SMILE vs. LASIK: Which Laser Eye Surgery is Right for You?

Imagine tossing your glasses onto the nightstand after years of squinting at blurry faces and struggling to make out distant signs.

The idea of ditching specs might seem like a fantasy, however, laser eye surgery like SMILE and LASIK are making it a reality for millions.

In this blog post, we’ll strip down the technicalities of each procedure, so you’ll have a better understanding of each.

And when you’re ready to visit your eye surgeon, you’ll be better informed and educated and ask the right questions as to which procedure is best for your eye condition.

SMILE or LASIK, which one?

Meet Sarah, a passionate hiker whose near-sightedness threatened to turn mountain vistas into hazy blobs.

Contact lenses irritated her eyes, and glasses fogged up during her adventures.

Then, she stumbled upon the world of laser eye surgery.

But the acronyms – SMILE, LASIK – left her confused.

She wasn’t alone. Many people face the same dilemma, unsure of which procedure best suits their needs and lifestyle.

Which is better, SMILE or LASIK eye surgery?

Both SMILE and LASIK reshape the cornea using lasers, correcting vision issues like near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Yet beneath this end goal lies a crucial difference: the corneal flap.

LASIK creates a temporary flap in the cornea, like lifting a lid, before reshaping the tissue.

SMILE, on the other hand, creates a small internal lens-shaped piece within the cornea, removing it through a tiny incision without needing a flap.

Success rates of SMILE vs LASIK

While both procedures boast high success rates (over 90%!), certain details often remain hidden in plain sight. Here’s a breakdown:

• The Corneal Flap: The lack of a flap in SMILE reduces the risk of flap-related complications like displacement or infection (a concern for some LASIK patients). Additionally, studies suggest SMILE might lead to less dry eye, a common post-surgery complaint (source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31567264/).
• Seeing Beyond Myopia: Although SMILE currently excels at correcting near-sightedness and astigmatism, LASIK shines for farsightedness and higher prescriptions.
• The Age Factor: Generally, you need to be over 22 for LASIK due to corneal stability concerns. SMILE might be an option for younger adults with suitable corneas.
• Post-procedure: Both procedures offer quick recovery, but LASIK might provide faster initial vision improvement, while SMILE boasts potentially stronger long-term corneal integrity (source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29101408/).

Remember, statistics paint a broad picture, but your individual needs paint the finer details.

Consult a qualified ophthalmologist who can assess your eyes, lifestyle, and preferences to recommend the ideal procedure.

Discuss your concerns, recovery expectations, and any underlying conditions.

Finally, SMILE or LASIK?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to SMILE vs. LASIK.

Both are powerful tools for achieving clearer vision, but understanding their nuances and your unique story empowers you to make an informed decision.

Remember, Sarah, the passionate hiker? After consulting her doctor, she opted for SMILE due to its flap-free nature and potential for long-term corneal strength, perfectly aligning with her active lifestyle.

So, whether you’re an avid adventurer like Sarah or someone simply yearning for crystal-clear vision, embark on your laser eye surgery journey with knowledge and confidence.

Remember, the power to see the world clearly starts with the right information and the right choice for you.

If you are ready to ditch your glasses and contact lenses, for a no obligation consultation, contact Hunter Laser Vison on 1800 442020 or book an appointment on line.