Posted by: Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center

“Is PRK better than LASIK if I already have dry eyes?”

The short answer: Often, yes — but it depends.

Let’s break down why dryness matters, how LASIK and PRK affect the eyes differently, and which procedure may give you the most comfortable long-term results.

Understanding Dry Eye Before Laser Surgery

When your tear film isn’t functioning properly, your eyes may feel:

• Gritty
• Irritated
• Burned-out at the end of the day
• Blurry after long screen use
• Sensitive to wind or air conditioning

LASIK can temporarily worsen dryness because it requires a corneal flap — which affects surface nerves responsible for tear production.

PRK, on the other hand, does not involve a flap. That single difference is why PRK is often considered the “dry-eye-friendly” laser procedure.

LASIK vs. PRK: How They Affect Dry Eyes

LASIK: Great vision, but dryness can increase short-term

LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap. During healing, nerves need time to regenerate — and those nerves help send signals to keep your eyes lubricated.

For most patients, dryness improves within 3–6 months.
For patients with baseline dry eye, recovery may take longer.

Recommended for: patients with healthy tear film and mild or well-controlled dry eye.

PRK: Better for moderate to chronic dry eye patients

Because PRK doesn’t involve a flap, fewer surface nerves are disrupted. This means:

• Less dry eye during recovery
• Lower risk of long-term dryness
• Gentler healing for sensitive eyes

Recommended for:
✔ Chronic dry eye patients
✔ Patients with thin corneas
✔ LASIK-ineligible patients

Who Does Better With PRK?

You might be a strong PRK candidate if:

• You rely heavily on artificial tears
• Your dryness worsens at night or with screen time
• You’ve been told your corneas are thin
• You have a history of contact lens–induced dryness

PRK can provide LASIK-level clarity without worsening dryness.

Who Still Does Well With LASIK?

Many patients with mild or temporary dryness (seasonal, allergy-related, hormone-related) still do great with LASIK.

If your dryness is treatable or mild, we may improve your tear film first — then move forward with LASIK safely.

What About EVO ICL for Dry Eye Patients?

This is where things get interesting.

EVO ICL does not affect the corneal nerves at all.
Which means:

• Zero dryness induced by surgery
• No corneal tissue removed
• Great for chronically dry eyes
• Perfect for high prescriptions

Patients with moderate to severe dry eye often prefer EVO ICL for this reason alone.

So… Is PRK Better Than LASIK for Dry Eyes?

If dryness is your biggest concern, PRK or EVO ICL are usually the safest, most comfortable choices.

But the best answer is personalized — and depends on your corneal thickness, prescription, and tear film health.

Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?

Let’s find out together. Our team at Clear Vision Center will evaluate your dryness, scan your corneas, and help you choose the procedure that keeps your eyes healthy long-term.