Imagine waking up to perfect vision: no foggy lenses, no fumbling at the bedside and no dryness from wearing those lenses. If you have decided it’s time to bid adieu to your glasses, LASIK can be your trusted companion. It is fast, effective and has helped millions to get back their vision
But what if there is something even better than LASIK?
Enter SMILE eye surgery, a more advanced and flap-free laser procedure that has changed the entire dynamics of vision correction. It’s gentle on your eyes. And you get back to your schedule real quick. This makes SMILE the top choice for vision correction.
So, what is making people ditch LASIK and smile their way to a better vision?
Let’s break it down.
LASIK vs. SMILE: What’s the Difference?
LASIK and SMILE both utilise lasers, operating on the same principle. And both treatments are used to correct refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism.
But what earns SMILE eye surgery those extra brownie points over LASIK?
1. No Flap
The most important point is that SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a flapless, minimally invasive procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct vision without creating a corneal flap. LASIK, on the other hand, is a flap-based procedure.
2. Less Dryness
SMILE is gentle on your eyes’ nerves. This means more comfort and less dryness. SMILE preserves more corneal nerves, and that results in a lower risk of dry eyes post-operation than LASIK.
3. Smooth Healing
Smile your way to clear vision with SMILE. The recovery is quick, and the side effects are down to zero.
| Feature | LASIK | SMILE |
| Procedure Type | Flap-based Laser Eye Surgery | Flapless, small incision laser surgery |
| Corneal Impact | Involves creating a flap | No flap, minimum invasiveness |
| Dry Eye Risk | Higher risk post-surgery | Lower risk |
| Suitability | Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism | Mild to moderate myopia ± astigmatism |
| Recovery Time | Fast, but may need extra care | Fast, with fewer activity restrictions |
| Availability in India | Widely Available | Growing rapidly in major eye centres |
| Technology Used | Excimer and Femtosecond Laser | Femtosecond Laser |
| Ideal For | Those seeking general vision correction | Active individuals and Thin corneas (when not suitable for traditional LASIK) |
SMILE in India? Yes, Please!
India has emerged as a top destination for SMILE, and here’s why!
Price So Good
Clinics in India offer advanced laser systems at a very reasonable rate compared to what you’d pay in other countries.
Skilled Specialists
India’s eye specialists are globally trained and have done thousands of refractive surgeries like SMILE. And yes, the results speak for themselves.
What Can You Expect with SMILE Eye Surgery?
If you’re picturing a long hospital stay- breathe easy. SMILE, a minimally invasive, flapless and bladeless eye surgery, is known to be quick for a good reason.
Here’s how it usually goes:
Numbing eye drops are first provided- you can ensure to make yourself comfortable. A tiny laser incision is created, and the lenticule is gently removed. The best part? The whole process just takes 10-15 minutes per eye!
And right after that, no stitches, no bandages, just natural healing.
Is SMILE Right For You?
This should possibly be the next question that pops up in your mind. Well, this surgery is gaining popularity for all the right reasons. But it is mandatory to make sure that not every procedure fits everyone. The ideal approach towards it depends on multiple factors.
You might be the right candidate for SMILE eye surgery if
- You have mild to moderate myopia
- You experience dry eyes with your contact lenses
- You have a thin cornea, which makes LASIK risky
- You live an active lifestyle that makes it the wrong fit for surgeries involving flaps, like LASIK
- You are looking for a minimally invasive procedure with a speedy recovery
Since SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap, it clearly reduces all the flap-related complications. This is thus a very suitable treatment option for those who are always on the go.
But remember, you might not be eligible to undergo SMILE if you
- Have farsightedness
- Have higher levels of astigmatism
- Have a complex or irregular cornea
Your ophthalmologist might recommend other treatment options like PRK or LASIK then!
Is It Time To Rethink LASIK?
LASIK is still an amazing option to correct refractive errors. But if you are looking for a less invasive and more comfortable experience, then SMILE is worth trying.
SMILE reduces flap-related complications, is faster to heal and is widely available across top-tier Indian hospitals.
The Takeaway
Vision correction goes way beyond just ditching glasses. It is about freedom, comfort and confidence. And with SMILE, you are merely minutes away from clearer days ahead.
So yes, LASIK might have paved the way, but SMILE is the upgrade that your eyes need.
Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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