SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) are two of the most popular refractive eye surgery treatments. But there is always a difference between these two surgical procedures, and through SMILE v LASIK, the differentiation is quite visible.
As vision correction methods, both techniques are tried and are considered reliable, with SMILE having a better hand. They can give a clear vision without contact lenses or eyeglasses.
While both procedures reshape parts of the cornea to cure refractive errors, they are very different procedures that may be better suited to various types of candidates.
SMILE operation for eyes has its own set of benefits, whereas LASIK has its own., but a majority of the patients looking for vision correction prefer SMILE eye surgery over LASIK eye surgery.
To understand SMILE v LASIK, let’s take a closer look at them in-depth.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a kind of vision correction surgery. In this surgery procedure, a refractive surgeon always uses a traditional or a bladeless technique.
The operation is rapid, safe, and effective, and the benefits are long-lasting. But the, a variety of refractive defects can be corrected by LASIK surgery as:
What is SMILE?
ReLEx SMILE, or SMILE laser eye surgery, is a new laser vision correction surgery technique that received FDA approval in 2016. It has been demonstrated that it is safer than LASIK eye surgery.
Myopic Astigmatism and Myopia (near-sightedness) can both be corrected with SMILE operations. It must be kept in mind that SMILE laser eye surgery is relatively a new technique, so the doctor doesn’t know its long-term safety and effects as they do about LASIK.
SMILE vs LASIK Eye Surgery
Before going further with SMILE v LASIK, learning about the functionality of the procedures is crucial.
SMILE and LASIK are two laser vision correction procedures that are both effective and safe. Both of these procedures function by reshaping the patient’s refractive corneal error.
However, the technique through which corneal correction is achieved differs depending on the procedure.
LASIK & SMILE Eye Surgery – Differences
The below table is to discuss SMILE v LASIK in a more in-depth form. Let’s have a look at it:
| LASIK | SMILE |
| ● Utilizes both Femtosecond laser & Excimer laser. ● Dry eye problems are a possibility. ● Postoperative restrictions are required. ● Invasive operation is required more. ● Uses a 24 mm flap cut. ● A corneal flap is required. ● Refractive faults can be corrected with LASIK. | ● The only femtosecond laser is used. ● Dry eye symptoms are less likely found. ● Recovery time is slightly fast than LASIK. ● Involves a little less intrusive procedure. ● Uses a 3.8 mm keyhole incision. ● No corneal flap is required. ● Farsightedness cannot be corrected with the SMILE technique. |
Cost Comparison – SMILE & LASIK
While discussing SMILE v LASIK, another important concern that comes up is to compare the cost involved in the surgery. But both LASIK and SMILE laser eye surgery is relatively affordable.
In addition, there isn’t much of a difference in the price between these two surgical procedures. The typical cost of LASIK & SMILE laser eye surgery is between INR 50,000 and INR 1,00,000 per eye in India.
Conclusion
Both SMILE and LASIK eye surgery are well-established treatments that can benefit a large number of patients.
Each method involves altering the corneal tissue and then rectifying the refractive defect. Both methods have similar long-term benefits and take an equal amount of time to recover visually.
While each surgery method has its own set of benefits, individuals seeking surgery must seek advice from an experienced ophthalmologist or surgeon.
Thus, through SMILE v LASIK, you can better understand which surgical procedure to choose.
About The Author:
Ompal Singh is a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and knowing about the latest gadgets and tech, whilst offering views and opinions on these topics.
