL often wins here. - Do you need a fast bounce-back for work or sports?
→ LASIK or EVO ICL usually offer the quickest visual recovery.
Your final recommendation always comes after detailed measurements (corneal mapping, ocular surface evaluation, pupil size, and more) with your surgeon.
Why Patients Choose Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute
- Comprehensive candidacy testing: Because we offer LASIK, PRK, and EVO ICL, your evaluation is personalized — we match the option to your eyes, not the other way around.
- Elite, multi-specialty team: Our surgeons are among the most experienced refractive specialists in the nation, and physicians from around the globe train with us.
- Dr. Michael Gordon, MD
- Dr. David Schanzlin, MD
- Dr. Julio Echegoyen, MD (etch-a-goi-yen)
- Dr. Alison Gordon, MD
- Dr. Rakhi Melvani, MD
- Clinical trial leadership & technology: Our team helps evaluate and adopt innovations that improve comfort and outcomes — across cataract and refractive care.
- Trusted local care: Conveniently located in La Jolla, with thousands of procedures performed and full-spectrum follow-up.
Realistic Expectations
All surgeries carry risks such as glare/halos, temporary dry eye, rare infection, or the need for enhancement if your eyes heal outside the targeted range.
At your consultation, we’ll discuss every detail and design a plan to minimize risks — including pre-treating dryness and optimizing your contact lens transition.
Ready for Your Personalized Plan?
The best way to know if LASIK, PRK, or EVO ICL fits your eyes is through our complimentary consultation at GSNVI in La Jolla.
We’ll map your corneas, assess your tear film, and model your likely outcomes — all part of your customized vision correction plan.
👉 Book your consultation today and let our team build a plan tailored to your eyes and lifestyle.
Don’t forget to ask about current promotions to save big!
TL;DR: Quick “At-a-Glance” Takeaway
- Want the fastest recovery and meet corneal criteria → LASIK
- Have thin corneas or prefer no flap → PRK
- High prescription, thin cornea, or dryness concerns → EVO ICL
Then let our La Jolla team fine-tune the choice to your exact measurements.
Written by: Grayson Matsumoto