What is the Difference Between SMILE and LASIK?

Laser vision correction procedures have given millions of people crisp, clear vision and helped them reduce their dependence on contacts or glasses. LASIK is one of the most well-known vision correction procedures, but it isn’t the only choice.

ZEISS SMILE PRO is another procedure that can improve vision for people with nearsightedness and astigmatism. Choosing the right laser vision correction option depends on your prescription, eye anatomy, and vision goals.

Keep reading to learn more about LASIK and SMILE and which procedure may be right for you!

What is LASIK?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, better known as LASIK, is a laser vision correction procedure in which your eye doctor reshapes the cornea. Adjusting the shape of the cornea changes how light is focused on the retina, improving visual acuity.

During the LASIK procedure, your eye doctor numbs your eyes so you won’t feel any discomfort. Using advanced laser tools, they make a flap on the surface of the eye to reach the inner layers of the cornea.

They then carefully reshape the cornea before repositioning the flap back over the eye. There is no need for suture or bandages.

The whole procedure takes less than an hour, and you can get home right away.

What is ZEISS SMILE PRO?

ZEISS SMILE PRO is also a procedure to reshape the cornea and improve visual acuity. Like LASIK, SMILE is an outpatient procedure.

Your surgeon will instill numbing drops in your eyes to prevent discomfort. Instead of opening a flap on the surface of the eye as in LASIK, during SMILE your eye doctor uses a laser to remove a thin, contact-lens-shaped section of corneal tissue. This is called a lenticule.

Your SMILE surgeon will extract the lenticule through a tiny incision on the surface of the eye. Most people can notice improvements in their vision right after the procedure.

SMILE is less invasive than LASIK and comes with a lower risk of certain side effects, such as dry eyes, after the procedure.

Can SMILE Correct a Wider Range of Vision Problems Than LASIK?

LASIK corrects a broader range of vision concerns than SMILE. ZEISS SMILE PRO is effective for nearsightedness and astigmatism, but it does not correct farsightedness. LASIK can address all three.

Neither LASIK nor SMILE can correct vision issues caused by presbyopia, which is age-related farsightedness. Presbyopia occurs when the natural lens of the eye changes with age, and it can’t focus on close objects as effectively.

Presbyopia is the reason many people start to need reading glasses after age 40. If you have presbyopia and want greater visual freedom, your eye doctor at Dell Laser Consultants may recommend refractive lens exchange (RLE). RLE is an alternative vision correction procedure that replaces the natural lens, corrects vision, and prevents cataracts.

Which Procedure is Less Invasive: SMILE or LASIK?

Small incision lenticule extraction, or SMILE, is generally considered to be a less invasive procedure than LASIK. The incision required to extract the lenticule is much smaller than the flap created during LASIK.

This reduces the risk of infection after SMILE, and there is no risk of injury to the corneal flap after the procedure. SMILE also has a lower risk of causing dry eyes during recovery compared to LASIK.

In some cases, the healing process for the corneal flap created in LASIK can lead to dry eyes. However, the best way to know which procedure is most appropriate for you is to schedule a consultation with your eye doctor at Dell Laser Consultants.

They will be able to inform you which procedure is most likely to lead to the smoothest recovery and optimal results.

How Do SMILE and LASIK Procedures Compare in Terms of Recovery Time?

Both LASIK and SMILE have short recovery periods with only mild side effects. Neither procedure requires stitches or bandages, though you will need to wear an eye shield during the night to prevent rubbing your eyes in your sleep.

You will also need to use prescription eye drops to prevent infection and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. Your eye doctor will provide you with a list of instructions to ensure your healing process is smooth and the risk of complications is reduced.

What Will My Vision Be Like After LASIK or SMILE?

In the weeks following LASIK or SMILE, you may experience sensitivity to glare or see halos around lights. These side effects usually fade as your eyes heal.

Many people notice immediate improvement in their vision after having laser vision correction surgery. However, for some, it can take a few weeks to months to realize the full potential of their vision.

It’s important to be patient with your eyes during the recovery process as your eyes adjust. You will likely notice a gradual improvement in the clarity of your vision within days of the procedure as your eyes begin to heal.

Are you interested in learning more about LASIK of SMILE? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, TX, today to find out which procedure is best for you.