Reader Question: I’ve heard that SMILE eye surgery is a safer alternative to LASIK. What are the main differences between these procedures?
The main difference between SMILE and LASIK is how the corneal tissue is reshaped. LASIK involves creating a thin flap on the cornea’s surface, lifting it, and then using a laser to reshape the underlying tissue.
On the other hand, SMILE is a flapless procedure that creates a small incision in the cornea. A tiny disc of tissue (lenticule) is then removed to correct vision.
The difference in technique also leads to a few distinctions in your experience:
- Dry eyes. LASIK can disrupt the nerves that help with tear production, leading to dry eyes. SMILE has a lower risk of dry eyes because it affects fewer nerves.
- Flap complications. LASIK has a small risk of displacement or infection. But because SMILE doesn’t involve a flap, it eliminates these risks altogether.
- Recovery time. LASIK tends to have a faster recovery time, with many people achieving 20/20 vision within a day or two. Meanwhile, SMILE can take a few weeks.
- Comfort. Many people report that SMILE is a more comfortable procedure than LASIK due to the smaller incision and fewer nerves being affected.
Is SMILE an alternative to LASIK?
Whether or not SMILE is an alternative to LASIK depends on your needs and priorities.
SMILE might be a better choice for you if you’re concerned about dry eyes or participate in activities that might affect your flap, like contact sports or swimming. But if you’re looking for fast results, LASIK could be the way to go.
You should talk to an eye doctor or surgeon first before making a decision. They’ll evaluate your eyes, talk about your vision goals, and take your lifestyle into consideration to decide which procedure is better for you.
Is there a better procedure between the two?
When it comes to effectiveness, both procedures have high success rates in correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism. However, LASIK currently has a longer track record and is approved for a wider range of prescriptions.
LASIK and SMILE tend to cost the same. However, the exact price can vary depending on your surgeon’s experience, location, and the technology used.
