LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, has been the gold standard in vision correction for many years. With over 40 million LASIK procedures performed worldwide, it’s become one of the safest and most common elective medical procedures available.
As LASIK has grown in popularity, the technology behind it has become more advanced. In addition to standard LASIK, there are now many types of laser vision correction procedures available, which can accommodate a greater variety of needs and lifestyles. This includes SMILE, an innovative type of refractive surgery offered at Goel Vision in Baltimore and Columbia, which carries a variety of benefits over traditional LASIK. With nearly 10 million SMILE procedures performed worldwide, its track record of safety and success speaks for itself.
When considering whether to undergo a vision correction procedure, understanding the differences between SMILE and LASIK is crucial so you can make an informed decision. SMILE has a variety of advantages over standard LASIK that may suit your needs better, especially if you have an active lifestyle that incorporates sports. Here’s what you need to know.
How SMILE Is Different From Standard LASIK
LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea using a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome blade. This flap is then lifted to access the underlying corneal tissue, which is reshaped using an excimer laser to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is repositioned, and the healing process begins. The recovery is usually quick, with most patients back to their normal routine within a day of the procedure. In comparison, SMILE is a flapless and minimally invasive procedure. It utilizes a femtosecond laser to create a small, precise incision in the cornea through which a tiny lenticule, or disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue, is removed. By extracting this tissue, the shape of the cornea is altered, correcting refractive errors. SMILE is approved to treat nearsightedness between -1.00 and -10.00 diopters (with or without astigmatism of up to -3.00 D).
Why The Recovery From SMILE Is Often Quicker Than LASIK
One of the benefits of standard LASIK is that the recovery is usually quick. Most patients are back-in-action within 24 hours, only with clearer vision. It’s highly effective in correcting a wide range of refractive errors and has a proven track record of safety and success.
While complications from LASIK are very rare, the creation of a corneal flap does raise the risk of flap-related complications, such as flap dislocation or epithelial ingrowth. But this is what makes SMILE so advantageous. Since it’s a flapless procedure, there is a reduced risk of flap-related complications, not only making it safer but allowing for a speedier recovery. The smaller incision size also contributes to quicker healing and less post-operative discomfort. This means patients can get back to their normal routine faster with SMILE than with LASIK.
For example, after a LASIK procedure, we usually recommend patients wait at least three days before swimming or engaging in low-impact sports, so long as they wear adequate eye protection. For more intense sports that carry a higher risk of injury (such as wrestling and martial arts), LASIK patients may be advised to wait up to a month after their procedure before resuming.
If you enjoy an active lifestyle, especially if sports are a big part of your personal life or career, taking even a few days off can be a huge inconvenience or even impossible. But this is what makes SMILE such a great alternative. There are generally no restrictions on what patients can do the day after their SMILE procedure. They can go to the beach, the pool, the gym, and even wear eye makeup the very next day, as there’s no risk of the flap moving, since no flap needs to be created during SMILE.
Additionally, another benefit of SMILE is that it can preserve more corneal tissue compared to LASIK. This can potentially make it more suitable for individuals with thinner corneas or those at higher risk of corneal ectasia, a rare but serious complication of refractive surgery.
At Goel Vision, we specialize in a variety of vision correction procedures, including SMILE. Come in to one of our clinics in Baltimore or Columbia for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will confirm your eligibility and recommend a procedure to you based on your visual and lifestyle needs. We’ll explain the difference between LASIK, SMILE, and other refractive surgeries, so you can make a decision that’s right for you. Get on the path to clearer vision by booking your free consultation today.
