LASIK, PRK, SMILE: What's the difference?

Today I'm explaining the differences between the PRK, LASIK and SMILE procedures for correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism! Hope to see you soon at Hamilton Eye Institute!

[alp]

I had LASIK done! I recommend it 20/10.

Your doctor would tell you which surgery you are a candidate for based on most things explained in this video.

They also numb your eyes with two drops in each eye that burn like crazy for about a minute, then they use something that looks like an Apple Pencil in your eye and that measures the cornea thickness.

I had the tests done twice before the surgery just so your surgeon really does make a safe and sound decision on which one is best for you, then they tell you if they are able to correct your vision to 20/20.

My surgery was quick, about 15 min and I would do it again if I had to because seeing without glasses is unparalleled, not even contacts get you this kind of viewing sharpness.

Not gonna lie, you get a little bit of anxiety during the procedure because there’s a lot of light and it really does bother when undergoing surgery, I was struggling to keep my eyes open and that stressed me a bit, but you need to go with a clear mind and pay close attention to the surgeon’s instructions, do every single thing they say and you will be fine.

I’d recommend taking some calming tea beforehand, don’t take anything that will make you drowsy, you can eat perfectly normal before and after surgery, which is awesome.

If you get surgery early in the morning like I did, you’d better ask your surgeon or PCP to prescribe you some drugs to put you to sleep, then after the surgery sleep as much as you can, full dark room and your vision will heal perfectly well. Also, don’t skip your eye drops, they’ll ask you to put them on both eyes almost every hour, I had to set up alarms to wake up, put them on and go back to sleep.

Wear your eye protectors for as long as your doctor mandates, don’t get water or soap near your eyes. Your doctor will tell you that you can’t wash your hair in like a week, but I couldn’t stand that, so I bought a snorkel 🤿 waterproof mask and took showers as usual.

Just make sure you clean your mask very well with a dry towel before removing your mask and you will be great.

I would not recommend using swimming glasses (the regular ones) cause of the suction they create in the eye sockets and could give you raccoon eyes, but the scuba mask was great in my experience and sealed everything perfectly from my mid forehead, nose and the upper part of my cheekbones, meaning that they don’t touch anywhere near your eyes.

***This is my experience only, always consult with your doctor***

[michal]

I underwent PRK and my vision is excellent now. The three days following the operation were really painful. However, my corneal stroma layer remained intact, which is beneficial for sports. The procedure cost 1000 euros in Slovakia. 500 euros/eye.

[rarestars]

Thank you for the clear and detailed explanation of the three eye surgeries. Your video was very informative and helped me understand the differences and benefits of each procedure. Keep up the great work

[pinkkfloydd]

Just got SMILE done yesterday. Surgery isn't painful whatsoever. After the surgery, your vision is cloudy and it will feel like you have an eyelash or something else in your eye, so it's an annoying feeling but nothing painful. The second day, my vision is already so much better. Not completely 20/20 yet, but pretty damn close. No pain or burning in the eyes whatsoever. They'll feel ever so slightly dry, but a few artificial tears and you're good.

[Retro-Future-Land]

I'm blessed that, so far, my SMILE surgery has been good and successful. Hardly any pain too. Good 20/20 vision from earlier myopia.
Some like to prefer LASIK but I didn't like the idea of that big flap being formed, so i went with the newer method. This wasn't with Hamilton but their video shows off the procecure well.

[gandalfthegrey]

I can't wait to get corrective eye surgery. I've had glasses since I was 9. This explanation for each makes me wonder. Do the doctors prescribe the type of surgery to the patient, or does the patient request the surgery they want?

[randomdude]

LASIK was both the best and worst decision of my life, sometimes when I get (on the rare moment) good vision, it is highly impressive. Otherwise I have spent thousands of dollars on eye drops and expensive Rx medications to save my dry eyes and now I have blurry garbage vision.

[hollow_]

Got PRK. Vision was perfect immediately post op, even with the contact lenses. Dry eye was only an issue with the contacts. No pain whatsoever. The worst part of the whole operation was the eye drops followed by the scraping. Also, the smell of burning flesh during the lasering was a little trippy.

[indaynovieatdodongjunel]

Thank you for the very good explanation of the difference between the 3 procedures for the eyes.. 🥰

[dansonoliva]

Awesome video. I'm in the process of making an educational video about LASIK for my students. How can I get this animation?

[Youtubestolemyname]

Can we all agree the PRK is the best ?. I think the Lasik and Smile literally the same just less cutting but still the SMILE eperates you cornea even more than LASIK. If the PRK heals well its like a fresh one. I hear as you age your cornea gets scarred etc so PRK seems like the go to and also you can go for another prk after a some time right?

[mohammadhabibi]

PRK is abit better only because you will refresh your cornea and grow a new 1 but pain is a bit hard for first 2 day and you should realy be careful and rest for @ least for 7 day you prk is the best if it's old but still i think is the best 1 worth evrysec of pain

[mdmsdecentworld]

The video is wonderful, I suggest you keep on posting videos, your explanation is video good and easy to understand. All the best!😊

[thisisJAM]

Want 20/20 vision so bad that this videos are alr on my recommendation and algorithm

[SD-hepp]

By the way also PRK is more advisable for combat sports than other methods!

[nomadofficialchannel]

What about sensitivity to light and dark

[resolute]

How duriable is the eye after SMILE? With LASIK and traumatic hit or pressure can induce the flap coming loose hence why many service members opted for PRK.

[NaucnaHipnoza]

Hello. How many years can the positive effects last, please? How many times in life time can these operations be repeated?

[mohammadalsalem]

My doctor recommended smile for my and my surgery will be on 07/September will cost me 5000$ in Sydney australia

[comeandgetit]

I still can't understand where the power injected in this surgery 🥺🥺🥺