ReLEx SMILE and LASIK are effective laser eye surgeries that can help you see clearer, but how do they compare to each other?
The first thing you have to know is that LASIK is one of the first laser-assisted vision correction procedures and works for most types of refractive errors. Meanwhile, ReLEx SMILE is a newer and less invasive version that only works for myopia and astigmatism.
Read on below to learn more about the differences between ReLEx SMILE vs LASIK!
What is ReLEx SMILE?
First introduced in 2011 and brought into Singapore in 2014, ReLEx SMILE (or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is another type of laser-based refractive procedure designed to change the shape of the cornea.
During a SMILE surgery, the surgeon uses a specialised femtosecond laser to cut out a thin disk-shaped tissue in the cornea called lenticule. The specifications by which the lenticule is cut are determined by the desired refractive correction.
Once the lenticule is cut, it’s removed from the corneal bed, thereby changing the shape of the cornea and correcting the refractive error.
SMILE may be a good choice for many patients, but it’s not the most viable solution if you’re looking for long-term vision correction. It’s also not capable of correcting farsightedness.
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis. It remains the most popular laser vision corrective surgery as it’s performed to correct a wide range of refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
In LASIK, using a femtosecond laser the surgeon will create a small flap in the patient’s outer cornea and gently lift it back to expose the corneal tissue underneath.
The tissue is then reshaped using another laser called excimer and the corneal flap is replaced over the treated area to facilitate healing. The entire surgery will take about 15 to 20 minutes for both eyes
What are the differences between ReLEx SMILE vs LASIK?
Although both are both two-step procedures, the key procedural difference between ReLEX SMILE vs LASIK is that the latter involves the creation of a corneal flap, while the former doesn’t.
SMILE only requires an incision of about 4mm, while LASIK involves creating approximately a 20mm flap diameter on the cornea, making SMILE the less invasive option.
Another procedural difference is the number of lasers used throughout the surgery. SMILE uses only one laser to make a small incision on the cornea, while LASIK uses two lenses to create a flap and reshape the cornea
When it comes to the recovery period, though, what you can expect from the ReLEX SMILE vs LASIK procedures are similar. It’s worth noting here that it’s common for many refractive surgeries to achieve full visual recovery within three to six months.
In most cases, patients who undergo either procedure will have legal driving vision in less than 24 hours.
For most LASIK patients, 20/20 vision can be achieved within the day after the procedure, while SMILE patients may have to wait slightly longer to reach the same level of vision.
Complications after either procedure are rare and often resolve themselves within a few days. Some glare, halos, and eye dryness are to be expected after either surgery, but SMILE patients may not need to worry about dealing with dry eyes.
Conclusion
Both ReLEx SMILE and LASIK are excellent options for correcting refractive errors.
Even though SMILE is approved for correcting astigmatism and hyperopia, it’s more restrictive than LASIK, which can address a wider range of vision problems.
If you want to know which is the right procedure for you, get in touch with Shinagawa Eye Centre and its team of specialists for a comprehensive consultation. Call to enquire or book an appointment today!