Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

If you have vision concerns, then it is likely that you have started looking into potential vision corrective surgeries such as SMILE or LASIK. However, it may be difficult to determine which option is better for you. At Manhattan LASIK Center, we understand the importance of a decision such as this. While we serve a variety of areas in New York, we also serve Edison, NJ, and Paramus, NJ. Here, we’ve outlined a bit more information about LASIK and SMILE so you can make the most informed decision regarding your eye health.

What Is LASIK?

Laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is one of the most popular eye procedures conducted throughout the world. The procedure works by creating a small flap in the cornea of the eye and allows the doctor to remove a small portion of tissue following by laser ablation to reshape the cornea. It can take some time for the flap to heal and patients may experience dryness issues anywhere from 6 months to a year.

What Is SMILE?

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is categorized as a no-flap procedure that is completed with only 24 seconds of laser time per eye. The lenticule is created and then removed from a 3.9mm incision made by the laser. With this procedure, the patient experiences no noise, pressure, pain, or burning odor. It does not require the use of an Excimer laser that is used during the LASIK procedure. Essentially, this option is minimally invasive and has less downtime.

Other benefits include:

  • Cornea remains stronger
  • Return to normal activities as soon as the next day
  • No risk of flap complications
  • Significantly less chance of dry eye in comparison to LASIK and other similar procedures

Which Option is Better?

When it comes to comparing the two procedures a few things are clear:

  • Patients are less likely to experience dry eye with SMILE
  • In the event of severe nearsightedness, there is more likeliness that an additional LASIK procedure will need to be performed. However, SMILE only requires one procedure.
  • The cornea is less impacted by SMILE due to the smaller incision

Considerations

While SMILE may have a better recovery time and less chance of issues following the procedure, it is limited to what it can correct. SMILE can only remedy nearsightedness and astigmatism up to -3.00, while LASIK can correct farsightedness and more extreme cases of astigmatism. SMILE is considered the most cutting-edge procedure in laser eye treatments. The decision is based not so much on regard to which procedure is better, but on which one is the right choice for your particular situation.

Is SMILE Right For You?

In order to better understand if SMILE is the best eye procedure for you, you should consult with your eye doctor. Your doctor can provide more information and offer a detailed eye exam to better pair you with the appropriate procedure to suit your needs.

Overview

Do you suffer from sight problems? If so, then one of these procedures may be the right solution for you. If you would like more information about SMILE or LASIK, please contact our offices. Manhattan LASIK Center serves a variety of locations, including Edison, NJ, Paramus, NJ, and Roslyn, NY. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to working with you!