What is the difference between SMILE Pro and LASIK
If you are thinking about laser eye surgery, you may have come across two common treatment options: SMILE Pro and LASIK.
Both procedures are designed to correct certain vision problems and may reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses for suitable patients. However, they work in different ways and may suit different people.
Understanding the differences between SMILE Pro and LASIK can help you ask the right questions during your consultation and make an informed decision about your eye care.
At Eagle Eye Surgeons, every patient receives a comprehensive eye assessment to determine which vision correction options may be suitable for their individual needs.
Understanding laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery changes the shape of the cornea to improve the way light focuses on the retina.
The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. When its shape does not focus light correctly, vision can become blurry.1 https://www.lasereyesurgeryhub.co.uk/laser-eye-surgery/safety/
Laser eye surgery is commonly used to treat refractive errors such as short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism, depending on the procedure and the patient's suitability.
Why treatment is personalised
Every person's eyes are different.
Your prescription, corneal thickness, eye health, age, and lifestyle all help determine which treatment may be appropriate.2 https://www.lasereyesurgeryhub.co.uk/laser-eye-surgery/safety/
This is why a detailed eye examination is an important first step before any laser eye surgery.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is one of the most well-known types of laser eye surgery.
During LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea. This flap is gently lifted so another laser can reshape the tissue underneath.
Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is carefully placed back into position.
LASIK may be suitable for treating short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism in appropriate patients.3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19344821/
How LASIK changes vision
By reshaping the cornea, LASIK changes how light enters the eye.
The aim is to improve the focus of light on the retina, which may reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses in suitable patients.4https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19344821/
Every treatment plan is customised using detailed measurements of the patient's eyes.
What is SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.
It is another type of laser eye surgery that is primarily used to treat short sightedness and certain levels of astigmatism.5https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
Instead of creating a corneal flap, SMILE Pro uses a femtosecond laser to create a small piece of tissue, called a lenticule, inside the cornea.
The surgeon removes this lenticule through a small opening, changing the shape of the cornea to improve vision.6https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
How SMILE Pro changes vision
Like LASIK, SMILE Pro works by changing the shape of the cornea.
However, it achieves this using a different technique.
Because only a small incision is made, SMILE Pro differs from LASIK in the way the procedure is performed.
The biggest difference between SMILE Pro and LASIK
The main difference is how the cornea is treated during surgery.
LASIK involves creating and lifting a corneal flap before reshaping the underlying tissue.
SMILE Pro reshapes the cornea by removing a lenticule through a small incision without creating a large flap.
Both procedures aim to improve vision, but they use different surgical approaches.7https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
Why this difference matters
The structure of your cornea and other measurements help determine which procedure may be more suitable.
Some patients may be eligible for both treatments, while others may only be suitable for one.
Your surgeon will recommend the option that best matches your individual eyes and vision needs.
What conditions can each procedure treat?
LASIK may be suitable for treating short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism.8https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
SMILE Pro is commonly used to treat short sightedness and certain levels of astigmatism.9https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
Not every procedure is suitable for every prescription.
Suitability depends on your eyes
Treatment recommendations are based on much more than your prescription alone.
Your corneal thickness, eye health, tear film, age, and overall suitability all influence which procedure may be appropriate.
This is why comprehensive testing is an essential part of the consultation process.
How do recovery experiences compare?
Recovery varies from one patient to another.
Some patients notice changes in their vision soon after either procedure, while others experience gradual improvement over time.10https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
Vision can fluctuate during the early stages of healing, and recovery timelines differ between individuals.
Following your recovery plan
Patients receive personalised aftercare instructions following treatment.
Using prescribed eye drops, attending follow-up appointments, and following your surgeon's advice all support the healing process.
Your surgeon will explain what to expect during recovery based on your chosen procedure.
Are the risks the same?
Like all medical procedures, both LASIK and SMILE Pro have potential risks and side effects.
Some patients experience temporary dry eyes, glare, halos, light sensitivity, or fluctuating vision during recovery.11https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
More serious complications are possible but are uncommon.12https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/ Your surgeon will discuss the risks that are relevant to your individual circumstances.
