SMILE Laser Eye Surgery vs. LASIK: Which is Right for You? Insights from Dr. Rajesh Khanna

Choosing between Laser SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) for vision correction can be challenging. Both procedures offer excellent outcomes, but they have distinct differences that may make one more suitable for you than the other. Here are insights from Dr. Rajesh Khanna on Laser SMILE vs. LASIK:

SMILE Eye Surgery

Advantages

1. Minimally Invasive:
   • SMILE Laser Surgery uses a small incision (2-4 mm) compared to LASIK’s larger corneal flap, which reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster healing.
2. Less Dry Eye Risk:
3. SMILE Eye Sugery by femto Laser is less likely to cause dry eye syndrome because fewer corneal nerves are disrupted during the procedure.
4. Structural Integrity:
5. The corneal structure is more stable post-SMILE Laser Eye Surgery, making it suitable for patients with higher prescriptions or thinner corneas.
6. Suitable for Active Lifestyles:
7. Without a corneal flap, there’s a lower risk of displacement, making Laser SMILE Eye Surgery a better choice for individuals engaged in contact sports, aquatics or activities where eye trauma is a concern.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Corrective Range:
   • SMILE Laser Surgery is currently FDA-approved primarily for myopia upto -10 D and astigmatism till -3 D, whereas LASIK can correct a broader range of astigmatic errors  and hyperopia (farsightedness)​.

LASIK Eye Surgery

Advantages

1. Established Procedure:
   • LASIK has been performed for decades and is widely available. It is well-studied with a high success rate.
2. Broader Applications:
3. LASIK can correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, making it versatile for various vision correction needs.
4. Quick Recovery:
5. Patients often experience significant vision improvement within a day and can resume normal activities quickly.

Disadvantages

1. Risk of Dry Eyes:
   • LASIK can increase the risk of dry eye syndrome due to the creation of a corneal flap that disrupts corneal nerves.
2. Flap Complications:
3. The corneal flap created during LASIK can be dislodged with trauma, posing a risk for patients involved in contact sports or physical activities.
4. Thinner Corneas:
5. LASIK may not be suitable for patients with very thin corneas or higher prescriptions, as it involves more significant reshaping of the cornea.

Choosing the Right Procedure

Considerations:

1. Eye Health and Anatomy:
   • A thorough eye examination will determine corneal thickness, eye health, and suitability for either procedure.
2. Lifestyle:
3. Your lifestyle and activities can influence the choice. SMILE Laser Eye Surgery may be better for active individuals, while LASIK  might be preferred for those seeking quick, broad-spectrum vision correction.
4. Vision Goals:
5. Discuss your vision goals with Dr. Khanna. He will consider your prescription, eye health, and lifestyle to recommend the most suitable procedure.

For more detailed information or to schedule a consultation, visit the Khanna Vision Institute with offices in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

We’ve written an educational book on SMILE Laser Eye Surgery. You can download it by filling out the form below.