Dr Kumar

Laser eye surgery has revolutionised vision correction, offering alternatives to contact lenses and glasses. Among the most popular procedures are LASIK and SMILE. Both are forms of refractive surgery designed to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

But which one is right for you? Here at Vision Clinic Sydney, we’ll compare SMILE vs LASIK, explore their benefits, risks, and differences, and help you make an informed decision.

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most well-known types of laser eye surgery. It has been a reliable option for over two decades, allowing millions to achieve clearer vision and reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

The LASIK procedure is particularly popular among those with mild to moderate refractive errors.

LASIK Surgery Procedure

  1. A corneal flap is created on the surface of the eye using a femtosecond laser.
  2. The corneal tissue underneath is reshaped with an excimer laser to correct the refractive error.
  3. The corneal flap is then carefully repositioned, allowing the eye to heal naturally. Patients will be prescribed antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and steroid eye drops to prevent inflammation during the healing process.
Lasik Surgery | Smile Eye Surgery
Benefits of LASIK include quick recovery time, high success rate and minimal discomfort.

Benefits of LASIK

  • Quick recovery time: Most patients may notice significant vision improvement within 24-48 hours.
  • High success rate: LASIK has a proven track record for potentially effectively correcting blurry vision.
  • Minimal discomfort: The procedure is generally painless, with only mild discomfort during recovery.

Potential Risks

  • Dry eye: Some patients may experience dry eyes after LASIK, although this typically resolves over time.
  • Flap complications: The creation of a corneal flap can lead to rare but serious complications.
  • Night vision issues: Some patients report halos or glare around lights at night.

What is SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer, minimally invasive procedure that is part of the next generation of laser vision correction. Unlike LASIK, SMILE eye surgery does not involve creating a corneal flap, making it a flapless procedure and potentially offering a safer alternative for certain patients.

SMILE Eye Surgery Procedure

  1. A femtosecond laser creates a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea.
  2. The lenticule is removed through a small incision, reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive error.
  3. The procedure leaves the outer cornea intact, reducing the risk of complications related to corneal flap creation.
Lasik Surgery | Smile vs Lasik | Smile Eye Surgery
Benefits of SMILE include being less invasive, having no risk of flap-related complications and a lower risk of dry eye after surgery.

Benefits of SMILE

  • Less invasive than LASIK: With no corneal flap involved, the SMILE procedure may be less disruptive to the eye.
  • No risk of flap-related complications: This makes SMILE particularly appealing to those with active lifestyles, such as those who participate in contact sports.
  • Lower risk of postoperative dry eye: SMILE is less likely than LASIK to induce short term postoperative dry eye.

Potential Risks

  • Longer visual recovery time: While most patients experience gradual improvement, full recovery may take longer than with LASIK.
  • Limited availability for correcting hyperopia: SMILE is primarily used for treating myopia and astigmatism. Its application for hyperopia is currently experimental and under investigation.

SMILE vs LASIK: Key Differences

When considering SMILE vs LASIK, understanding the key differences can help you make an informed decision about your vision correction options.

Procedure Type:

  • LASIK eye surgery involves creating a corneal flap that is lifted to allow reshaping of the corneal tissue underneath. In contrast, SMILE procedure involves removing a lenticule through a small incision, effectively “keyhole” surgery.
  • SMILE is less invasive, making it an option for those who might not be ideal candidates for LASIK.

Recovery:

  • LASIK generally offers faster visual recovery, with many patients achieving improved vision within a day or two.
  • SMILE, on the other hand, might have a slower recovery time, with blurry vision gradually improving over a longer period. However, SMILE patients often experience minimal discomfort and a quicker return to activities like contact sports.

Suitability:

Risks:

  • LASIK carries a higher risk of complications such as dry eye and issues related to the corneal flap.
  • SMILE, while less risky in terms of flap-related complications, may not be suitable for everyone and offers fewer options for treating a wide range of refractive errors.

