SMILE vs LASIK

What's the difference between SMILE and LASIK?

While both SMILE and LASIK are procedures that use lasers to reshape the cornea and improve visual acuity, there are several differences between the two that can help you determine if one might work better for your eyes.

Here are some of the major differences in SMILE vs. LASIK:

➡️LASIK treats all refractive errors. SMILE treats myopia with or without astigmatism, but not farsightedness or astigmatism by itself.

➡️LASIK requires a flap to be cut in the cornea, so the excimer laser reaches the inside of this part of your eye. SMILE reshapes the top of the cornea to flatten it with creation of a flap..

➡️LASIK is not a good choice for people who have thin corneas. SMILE can still benefit nearsighted people who have thin corneas.

➡️LASIK has better recovery from side effects at a seven-day follow-up point compared to SMILE, although there was no difference in recovery rates at one month after the operation.

➡️Both procedures have high patient satisfaction long term. Ultimately, most people who get either procedure are happy with the results.

➡️LASIK, and other types of refractive surgery like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), can treat higher-order aberrations (HOAs) that impact night vision, while SMILE cannot treat these issues.

➡️LASIK is a less demanding procedure for eye surgeons, while SMILE is newer and requires more intensive training. Fewer surgeons specialize in SMILE.

➡️LASIK has been around for about 30 years. SMILE is new to the U.S. and there are exciting developments, according to eye surgeons.

NVISION: The Eye Doctors' #1 Choice in LASIK and Laser Cataract Surgery

[OrionCrusader]

I used to have -4.25 (left) and -4.75 (right) vision with astigmatisms in both eyes. I got the SMILE procedure done in March 2021 for $4, 800. There were no complications, minimal discomfort, just 3-4 weeks until my vision became near-perfect and required no more artificial tears. One month after surgery, my vision was measured at about 20/10 in my left eye, 20/15 in my right. Three years later, it's just as good. I'm very, very pleased with how my surgery turned out. This was truly life-changing for me.

[blind_warriorr]

You ophthalmologists are digusting. Butchering people’s eye for money. You know who had SMILE? Jessica Starr and she hung herself 2 months after having smile. Go search her name and you will see she took her life because of the surgery. I don’t know how you eye surgeons sleep at night knowing the pain you cause just to make money. There is a special place in hell for people like you.