What Is The Difference Between LASIK and SMILE For Correcting my Vision?

During LASIK consultations, the question of how to eliminate the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses often arises. While LASIK is the most common and widely used vision correction surgery, several other methods, including SMILE, have increased in popularity. It’s only natural, then, to wonder, “What is the difference between LASIK and SMILE vision correction surgery?” And, even more importantly, “Which one is right for me?”

Choosing between different vision correction options is like choosing between cold brew and espresso. Both come from coffee beans, sure, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Likewise, both LASIK and SMILE vision correction surgery are FDA-approved choices for addressing astigmatism and myopia. Still, they take very different approaches to help reduce or eliminate a patient’s dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses.

At 20/20 Institute, our doctors and vision correction specialists understand how LASIK and other vision surgeries can have a profoundly positive impact on people’s lives. We proudly offer FREE LASIK candidacy screenings, enabling us to determine which procedure will provide you with the most reliable and long-lasting results. To schedule your appointment at our Westminster, LoDo, DTC, or Colorado Springs office, call us at 303-202-0669 today.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK is the most popular refractive error correction surgery in the United States. It has been approved by the FDA since the 1990s. It involves creating a small flap using a Femtosecond Laser on the surface of your cornea which can be lifted to access underlying tissue. Using a second specialized Excimer Laser, the surgeon gently reshapes corneal tissue underneath the flap which improves vision impacted by issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Most eye surgeons agree that the process is safe and effective, and requires only a very short recovery period.

LASIK is a fast procedure—taking less than 10 minutes per eye on average—and many patients notice immediate results. At 20/20 Institute, we utilize advanced technology to offer Wavefront Optimized^® Custom LASIK, helping ensure optimal precision and highly personalized results. During your FREE LASIK consultation, we can discuss how our technology helps to improve outcomes and assist you in determining if LASIK is the right procedure for your specific needs.

What Is SMILE Vision Correction Surgery?

SMILE vision correction surgery is a relatively new vision correction technology. FDA-approved in 2016, SMILE involves using a Femtosecond Laser (the same flap-creating laser from LASIK) to create a small incision on the cornea’s surface. This incision grants access to a lenticule that the laser creates in the middle of the cornea, which can be thought of as a tiny lens. By using forceps, the surgeon removes the lenticule, causing the remaining tissue to collapse and creating a new corneal shape. The theory is that removing enough tissue allows the cornea to assume the correct shape for treating your prescription.

What makes SMILE vision correction surgery appealing to some patients is the absence of a corneal flap, eliminating the risk of flap complications, which may occur during the procedure, the healing process, or later down the road if the patient experiences ocular trauma. This makes procedures like SMILE more suitable for individuals engaged in high-impact activities such as MMA fighting or boxing. Additionally, evidence suggests that not having a corneal flap may reduce the chances of experiencing dry eye after surgery.

LASIK vs. SMILE: A Side-by-Side Comparison

LASIK and SMILE are both vision correction surgeries, but there are some major differences in their approach and efficacy. Here’s a quick look at what sets them apart:

• Procedure Style. LASIK involves two lasers, one to create a flap on the cornea, the other laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. SMILE uses one laser to create a small incision and a lenticular, then that lenticular portion of the cornea is removed by hand by the surgeon from the middle of the cornea.
• Recovery Time. Many LASIK patients experience faster next-day results vs. smile. With SMILE, it can take a few days for vision to clear and several weeks for vision to stabilize.
• Visual Results. A remarkable 99.67% of our LASIK patients have achieved 20/20 vision or better. In comparison, published results indicate that, while 99% of SMILE patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, only around 88% of SMILE vision correction surgery patients achieve 20/20 vision.
• Range of Treatable Prescriptions. SMILE can only correct astigmatism (up to -3 diopters) and myopia (up to -10 diopters). LASIK can treat astigmatism (up to 6 diopters), myopia (up to -12 diopters), and hyperopia (up to +6 diopters), an acceptable option for a much wider range of eyeglass prescriptions.

In addition to a more limited range of treatable prescriptions, if your vision changes after SMILE vision correction surgery, SMILE refinements cannot be performed. Many surgeons opt for Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) as a means of refining vision following SMILE. By contrast, if vision changes occur after LASIK surgery, in most cases LASIK can be repeated to refine the new prescription as long as you remain a suitable candidate.

Does 20/20 Institute Offer SMILE Vision Correction Surgery?

Your best visual outcome is our paramount objective. As of now, the efficacy of LASIK in terms of visual results surpasses that of SMILE vision correction surgery but that isn’t to say SMILE will not improve in the years to come. As SMILE vision improves, it may become more commonplace but, as of today, the data indicates that is simply not the case. Therefore, while we keep an eye on advancements in SMILE vision correction surgery, our specialization at the 20/20 Institute lies in LASIK to provide our patients with the best chance of achieving 20/20 vision or better.

Experienced Vision Correction Specialists in Denver and Colorado Springs

At 20/20 Institute, we offer LASIK, Monovision LASIK, and LASIK alternatives (ICL and RLE) to help patients in Denver and throughout Colorado achieve the best possible vision outcomes. With decades of experience, an unmatched success rate, a rigorous approach to candidacy, and Denver LASIK’s Best Price Guarantee, we have earned our reputation as one of Colorado’s highest-rated LASIK providers. We look forward to meeting with you to listen to your desires, evaluate your candidacy, and help you determine if vision correction surgery is the right fit for your needs.

Our team won’t settle for anything less than what’s best for your eyes. From your initial consultation through your follow-up care, we will prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction. As LASIK specialists, we know the ins and outs of laser vision correction and can guide you confidently through the process. We offer an extraordinary patient experience, focusing entirely on helping you improve your vision and reduce your dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Contact US for a FREE LASIK Evaluation

SMILE vision correction surgery has not been around as long as LASIK, as such the results do not have the track record of LASIK. Nor is SMILE as well-known or thoroughly studied and tested as LASIK alternatives such as PRK and ICL. We believe in offering the most proven and least invasive vision correction option for each patient to help ensure the best results.

Contact 20/20 Institute online or call us at 303-202-0669 to schedule your FREE LASIK evaluation at one of our three Denver locations or our newest office in Colorado Springs. We serve patients from the Front Range, the Eastern Plains, and throughout Colorado.