SMILE® Pro vs LASIK: What’s the difference

Many people who want clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses start researching laser eye surgery. During that search, two common treatment options often appear: SMILE® Pro and LASIK.

Both procedures are designed to correct certain vision problems by reshaping the cornea. Both use advanced laser technology and may help suitable patients reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

While SMILE® Pro and LASIK have some similarities, they work in different ways. Understanding these differences can help patients learn more about their options before attending a consultation.

At Eagle Eye Surgeons, patients receive a detailed eye assessment to determine which treatment options may be suitable for their individual needs.

Understanding laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery is designed to improve the way light focuses inside the eye.

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. When light enters the eye, the cornea helps focus that light onto the retina at the back of the eye.

For people with refractive errors such as short sightedness, long sightedness, or astigmatism, light may not focus correctly. This can cause blurry vision.¹https://www.lasereyesurgeryhub.co.uk/laser-eye-surgery/safety/

Laser eye surgery changes the shape of the cornea to help improve the way light focuses on the retina.

Why treatment plans differ

No two eyes are exactly the same.

Different patients have different prescriptions, eye health conditions, corneal shapes, and lifestyle needs. Because of this, one procedure may be more suitable than another.

A personalised consultation helps determine which treatment options may be appropriate for each patient.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is one of the most well-known laser eye surgery procedures.

The treatment involves creating a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The surgeon gently lifts this flap before using a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.

Once the treatment is complete, the flap is repositioned to support healing.

LASIK may be used to treat short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism in suitable patients.²https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/pros-and-cons-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost

How LASIK works

The goal of LASIK is to improve how light focuses inside the eye.

By reshaping the cornea, the procedure may help reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses for some people.³https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/pros-and-cons-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost

The treatment plan is customised based on detailed measurements of the patient's eyes.

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK, which is why an assessment is important before treatment.

What is SMILE® Pro?

SMILE® Pro stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.

It is a type of laser eye surgery used primarily to treat short sightedness and certain levels of astigmatism.

Unlike LASIK, SMILE® Pro does not involve creating a large corneal flap.

Instead, a laser creates a small disc-shaped piece of tissue within the cornea called a lenticule. The surgeon removes this lenticule through a small opening, changing the shape of the cornea.⁴https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short

How SMILE® Pro works

Removing the lenticule changes how light focuses inside the eye.

Like LASIK, the aim is to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses for suitable patients.⁵https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short

The procedure uses advanced femtosecond laser technology and is tailored to each patient's prescription and eye measurements.

The main difference between SMILE® Pro and LASIK

The biggest difference between SMILE® Pro and LASIK is how the cornea is treated.

LASIK involves creating and lifting a corneal flap before reshaping the tissue underneath.⁶https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short

SMILE® Pro uses a small incision to remove a lenticule from inside the cornea. It does not require a large flap. SMILE® Pro uses a small incision to remove a lenticule from inside the cornea. It does not require a large flap..

Both procedures change the shape of the cornea, but they do so using different techniques.

Why the technique matters

The structure of the cornea and other eye measurements can influence which procedure may be recommended.

Some patients may be suitable candidates for both treatments. Others may be better suited to one option over the other.

The choice depends on factors such as eye health, prescription, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Who may be suitable for LASIK?

LASIK may be suitable for adults with stable vision and healthy eyes.

It is commonly used to treat short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism.⁷ https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/pros-and-cons-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost

Suitability depends on factors such as prescription strength, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.

The importance of assessment

Before recommending LASIK, the surgeon performs a detailed evaluation of the eyes.

Advanced scans and measurements help determine whether the procedure may be appropriate.

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK, and alternative treatment options may sometimes be recommended.

Who may be suitable for SMILE® Pro?

SMILE® Pro may be suitable for adults with short sightedness and certain levels of astigmatism.

As with LASIK, suitability depends on a range of factors including eye health, prescription stability, and corneal measurements.

Patients must undergo a thorough assessment before treatment recommendations are made.

Personalised treatment recommendations

The most suitable procedure is different for every patient.

A treatment recommendation is based on the results of detailed testing and an understanding of the patient's vision goals.

This personalised approach helps ensure treatment decisions are based on individual needs.

How do recovery experiences compare?

Recovery experiences can vary between patients regardless of the procedure performed.

Some people notice changes in vision quickly after treatment, while others require more time for their vision to stabilise.⁸ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34241701/

Patients receive personalised aftercare instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Healing takes time

Although many patients return to normal activities within a short period, the healing process continues after the initial recovery stage.

The exact recovery timeline varies between individuals.

Your surgeon can explain what recovery may involve based on your chosen treatment and personal circumstances.

Are the risks the same?

Like all medical procedures, both SMILE® Pro and LASIK have potential risks and side effects.

These may include dry eyes, glare, halos, fluctuating vision, infection, or other complications.⁹https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/pros-and-cons-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost

The likelihood and severity of side effects can vary from person to person.

Understanding benefits and limitations

No laser eye surgery procedure can guarantee perfect vision or complete freedom from glasses or contact lenses.

Patients should understand both the potential benefits and the possible limitations before deciding on treatment.¹⁰https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34241701/

A consultation provides an opportunity to discuss risks, expected outcomes, and suitability.

Which procedure is better?

Many patients ask whether SMILE® Pro is better than LASIK eye surgery.

There is no single answer because the best procedure depends on the individual patient.

One treatment may be more suitable for one person, while another treatment may be recommended for someone else.

The right procedure is personal

The goal is not to find the best procedure overall. The goal is to find the procedure that best matches the patient's eyes, prescription, and lifestyle.

A detailed assessment helps determine which treatment option may be most appropriate.

This personalised approach supports informed decision-making and patient-centred care.

Take the next step

If you are considering laser eye surgery and would like to learn more about SMILE® Pro and LASIK, a detailed consultation is the best place to start.

At Eagle Eye Surgeons, patients receive personalised assessments and treatment recommendations based on their unique vision needs.

The ideal way to start your journey is to complete a suitability self-test and discover which vision correction options could be the most appropriate for you.