What is the Best Laser Eye Surgery for 2025?

Have you decided that 2025 is the year you finally break free of your dependence on
glasses or contact lenses for clear vision? With laser eye surgery, you could make 2025
the year you finally achieve visual independence.

Figuring out the best laser eye surgery option for you can be daunting. Today, there are
more options than ever, allowing more patients the chance to permanently correct their
vision. Keep reading to learn more about the best laser eye surgery options for 2025.

What are The Newest Laser Eye Surgery Options?

While advances in technology and technique are constantly improving most laser eye
surgeries, the following are the newest laser eye surgery options:

ZEISS SMILE

Zeiss SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) uses a femtosecond laser to access
the cornea in order to create and remove a tiny disk of corneal tissue. Femtosecond
lasers use the latest technology available and can make precise incisions with less
impact on surrounding tissue.

Ultra-Thin Flap Bladeless LASIK

Bladeless LASIK is an advanced version of LASIK that uses the Zeiss VisuMax
femtosecond laser to create very thin corneal flaps. A thinner flap disturbs less of the
cornea, reducing post-operative dry eyes and improving visual results.

EVO ICL

The EVO ICL is a biocompatible Collamer lens implanted between the lens and the iris
of the eye. It is the only adjustable or reversible option, as the lenses can be removed
and replaced if a patient’s vision changes.

What Other Laser Eye Surgery Options Are Available?

In addition to the options listed above, there are other laser surgery available, including:

LASIK

LASIK is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery. It offers impressive results,
with many patients achieving excellent vision results after the procedure.

PRK

PRK, which is also known as photorefractive keratectomy, is a vision-correcting surgery
in which the cornea is accessed by removing part of the surface of the cornea. While it
typically takes longer to recover from PRK, it can be an option for patients who are not
good candidates for other laser eye surgeries.

Choosing Between Different Laser Eye Surgeries

Which laser eye surgeries a patient can choose from often depends on several factors
beyond their control. These factors include:

Age

All laser eye surgeries require patients to be at least 18, but some, like SMILE and EVO
ICL, require patients to be in their early 20s. Hormonal changes during adolescence can
cause frequent prescription changes that may affect the long-term results.

Eye Prescription Stability

For the most long-lasting results, all laser eye surgeries require that patients have a
stable eye prescription for at least 12 months.

Eye Prescription Strength

The strength of a patient’s eye prescription can significantly impact the options available to them. For instance, patients with high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) or
astigmatism might not be candidates for LASIK but could be candidates for SMILE,
PRK, or EVO ICL.

Corneal Thickness

Corneal thickness is a major factor for LASIK candidacy, but less so for SMILE, ICL,
and PRK. LASIK requires the creation of a corneal flap, which can lead to serious
complications if a patient has thin corneas.

Other Considerations for the Best Laser Eye Surgery

In addition to the factors above, here are some other things to consider when deciding
on the best laser eye surgery:

Dry Eye

Chronic dry eye should be considered when comparing surgeries. Post-operative dry
eye is a common side effect of LASIK and can worsen existing dry eye.

Zeiss SMILE is a less invasive surgery, making dry eye less of an issue. EVO ICL is
also better for patients with dry eyes because the implantation of a Collamer lens does
not disturb corneal tissue.

Lifestyle

While permanently correcting vision with laser eye surgery improves most patients’
ability to enjoy their favorite pastimes, it can affect outcomes. Engaging in contact
sports or working in high-risk environments can increase the chance of post-operative
complications with some surgeries.

Lifestyle can be a significant factor when considering LASIK. It can take several months
for the corneal flap to heal, and a patient's lifestyle or occupation can increase the risk
of corneal flap displacement.

Vision Expectations

The best laser eye surgery offers the best visual outcomes for a patient, but results can’t
be fully guaranteed. Depending on the patient, surgery could improve vision but might
not completely eliminate their need for corrective eyewear in certain situations, such as
age-related presbyopia.

Patients are more likely to be satisfied with the results of their laser eye surgery when
they have realistic expectations about the possible outcomes. Fortunately, with all the
options available in 2025, more patients than ever can realize their vision goals.

Recovery Time

Recovery times for every laser eye surgery vary from patient to patient, but some take
longer than others. How much time a patient has to recover properly might be a
consideration when choosing a surgery.

Zeiss SMILE often has the shortest recovery times of all surgery options. It requires only
a tiny incision with a precise laser on the edge of the cornea, leading to faster healing
times and less risk of complications.

The best laser eye surgery in 2025 is the safest option for your eyes, with the best
possible visual outcomes. Consulting with an experienced, knowledgeable
ophthalmologist, like the team at Manhattan LASIK Center, is the best way to find the
right surgery for you!

Schedule a free virtual consultation at Manhattan LASIK in Manhattan, NYC, today!