The decision between SMILE vs LASIK becomes complicated because both treatments deliver remarkable vision correction results.
People who need long-term vision correction when they use contact lenses or wear glasses may find laser surgery to be their optimal treatment choice.
SMILE vs LASIK eye surgery reshapes the cornea for visual improvement yet operates according to distinct protocols has varying healing times and risk levels, and serves different patient medical needs.
This guide provides the difference between LASIK and SMILE by presenting details about their procedural differences while discussing safety measures along with price and suitability considerations.
What is SMILE Eye Surgery?
The minimally invasive laser eye surgery called SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) offers treatment for patients who have both myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.
How Does SMILE Work?
- Using a femtosecond laser machine doctors create a corneal lenticule through its natural shape.
- Surgical personnel make a small incision of 2-4 mm to remove the lenticule.
- After the removal of the lenticule, the cornea naturally restructures itself to achieve better vision clarity.
Advantages of SMILE
- The procedure avoids creating any flap on the cornea, thus minimizing complications in this area.
- Patients experience improved dry-eye protection since the surgery impacts fewer corneal nerves.
- The preservation of greater corneal tissue helps to strengthen its integrity.
Disadvantages of SMILE
- Not suitable for hyperopia (farsightedness).
- Patients recover more slowly from SMILE than from LASIK procedures.
- The number of surgeons who perform SMILE procedures remains limited as it is a newer technology.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
The laser vision correction procedure referred to as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) has gained wide popularity among patients.
The surgical procedure reshapes cornea tissue to alleviate problems with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
How Does LASIK Work?
- The microkeratome blade or femtosecond laser assists doctors in creating a thin flap across the cornea.
- The excimer laser functions to reshape corneal tissue underneath the surface.
- The surgeon moves the flap to its original position, enabling fast recovery.
Advantages of LASIK
- The visual recovery process happens fast because people typically gain clear sight during the first 24 hours after surgery.
- LASIK addresses multiple vision abnormalities, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- The procedure remains accessible across many parts of the world because it has been widely performed for more than twenty years.
Disadvantages of LASIK
- Sports participants face a higher risk of flap complications when performing contact activities.
- SMILE patients may experience dry eye symptoms because laser surgery disrupts nerve function in the cornea.
- Not suitable for people with thin corneas.
Difference Between LASIK and SMILE
The difference between LASIK and SMILE is in their methods of corneal reshaping and the presence of flaps as well as their recovery times.
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK |
| Flap Creation | No flap | Flap is created |
| Lenticule removed through a small incision | Lenticule removed through a small incision | Corneal tissue reshaped under a flap |
| Recovery Time | Slower (a few days to weeks) | Faster (24-48 hours) |
| Suitability | Best for myopia and astigmatism | Corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism |
| Risk of Dry Eyes | Lower risk | Higher risk |
| Availability | Fewer surgeons trained | More widely available |
SMILE vs LASIK: Procedure Comparison
The SMILE eye surgery vs LASIK procedures differ as:
SMILE Procedure
- The surgical instrument creates the corneal lenticule through the use of femtosecond laser technology.
- A medical professional performs the procedure by making a small incision to extract the lenticule, which then reshapes the cornea.
- Because SMILE avoids creating a corneal flap altogether, it proves more minimally invasive than LASIK.
LASIK Procedure
- Patients undergo surgery with two lasers: a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser.
- Surgeons create a minimal flap on the cornea before lifting it.
- Eximer lasers transform corneal tissue into a new shape.
- The surgery allows for fast healing because the doctor moves the removed flap back into place.
SMILE vs LASIK: Recovery Time
| Aspect | SMILE | LASIK |
| Initial Recovery | 2-3 days | 24-48 hours |
| Full Vision Clarity | A few weeks | 1-2 days |
| Dry Eyes Risk | Lower | Higher |
| Return to Sports | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
SMILE vs LASIK: Safety and Risks
Both procedures are safe, but they come with certain risks.
| SMILE Risks | LASIK Risks |
| Slightly longer recovery time.Limited correction options (not suitable for hyperopia).Difficult retreatment, as enhancements are more complicated. | Higher risk of dry eyes and night glare.Flap complications like displacement or infection.More corneal tissue is removed, which can be an issue for thin corneas. |
SMILE vs LASIK: Effectiveness and Vision Correction
SMILE surgery stands out as an exceptional vision correction method because it treats myopia and astigmatism yet LASIK can additionally address hyperopia.
LASIK patients notice immediate results right after surgery, yet SMILE patients undergo a progressive vision improvement process that takes weeks to develop.
SMILE vs LASIK: Who is the Right Candidate?
| Ideal Candidate | SMILE | LASIK |
| Best for | Myopia & astigmatism | Myopia, hyperopia, & astigmatism |
| Athletes & Contact Sports Players | No flap, less risk of injury | Flap may be dislodged |
| People with Dry Eyes | Less dry eye issues | Higher chance of dry eyes |
SMILE vs LASIK: Cost Comparison
Being a relatively newer technology, SMILE is a bit more expensive than LASIK.
| Procedure | Cost Per Eye |
| SMILE | ₹1,60,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| LASIK | 80,000 – ₹1,40,000 |
SMILE vs LASIK: Which One Should You Choose?
- People who want better eye comfort and competitive sports performance should choose SMILE over LASIK surgery.
- Patients needing hyperopia correction along with quick healing times should choose LASIK surgery.
- LASIK stands out as the economical laser eye surgery choice with numerous locations for treatment.
Conclusion
The choice between SMILE vs LASIK eye surgery depends on your visual needs and budget alongside your lifestyle preferences.
SMILE stands out for treating myopia and astigmatism without generating dry eye complications, yet LASIK recovers quickly with broader treatment possibilities.
Consult an eye specialist to find out which vision correction method would work best for you.