Understanding the benefits and limitations
No laser eye surgery procedure can guarantee perfect vision or complete freedom from glasses or contact lenses.
Results vary between patients because every person's eyes are unique.
Understanding both the potential benefits and possible limitations helps patients make informed treatment decisions.
Which procedure is better?
Many people ask whether SMILE Pro is better than LASIK.
There is no single answer because the best procedure depends on the individual patient.
A treatment that is suitable for one person may not be the best option for someone else.
Choosing the right option
Your surgeon considers many factors before making a recommendation.
These include your prescription, corneal measurements, eye health, occupation, hobbies, and visual goals.
The aim is to recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your individual needs.
Why is the consultation important?
The consultation is one of the most important parts of the laser eye surgery journey.
During your appointment, advanced diagnostic equipment is used to assess the health and shape of your eyes.
The surgeon also discusses your medical history, lifestyle, and expectations.
Making an informed decision
A thorough consultation allows you to ask questions and understand your treatment options.
You will also learn about the possible benefits, potential risks, recovery process, and expected outcomes.
This information helps you make a confident and informed decision about your vision correction.
Take the next step
If you are considering laser eye surgery and would like to understand whether SMILE Pro or LASIK may be suitable for you, the first step is a comprehensive eye assessment.
At Eagle Eye Surgeons, every treatment recommendation is based on your individual eye health, prescription, and lifestyle.
The best way to begin your vision correction journey is to take a suitability self test and discover which treatment options may be suitable for your eyes.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Vision correction isn’t suitable for everyone.
The first step is to book a free appointment to find out whether you can benefit.
Our most popular procedures
Hi, I’m Dr. Erica Darian-Smith
I’m a FRANZCO ophthalmic surgeon focused on refractive surgery. I trained in Sydney at Prince of Wales Hospital, then completed a two-year corneal and refractive fellowship in Toronto, Canada. I also hold a Graduate Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery and a Master of Medicine in Ophthalmic Sciences from the University of Sydney, and I lecture there as a Clinical Lecturer. I am a Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery and Vision Sciences and have a subspecialty interest in treating presbyopia.
I take time to listen, explain options clearly, and guide you through each step so you can make informed choices with confidence and calm. I am passionate about getting you your best visual outcomes.
Owner
FRANZCO, FWCRS, MMed, MBBS
Hi, I’m Dr. Mitch Lee
I’m a FRANZCO trained ophthalmic surgeon. My work covers refractive surgery, cataract surgery, complex anterior segment and lens surgery, and conditions of the retina and vitreous. I completed medical training at the University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, then completed ophthalmology training in the Prince of Wales Hospital network. I am trained in refractive surgery and have completed the Forefront Refractive Surgery Course run by the highly respected London Vision Clinic. I have further fellowship level training in complex anterior segment surgery and vitreoretinal surgery.
In addition to my work with Eagle Eye Surgeons, I am the Head of Department for Ophthalmology at Nepean Hospital and have led the expansion of publicly funded eye surgery in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
I focus on clear explanations, careful planning, and follow-up that keeps you supported at every stage, always.
Owner
FRANZCO, MMed(Critical Care), MBBS(Hons), BSc
Hi, I’m Dr. Emmanuel Marinos
I am a RANZCO trained ophthalmologist with experience caring for patients across New South Wales, Queensland, and the United Kingdom. These diverse roles have given me extensive experience managing a wide range of eye conditions while reinforcing my commitment to providing personalised, high-quality care to every patient. I believe in taking the time to answer your questions, explain every treatment option, and help you make informed decisions about your eye health.
Alongside my clinical work, I am passionate about medical education and have taught medical students, junior doctors, and ophthalmology trainees in both Australia and the UK.
My practice is guided by the latest evidence-based techniques and technologies to achieve the best possible outcomes, whether you are considering cataract surgery, treatment for a corneal condition, or refractive surgery to reduce your dependence on glasses.
RANZCO, MMed(OphthSc), MBBS