Both LASIK and SMILE offer excellent safety and efficacy profiles. The visual outcomes are often the same once adequate healing has taken place.

How To Book an Assessment

To request an appointment or if you have an enquiry, please contact us via the following ways:

Call or message us: +6129 222 9188
Email us: reception@visionclinicsydney.com.au
Book online via our website

FAQs

If you have any more questions about SMILE vs LASIK, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. In the meantime, see our FAQs below that may provide you with the additional information you’re looking for.

Which is safer – SMILE or LASIK?

Both SMILE and LASIK are considered to be safe procedures with reported high success rates. However, the safety and suitability of each procedure depends on individual factors such as corneal thickness and lifestyle. While LASIK’s long track record provides extensive data on outcomes, and SMILE’s flapless technique may reduce certain risks, the best choice varies for each individual. Consulting with a cornea and laser subspecialist ophthalmic surgeon is essential to determine which procedure may be safer for your individual needs.

How long does the recovery take for SMILE vs LASIK?

Recovery times differ between the two procedures. LASIK patients typically experience faster visual recovery, with significant improvements in visual acuity often within 24-48 hours. SMILE patients, on the other hand, may require a longer recovery period, with vision gradually stabilising over several weeks. However, SMILE generally causes less disruption to the corneal nerves, leading to fewer postoperative issues such as dry eye symptoms. Patients considering either procedure should weigh the recovery time against other factors like comfort and long-term visual outcomes.

Can SMILE correct astigmatism?

SMILE is primarily used for correcting myopia but can also treat mild to moderate myopic astigmatism. LASIK, however, is more versatile and is widely used to correct refractive errors across a broader spectrum, including higher degrees of astigmatism and hyperopia. LASIK’s ability to treat complex refractive conditions makes it a preferred choice for patients with diverse vision correction needs. A thorough consultation with your eye surgeon will help determine which procedure is best suited to address your specific refractive error.

Am I a candidate for SMILE or LASIK?

Ideal candidates for SMILE include those with myopia, healthy eyes, and healthy corneas. LASIK is suitable for a wider range of patients with various refractive errors, including those with astigmatism or hyperopia. A comprehensive eye examination, including a detailed assessment of your corneal thickness and overall eye health, will help determine which procedure is most appropriate for your vision correction needs. The choice between SMILE and LASIK often comes down to personal lifestyle and the specific requirements of your eyes.

What are the costs associated with SMILE and LASIK?

The cost of laser vision correction procedures like SMILE and LASIK can vary. Generally, SMILE may be slightly more expensive due to its newer technology and the specialised equipment required for the SMILE procedure. However, the long-term benefits of improved vision acuity without the need for glasses or contact lenses should be considered when evaluating the cost.

General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.

Meet Dr Kumar

Dr Nikhil Kumar is a highly qualified ophthalmologist with a degree in Medicine from the University of Newcastle, which he obtained in 1998. Following his graduation, he completed his ophthalmology specialty training at the Sydney Eye Hospital in 2008.

His expertise in the field of ophthalmology includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, and laser vision correction. His passion for the eye and its intricacies inspired him to pursue Ophthalmology as a specialty.

How to book an appointment

For your first appointment, you must have a referral letter from your General Practitioner or Optometrist in order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate for the consultation and any tests/procedures you may have performed at the clinic.

If you don't have a referral letter, you can still be seen at the practice, but you won't be able to claim a Medicare rebate.

You can download the referral PDF form or submit it online.

Please bring:

  • Any prescription glasses that you wear
  • Sunglasses or a hat as your eyes may be dilated during the consultation, resulting in possible sensitivity to light and blurred vision. You may not be able to read or drive for 4 hours after your appointment.
  • A list of current medications and details of your medical history
  • Your Medicare card, private health fund card and pension card if you have them.

Our location in Sydney

We are located in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales. Our physical address is Level 6, Suite 605, 229 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.