ADVERTISEMENT

Q. Which one is the better eye surgery option- LASIK or SMILE?

Answered by
Dr. Manjunath Natarajan
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Sep 28, 2018

Hi doctor,

I want to go for a corrective surgery and am confused between Contoura and SMILE. I request you to please give your opinion on the following doubts of mine. People say that all LASIK surgeries involve greater cornea related risks which SMILE does not. Your view on this?

While for SMILE people say that actual corneal depth removed is more and even the appearance objects after SMILE is very artificial and is not as sharp or 3D like in Contura. Your view on this? Also, is there any clause like if one is not able to focus eyes on point or concentrate (which is totally in hand of the patient in SMILE) then he should not opt for SMILE as there is a risk of hurting eye. Is that true? Also, irrespective of which one we do, are these surgeries always accompanied by halos, glares and night vision problems? Finally, I am getting married in two months and I would be required to indulge myself in all the dance rehearsals, makeup, market traveling, etc. What do you think, is it the right time to go for a surgery? And which one (that is less risky and recovers faster)?

#

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

1. If LASIK has greater corneal risk than a SMILE? This is true. LASIK does have a greater risk of flap-related complications. In SMILE, as there is no flap created, there are no complications associated with it.

2. Corneal depth in LASIK vs SMILE.

The depth in LASIK is dependent on your refractive error. The more your refractive error, the more will the tissue abated. In SMILE, the thickness of the lenticular is preset by the surgeon and does not depend on the refractive error. In both procedures, the surgeon can also take measures to conserve thickness. So the answer is that it depends on the surgeon and your refractive error.

3. The sharpness of images Contoura vs SMILE.

There are various studies done on this and a majority say that SMILE offers better results in most laboratory tests, but under practical and daily life situations, it can be assumed that both are pretty much the same.

4. Can hurt your eye in SMILE if you do not concentrate on a point?

I am not very sure about the exact context of the question. I can tell you that in both surgeries you will be asked to look at a pointer light and the accuracy of your correction will depend on how well you maintain a fixed gaze on the pointer. If you look any other way for even a fraction of a second the outcome will be bad in both of the procedures.

5. Glare halos and night vision problems. These will be present soon after surgery in both, but will slowly resolve. Not a major problem in a majority of the patients.

6. Right time for surgery, which surgery is less risky and has a faster recovery?

Right time for surgery would be around three months from your wedding, although some do get SMILE done just one day before their wedding. Anytime before 1 to 2 months, you will be in the recovery phase and will have to be instilling eyedrops- a bothersome task when piled along with shopping and organizing tasks before the event.

7. Less risky and has faster recovery- SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction).


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
Is it alright to have sex three days after a laser eye surgery?

.. involve in sexual activities. This particular laser treatment has no relation with intercourse. I hope this helps. Regards. For further queries consult an eye care ophthalmologist online --> .. ...   Read full

Is it advisable to do weight training after laser eye surgery?

.. no limit of weight lifting as such. But usually heavy weight lifting or strenuous exercise is banned if there are untreated breaks. If breaks are secured with a sufficient laser that usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for maximum effect. But there is alwa...   Read full

Can I get LASIK surgery done while on acne treatment?

Hi doctor, I have scheduled for LASIK eye surgery this week ... Will there be any issues or side effects with LASIK surgery ...   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


Coronavirus Variant Arcturus: | Omicron XBB.1.16 Variant
Arcturus is an emerging variant of the Omicron virus that causes various symptoms and spreads rapidly across the world. ...  Read more»
Adrenaline Rush - Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and How to Control
Adrenaline is a hormone responsible for fight or flight response. It is also a neurotransmitter and medicine. It is also...  Read more»
Fatty Liver - Types, Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Its primary function is to process the food and drinks we consume. and filte...  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask an Eye Care Ophthalmologist Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.