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People who want to get rid of their glasses or contacts often choose SMILE or LASIK, two of the most popular vision correction treatments. Knowing what to expect from each of these advanced laser eye operations and how they differ is essential for making an educated selection.
In this blog, we'll examine the most important parts of both SMILE and LASIK so you can decide which is best for you.
What is LASIK?
One of the most famous and often done laser eye operations globally is LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. Laser eye surgery, also known as laser vision correction (LASIK), reshapes the cornea to fix nearsightedness, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
The process is as follows:
Making a Thin Flap: A microkeratome or femtosecond laser generates a thin flap on the cornea's surface.
Second, after the surgeon pulls the flap, the cornea is reshaped using an excimer laser. This fixes the refractive defect by directing light to the retina in the correct way. The third procedure is flap replacement, which involves moving the flap to a new location where it can recover on its own.
Advantages of Lasik Surgery:
Reduced or eliminated visual impairment in as little as one to two days for most patients.
The operation causes very little pain.
Works with many different types of medications.
What Is SMILE?
Although both LASIK and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) are modern laser eye surgery methods, the two have essential differences.
In the SMILE procedure, a tiny lens-shaped tissue plug, or lenticule, is created within the cornea as an alternative to a flap. After a small incision is made, the lenticule is surgically removed, changing the shape of the cornea and enhancing eyesight.
The Function of SMILE:
Applying a femtosecond laser to the cornea produces a tiny hole or lenticule.
Incision and Removal: The lenticule is removed by the physician after a small incision is made in the cornea, which is typically 2-4mm in size. Reshaping the cornea to fix the refractive defect is done by eliminating the lenticule.
Essential Advantages of SMILE:
There is no need to produce a corneal flap, which lowers the risk of problems connected to flaps.
The incision size is smaller, measuring just 2-4mm instead of 20mm like LASIK, which means the healing process is faster, and there is less pressure on the corneal nerves. Exceptional for the treatment of myopia and astigmatism.
How is SMILE Different from LASIK?
Despite their shared goal of correcting eyesight, SMILE and LASIK differ significantly in the following ways:
The difference between SMILE and LASIK is the presence or absence of a corneal flap. SMILE is a better alternative for those worried about problems like flap dislocation.
Time Required for Recovery:
• While LASIK often has a short recovery period, SMILE typically has less dry eye and faster healing due to its smaller incision.
Applicability:
• LASIK can correct a broader spectrum of visual problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At this time, SMILE is only appropriate for nearsightedness and astigmatism; farsightedness is not one of its recognized uses.
How Long Does It Take?
• Each treatment is relatively short, usually requiring around 15 minutes for each eye.
Possible Side Effects:
• The risk of complications is minimal with both LASIK and SMILE. Rare problems, including dislocation or infection, might occur due to the LASIK flap. SMILE lessens these dangers by making a smaller incision.
Is SMILE or LASIK Right for Me?
A thorough eye examination with an ophthalmologist is necessary as not all patients are good candidates for laser eye surgery. Whether a patient is a good candidate for each operation depends on the following broad criteria: You need to have a steady prescription for at least a year and a half and be at least 18 years old (or 21, in certain situations). Your eyes should be in good condition, free of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus, and you should not have any history of these conditions.
• Corneal Thickness: SMILE is possible for patients with somewhat thinner corneas; however, LASIK requires a larger cornea due to the creation of a flap.
Which method is best for you may also depend on your lifestyle. To prevent the danger of flap issues, SMILE is typically chosen by athletes and people with physically demanding employment.
The Surgical Process and What to Expect Subsequently
Both operations use local anesthetic, which numbs the eye and is painless. During your rehabilitation, you can anticipate the following:
• Post-LASIK Recovery: While most patients report seeing better in as little as one to two days, it may take a few weeks for eyesight to stabilize completely.
• SMILE Recovery: With little pain and a fast recovery time, most patients report feeling much better the day after treatment.
Temporary side effects like dry eyes, halos, or glare at night are common and often go away independently. Your doctor will provide you with post-op care recommendations to ensure you heal quickly and easily after surgery.
Which One Is Best for You?
Decisions on which surgery, such as SMILE or LASIK, is best for you are based on personal preferences, corneal thickness, and specific visual requirements. LASIK is the way to go if you're looking to fix various refractive issues.
• You are OK with the idea of a corneal flap being made. If you have concerns about issues associated with flaps, choose SMILE.
• You're looking for a less intrusive method that will help you heal faster.
The best approach to making a final decision is to talk to a skilled eye surgeon who can examine your eyes and give you a personalized recommendation.
In conclusion,
SMILE and LASIK are revolutionary eye surgeries that potentially eliminate the need for corrective lenses. Convenient, safe, and practical, laser eye surgery improves eyesight and quality of life with a high success rate and low downtime.
Contact Eagle Eye care to discuss your alternatives for laser eye surgery and start your journey toward better eyesight.
Are you interested in learning more about SMILE or LASIK? If so, would you like to schedule a consultation? Please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you on your path to clearer eyesight.
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