SMILE Vs Lasik is an important comparison to make. SMILE Laser vision correction has been FDA approved since 2017. After 2021 the results have improved that in experienced hands the healing, the return to work is much faster. It has also become the safer choice.
SMILE laser vision correction is safer than Lasik eye surgery for three reasons:
- Flap Associated: There is no flap in smile laser vision correction. The flap related complications like Flap wrinkles, slip or dislocation are avoided. Also, because there’s no flap the interface layer is not exposed. In Lasik the flap lift exposes the middle of the cornea to the atmosphere. However rare when in Lasik the flap is lifted something from that atmosphere can come in and get stuck in the interface. This can even occur after the surgery. Sometimes little blood cells can seep in. Worst of all, knock on wood it’s never happened to us, but bugs can find their way in. Our colleagues report infections which are difficult to treat can set. With SMILE that’s avoided.
- Depth of Surgery: In SMILE laser eye surgery, the removal of the tissue is done much deeper than in Lasik eye surgery. The corneal nerves are less disturbed. There is less dry eye induction with SMILE Vs Lasik. This point is very helpful when people already have dry eyes, Pingecula or even Pterygium. Nobody wants dry eyes.
- Resume Normal Life: The smile opening is so little. Can you believe just between 2-4 mm. Whereas Lasik is much bigger. In terms of safety this makes a big difference. If you’re a football player basketball player or a boxer the safety with SMILE is much better. You can do all that without fear of damaging the flap. You can return to water sports like polo, jetskiing or just jump into the pool within a week of SMILE laser vision correction. Whereas in Lasik at least three weeks are required.
SMILE vs Lasik debate
Here we compare and contrast this new amazing procedure with Lasik eye surgery.
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK. |
| Procedure | Femtosecond laser creates a contact lens shaped lenticule within the cornea; small incision for removal. | Femtosecond laser creates flap in cornea; excimer laser reshapes tissue underneath. |
| Incision Size | < 4mm | Flap size varies, but much larger than SMILE incision. |
| Corneal Flap Exposure to atomosphere | No flap None | Flap created and repositioned after reshaping. Occurs when flap is lifted. Impurities can enter the cornea at this time. |
| Primary Treatment | FDA approved for Nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. | Nearsightedness, farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism all are FDA approved |
| Dry Eye Risk | Lower risk due to less disruption of corneal nerves. | Higher risk, especially in the initial months. |
| Corneal Strength | Potentially greater due to no flap. | Flap can weaken cornea, though this risk is generally low. |
| Recovery Time | Typically faster visual recovery. Return to water and active sports sooner. | Can also be fast,but varies by individual. |
| Ideal Candidates | Active lifestyles, those prone to dry eye. | Wider range of prescriptions, including higher levels of a astigmatism. |
| Potential Risks | Infection, under/overcorrection, halos/glare (rare). | Infection, under/overcorrection, flap complications, dry eye. |
| Technology | Newer technology, not available everywhere. | More established, widely available. |
| Cost | Comparable to LASIK though usually slightly more expensive. | Varies by provider and region. In Los Angeles Lasik eye surgery starting at price varies between $1800 to $3900 per Eye . |
SMILE Surgeon
In Los Angeles the top SMILE Laser eye surgeon is Rajesh Khanna, MD. To get certified to be a SMILE Lasik eye surgeon you have to be an expert in Lasik eye surgery.Than you need to do a certificate course in SMILE Laser eye surgery on Visumax Laser.. Finally experience makes one better. Many surgeons still vouching for Lasik do not have training or lasers to perform SMILE laser vision correction.
You are looking for a safer choice so you can schedule a video consult with him. or get a free book on SMILE Laser Vision Correction.
