LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ (LASIK), has been hailed as a game-changer in the field of lasik eye surgery for a very long time. It has enabled millions of people to live better lives without having to depend on their contact lenses or eye glasses. In spite of this, the search for ever more sophisticated and patient-friendly procedures has resulted in the development of SMILE, which stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. “As we go deeper into the complexities of SMILE versus LASIK, it becomes abundantly evident that the future of vision correction is not simply about getting 20/20 vision; instead, it is about catering the approach to the patient’s specific requirements, lifestyle, and eye health most effectively,” remarks Dr Kashish Gupta, the best LASIK surgeon in Bathinda Punjab currently heading the eye department at the Max Healthcare. lasik eye surgery
What is the procedure for LASIK Eye Surgery?
In refractive surgery arena, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is regarded as a forerunner in spectacle removal technologies. Using a special LASER called excimer to reshape the cornea, LASIK corrects vision problems such as astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. In order to allow the laser to restructure the corneal tissue beneath, a thin flap in the cornea is created and subsequently lifted. With no stitches required, the flap is relocated, allowing for a comparatively short recovery time. The most remarkable feature of LASIK is that most patients see a noticeable improvement in their eyesight practically immediately following their LASIK eye surgery.
What is the procedure for LASIK Eye Surgery?
In refractive surgery arena, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is regarded as a forerunner in spectacle removal technologies. Using a special LASER called excimer to reshape the cornea, LASIK corrects vision problems such as astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. In order to allow the laser to restructure the corneal tissue beneath, a thin flap in the cornea is created and subsequently lifted. With no stitches required, the flap is relocated, allowing for a comparatively short recovery time. The most remarkable feature of LASIK is that most patients see a noticeable improvement in their eyesight practically immediately following their LASIK eye surgery.
SMILE Eye Surgery: Procedure & Technology
Seeen as a gen-next technology in spectacle removal procedures, SMILE has become a strong competitor in the area of refractive surgery. Unlike LASIK, SMILE method only needs a small incision to remove a lenticular-shaped piece of corneal tissue. This means that there is no need for a big corneal flap as is required in the standard LASIK. SMILE is thought to be a less invasive method that lowers the chance of dry eye symptoms after surgery. Many believe that SMILE is safer for people whose corneas are thinner or who are more likely to have their corneas weaken. SMILE prices are higher than the LASIK procedures.
SMILE vs. LASIK: An Overview Comparison of both technologies
- Difference in procedure
- LASIK: involves using an excimer laser to make a corneal flap and change the shape of the cornea.
- SMILE: A lenticule is made and taken out through a small cut; no flaps are made, and no excimer laser is used.
- Recovery and Risks
- LASIK: The healing process is quick, and most people can see better within 24 hours. However, there’s a slight risk of flap-related complications.
- SMILE: offers the possibility of a speedier corneal nerve recovery, which lowers the risk of dry eyes following surgery. With no need for a flap, it also minimizes the risk of complications related to flap displacement.
- Procedure Suitability
- LASIK: appropriate for treating a wider variety of refractive defects, such as lower degrees of astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia.
- SMILE: Mostly deals with near-sightedness and farsightedness. It is ideal for people with active lifestyles or who are worried about problems related to flaps.
- Patient Experience
- LASIK: The procedure is time-tested and well-established, with vast data supporting its efficacy & acceptance from patients
- SMILE: As a newer procedure, SMILE is still in its infancy, even though promising outcomes back it. Many SSMILE patients have been reporting high satisfaction levels.
- Pricing of SMILE VS LASIK
- LASIK: In India, LASIK surgery costs typically range from ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 per eye, depending on technology and clinic location. The wide accessibility of LASIK still makes it a trusted option for vision correction due to its long-standing track records.
- SMILE: While SMILE surgery is less intrusive and newer, it is more expensive, with expenses ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹1,000,000 per eye in India. The enhanced precision laser equipment and minimally invasive treatment make SMILE more expensive, but it also speeds healing and reduces post-surgery problems.
Choosing between SMILE and LASIK: Know the Expert opinion
The decision between SMILE and LASIK is based on the individual’s requirements, the structure of their eyes, and the lifestyle choices they make. In spite of the fact that LASIK has been around for longer and has a more extensive range of applications, SMILE is an appealing alternative for individuals who are looking for surgery that is less intrusive and has a lower risk of problems but are willing to pay a higher price.
The evolution from LASIK to SMILE is an excellent example of how far eye surgery technology has come. The goal is to correct eyesight in the most patient-centered way possible & reduce dependence on eyeglasses. As research continues and technologies improve, the decision between Smile vs Lasik eye surgery will depend more and more on personal preference and specific clinical indications. This marks the beginning of a future where vision correction is possible, and it can also be customized down to the smallest detail, which wasn’t possible earlier today.
In your quest for a clear vision, consulting with a seasoned ophthalmologist is paramount. “Between Smile vs. Lasik eye surgery, an expert surgeon can guide you through the maze of options to find the procedure that aligns with your vision goals, eye health, and lifestyle, ensuring that the journey towards clearer sight is both successful and satisfying,” says Dr. Kashish Gupta, widely considered as the best eye surgeon in Bathinda region of Punjab.
