SMILE vs LASIK: Detailed Comparison

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) are two of the most popular treatments in refractive eye surgery. But there is always a difference between these two surgical procedures, and by SMILE v LASIK, the differentiation is clearly visible.

Both techniques have proven themselves as vision correction procedures and are considered reliable, with SMILE having the better cards. You can give clear vision without contact lenses or glasses.

While both procedures reshape parts of the cornea to heal refractive errors, they are very different procedures that may be more suitable for different types of candidates.

The SMILE surgery for the eyes has its own advantages, while the LASIK has its own.

To understand SMILE v LASIK, let's take a closer look at them.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a type of vision correction surgery. In this surgical procedure, a refractive surgeon always uses a traditional or bladeless technique.

The surgery is quick, safe, and effective, and the benefits are long-lasting. But a variety of refractive defects can be corrected by LASIK surgery such as:

What is SMILE?

ReLEx SMILE, or SMILE laser eye surgery, is a new laser eye correction technique that received FDA approval in 2016. It has been shown to be safer than LASIK eye surgery.

Myopic astigmatism and myopia (nearsightedness) can both be corrected with SMILE surgery. It must be remembered that SMILE laser eye surgery is a relatively new technique, so the doctor does not know about its long-term safety and effectiveness as they do with LASIK.

SMILE vs LASIK eye surgery

Before starting with SMILE v LASIK. keep going, Learning the functionality of the procedures is critical.

SMILE and LASIK are two effective and safe laser correction procedures. Both procedures work by reshaping the patient's corneal refractive defect.

However, the technique used to achieve corneal correction differs depending on the procedure.

LASIK & SMILE eye surgery – differences

The following table is intended to discuss SMILE vs. LASIK in more detail. Let's take a look:

LASIK	SMILE
● Uses both femtosecond lasers and excimer lasers. ● Dry eyes are possible. ● Postoperative restrictions are required. ● Invasive operations are required more. ● Uses a 24mm flap cut. ● A corneal flap is required. ● Refractive errors can be corrected with LASIK.	● The only femtosecond laser is used. ● Dry eye symptoms are less likely. ● The recovery time is a little faster than with LASIK. ● Includes a slightly less intrusive process. ● Uses a 3.8 mm keyhole cut. ● No corneal flap is required. ● Farsightedness cannot be corrected with the SMILE technique.

Cost comparison – SMILE & LASIK

When discussing SMILE vs. LASIK, another important concern is to compare the costs associated with the operation. But both LASIK and SMILE laser eye surgeries are relatively affordable.

Additionally, there isn't a huge price difference between these two surgical procedures. The typical costs for LASIK & SMILE eye laser surgery in India are between 50,000 and 1,00,000 INR per eye.

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Both SMILE and LASIK eye surgery are established treatments that many patients can benefit from.

Each method involves changing the corneal tissue and then correcting the refractive error. Both methods have similar long-term benefits and take the same amount of time to visually recover.

Although each surgical method has its own advantages, those who wish to have an operation should seek advice from an experienced ophthalmologist or surgeon.

With SMILE v LASIK you can better understand which surgical procedure to choose.

About the author:

Ompal Singh is a freelance writer, business enthusiast, bit of a tech geek, and general geek. He's also an avid reader who can read for hours and catch up on the latest equipment and technology while offering views and opinions on these topics.