Are you tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses and looking for a permanent fix?
Maybe you’ve considered getting either SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) or LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) laser surgery, and you’re wondering which option is best suited to you. Both are advanced procedures with high success rates, but they work differently, and some people may only benefit from one or the other.
In this article, we will break down the differences, as well as the pros and cons, to help you make the right decision for your eye health goals.
What are LASIK and SMILE?
- LASIK is the most common laser eye surgery option. It’s used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Millions of people all over the world have had LASIK and have benefited from fast recovery and life-changing results.
- SMILE is a relatively new alternative to LASIK that was introduced in the 2010s. It’s less invasive and is typically used to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. While not as widely known as LASIK, SMILE is gaining popularity due to its gentle approach and suitability for people who suffer from the discomfort of dry eyes or have thinner and more sensitive corneas.
How Do LASIK & SMILE Work?
The procedures for each type of laser eye surgery work as follows:
LASIK
- The surgeon uses a laser to create a small lid on the surface of your eye so they can access the layer underneath the cornea.
- Then, a laser is used to reshape the tissue underneath in order to make your vision clearer.
- The cap self adheres
SMILE
- The laser itself makes a small disc-shaped piece of tissue inside the eye.
- The surgeon removes that tiny piece through a very small opening.
- This changes the shape of your cornea, which makes it easier for you to see.
What Are the Advantages of LASIK?
- Fast Results: Many people report improved eyesight the day after the surgery is done.
- Works for More People: It can fix nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Long Track Record: It’s been highly sought after for many years, during which the procedures have improved, and it’s changed a lot of lives.
- Accessible: Most eye clinics, like IQ Laser Vision offers LASIK.
What Are the Disadvantages of LASIK?
- Dry Eyes: It’s common for some patients to experience dry eyes for a few weeks or months after LASIK surgery. Eye drops usually help, and your surgeon might recommend applying them regularly after the procedure. Most people find this side effect fades over time.
- Post-Operative Complications: Because LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea, there’s a small risk it could move if you suffer an injury to the eye or you accidentally rub it too hard—especially during the early healing period. To reduce the risk, it’s important to avoid contact sports and rubbing your eyes while it is healing. Your surgeon will give you protective eye shields to wear while you sleep in the first few days.
- Not for Everyone: LASIK isn’t always suitable for people with very thin corneas or whose eyesight is very complex. But don’t worry—your eye surgeon will check all of this during your consultation, and if LASIK isn’t a good fit, you might still be a candidate for another procedure such as SMILE.
What Are the Advantages of SMILE?
- Gentler on the Eye: The procedure is less invasive as the surgeon doesn’t need to make a small incision to access the layer underneath the cornea. There is a lower risk of postoperative dry eyes and damage as a result.
- Better for Active People: No flap means it’s safer if you play contact sports or you do a lot of physical activity. If you toss and turn in your sleep, there’s less chance you’ll experience damage during the night too.
What are the disadvantages of SMILE?
- Limited Range of Vision Correction: Right now, SMILE is mainly used to correct nearsightedness and some astigmatism. According to the experts, it can’t be used to treat farsightedness yet. If you have a prescription outside this range, LASIK or another procedure might be a better fit.
- Fewer Clinics Offer It: SMILE is a newer technology, so not every eye clinic has the equipment or training to perform it. Depending on where you live, you may have fewer options when it comes to choosing a provider. We have performed the most SMILE in North AMerica (over 25,000) and with 14 locations in California and Houston, Texas so you can easily access this treatment if it appeals to you.
- Less Customization: Compared to LASIK, SMILE offers fewer options for customizing the treatment to match the unique shape of your eye. However, only patients that have alot of glare at night or previous eye surgery need this (<1% of people). Because the treatment area is larger with SMILE, night vision is usually superior to LASIK.
Which One Should I Choose?
Your choice should really depend on your goals and the condition of your eyes. Here are a few questions to help make your decision:
- Do you have dry eyes or worry about them? SMILE might be better.
- Do you do a lot of physical activity or enjoy contact sports? SMILE’s less invasive treatment method is probably safer, and the recovery time is shorter.
- Do you have farsightedness or a complex prescription? LASIK is more likely to work for you.
Our surgeons will be able to go through your options with you, and they’ll examine your eyes, check your prescription, and let you know what you qualify for. In some cases, you may even be a candidate for both treatments, in which case it will come down to personal preference. Our professional team of ophthalmologists will also be able to put you at ease if you’re nervous about undergoing laser surgery.
Both LASIK and SMILE are excellent options for correcting your vision. They’re safe, effective, and trusted by millions of people around the world. While LASIK is the more common of the two treatments, SMILE is quickly becoming a favorite for those looking for a less invasive approach to correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism.
For more information about our laser eye surgeries, get in touch with us today.
