Three Procedures, One Goal: Clear Vision Without Lenses
LASIK, PRK, and SMILE all correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea — but they do it differently, with different recovery timelines, different candidacy requirements, and different trade-offs. All three are available in Medellín at significant savings versus US pricing.
| Factor | LASIK | PRK | SMILE |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Flap created, laser reshapes beneath | Surface cells removed, laser reshapes | Small incision, lenticule extracted |
| Flap created? | Yes (femtosecond or blade) | No flap | No flap (2-4mm incision) |
| Recovery to functional vision | 4-6 hours | 3-5 days | 24-48 hours |
| Full stability | 1-3 months | 3-6 months | 1-3 months |
| Dry eye risk | Moderate (temporary) | Lower | Lowest |
| Pain level | Minimal | Moderate for 3-5 days | Minimal |
| Best for | Most candidates | Thin corneas, active lifestyles | Moderate prescriptions, dry-eye prone |
| Medellín cost/eye | $700-$1,200 | $500-$900 | $1,000-$1,800 |
| Available in Medellín? | Yes (widespread) | Yes (widespread) | Yes (select clinics) |
When Your Surgeon Should Choose for You
Reputable ophthalmologists in Medellín won't let you pick a procedure based on preference alone. Your corneal thickness, pupil size, prescription, tear film quality, and lifestyle all factor into the recommendation. A surgeon who offers you whatever you ask for without thorough diagnostic testing is not someone you want operating on your eyes.
The diagnostic evaluation typically includes corneal topography (mapping the shape of your cornea), pachymetry (measuring corneal thickness), wavefront analysis (mapping your eye's unique optical characteristics), tear film assessment, and pupil size measurement in dim light. These tests determine not just which procedure is best, but whether you're a candidate at all.
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