LASIK has been performed with outstanding outcomes for more than 30 years, but doctors and patients constantly look for something new and maybe superior.
With this in mind, attention was drawn to a relative newcomer in the refractive surgery market: small-incision lenticule extraction using the VisuMax femtosecond laser.
Even though SMILE eye surgery is still in its infancy as a refractive technique, it’s providing outcomes comparable to advanced LASIK—but it’s not without flaws.
The Fundamentals of LASIK
This is an abbreviation for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. A laser eliminates tissue from the cornea during the operation so that light may be reshaped and refracted accurately to the retina at the rear of your eye.
The operation takes roughly 5 minutes per eye and is performed under local anesthetic. Throughout the process, you stay conscious. Healing usually takes a day or two. Most individuals return to work the next day, but you should avoid moderate to severe exercise, particularly swimming, for a few weeks.
Your eye surgeon will use a device to create a tiny flap in your cornea during the LASIK surgery. A microkeratome or a customized femtosecond laser will be used.
Next, they use a laser to remove some corneal tissue to remodel the cornea. The amount and location of corneal tissue removed are determined by the kind of refractive fault you have.
LASIK Kansas City can treat all sorts of refractive problems, including mixed refractive errors.
SMILE Fundamentals
SMILE eye surgery is an abbreviation for short incision lenticule extraction. It is a newer form of LASIK-based laser refractive eye surgery.
Even though this technique has been utilized for over ten years worldwide, the FDA authorized the process and accompanying equipment for the US market in 2016.
SMILE is a treatment for nearsightedness, often known as myopia, and can be used to correct astigmatism. Because it does not require developing a flap in the cornea to reshape it, it is considered less invasive than LASIK.
Comparison: LASIK vs. SMILE
LASIK and SMILE surgeries are considered cutting-edge eye treatments. These operations should only become more successful over time due to technological advancements and additional research demonstrating success rates of short- and long-term adverse effects, not to mention the outcomes of ongoing clinical trials.
The Cap Vs. The Flap
The key distinction between the two procedures is the size of the incision made in LASIK vs. SMILE. LASIK involves making a 300+ degree circular flap incision, whereas SMILE involves making a smaller 60-degree incision into a pocket beneath a tissue cap.
Tissue removal is still performed, although in a somewhat different manner. Instead of dissolving the tissue (as in LASIK), the laser precisely carves off the tissue layer that must be removed.
The tissue is extracted through the cap incision, just like the thread is extracted through a keyhole. SMILE’s single laser generates the precise form of the lens – front and rear surfaces.
The same laser is used to separate it inside, which is then dragged out through the cap incision. LASIK and SMILE are both painless treatments. The numbing eye drops worked well, so all you’ll feel is pressure rather than pain.
Reduced Chance Of Dry Eye
Because fewer nerves are damaged, a smaller incision is preferable for individuals prone to dry eyes. More nerves must be severed during the LASIK surgery.
The smaller incision with SMILE laser eye surgery leaves more nerves intact, reducing the likelihood of dry eye.
Improved Corneal Strength
The front of the cornea is somewhat stronger following SMILE than after LASIK. SMILE has more supporting anchoring strands. There is also a lower chance of trauma. A LASIK flap usually heals without incident. However, when severely traumatized, that flap might migrate months or years later.
Because the SMILE cap is attached all the way around, it will not shift or move. SMILE is less invasive on the outside and similar to laparoscopic LASIK.
Procedure With Strict Control
Environmental room factors can impact LASIK, especially with significant corrections. SMILE, on the other hand, is unaffected by the room’s temperature or humidity.
The accuracy for larger adjustments is the same as for lesser corrections with SMILE.
Recovery Time
Because the whole flap drapes back over the surface, LASIK has a little faster recovery time. It conforms well to the generated surface.
With SMILE, the two surfaces require time to meet and get properly placed. Artificial tears are used to keep your eyes moist after either surgery.
Inflammation is reduced by using a topical steroid drop. Furthermore, an antibiotic prevents any infection that could occur otherwise.
Which Is Better?
Both SMILE and LASIK are safe, dependable, and cost-effective treatments for correcting refractive problems, with certain restrictions on who is a good candidate for each.
SMILE has fewer side effects, largely due to the lack of flap production. However, the recovery period is slightly longer than with LASIK.
SMILE is only useful for persons who have myopia. It may be useful in certain circumstances for people with related astigmatism. It’s a great choice for people who often suffer from dry eyes.
Patients who have each surgery report great satisfaction and long-term vision repair. It is critical to follow your doctor’s postoperative care recommendations after both SMILE and LASIK. This provides a faster healing process with fewer difficulties.
Consult with the nearest Kansas City eye clinic to decide the best treatment option for you. For the majority of folks, LASIK is the best option. SMILE may be a realistic solution for folks who aren’t ideal candidates for LASIK.
Conclusion
After weighing SMILE and LASIK surgery pros and cons, you should remember that SMILE laser eye surgery and LASIK are time-tested treatments that can improve the eyesight of many people.
Each method involves altering the corneal tissue to rectify the refractive defect. Both treatments produce identical long-term outcomes and have comparable sight recovery times.
While each procedure has advantages, you should visit your eye doctor Kansas City to obtain a suggestion tailored to their specific refractive defect, thin corneas, or other issues.
