What is the difference between LASIK and SMILE?

You may have heard of terms like LASIK and SMILE, but perhaps you don’t know enough about the differences to decide which is best for you.

Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a common procedure that many people undergo to improve their vision. However, there are some differences in the approach, the symptoms they treat and their results.

What is LASIK?

Vision correction is a surgical procedure that is growing in popularity every day. Vision correction is a surgical procedure that is growing in popularity every day. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the second generation of laser vision correction that has been around for almost 20 years.

LASIK only requires less than 30 minutes of treatment time, making it a quick and painless outpatient procedure.1Ekktet Chansue et al, Efficacy, predictability and safety of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), Article number 14, Published: 31 August 2015 During the procedure, the surgeon will create a corneal flap, using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Then, they will use a laser to reshape the cornea. Finally, they will put the flap back in place, and you will be on your way.

What is SMILE?

One of the great things about SMILE laser eye surgery is that more people are suitable for this than other forms of laser treatment. We use the latest generation of femtosecond lasers called VisuMax® 800 by CARL ZEISS Meditec. A flap-free method that is more gentle and faster than conventional flap-based laser eye surgery.

SMILE, or small incision lenticule extraction, is a newer type of laser eye surgery that has been around for over 10 years. The main difference is that with LASIK we create a flap in the cornea, and with SMILE we make a tiny keyhole incision. Both LASIK and SMILE are effective laser vision correction procedures that can treat refractive errors and improve vision,  but also, SMILE causes fewer side effects such as dry eye, and may be safer for people who engage in contact sports or physical work.2Blum, M. et al. (2016a) Five-year results of small incision lenticule extraction (Relex Smile), British Journal of Ophthalmology.

After visual recovery, laser vision correction can significantly reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, it’s essential to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.

Discover whether you’re a candidate for vision correction. Take our quick 1-minute self-test to see if you qualify. 

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Find out if you are suitable for vision correction

Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.

Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:

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Discover if you can be free from glasses and contact lenses

Discover if you can be free from glasses and contact lenses

The best way to find out if laser eye treatment is right for you is to have a free assessment. We’ll examine your eyes and you’ll get a clear answer from our team on your suitability and laser vision correction options.

Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, a specialist laser eye and cataract surgeon in Adelaide.

For more than 15 years, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of patients achieve clearer vision and greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses, having performed more than 15,000 eye procedures.

Vision correction requires precision, experience and sound clinical judgement. Achieving consistently excellent outcomes depends not only on advanced technology, but also on the expertise of the surgeon using it.

I understand that choosing eye surgery is an important decision. Every person’s eyes—and visual needs—are different, so treatment should be carefully tailored to your eye health, lifestyle and goals.

Your complimentary initial assessment is an opportunity to explore your suitability, learn about the options available and have your questions answered without obligation.

I look forward to welcoming you to IVISION LASER in Adelaide and helping you discover what may be possible for your vision.

Dr Aanchal Gupta

MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO, FWCRS&VS
Specialist Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon