Laser refractive surgery has been a tremendous success, freeing millions from the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, has been a major player in the field since its introduction in 1990, while ReLEx® SMILE® (small-incision lenticule extraction) is a more recent offering, receiving FDA approval in 2016.
Ophthalmologist Dr. Randa Garrana of Advanced Lasik practices in Midtown East, New York, as well as in Duarte and Long Beach, California. As one of the premier laser eye surgery clinics in the country, Dr. Garrana and her team perform both procedures, recommending the best match to your eye condition.
The distinguishing characteristic of LASIK surgery is the flap that’s cut into the outer surface of the cornea before the cornea itself is precisely reshaped to bring refractive errors back into focus. Its selling points include:
Your candidacy depends on having corneas of sufficient thickness to support cutting the flap and reshaping the cornea. The flap technique may not be suitable if your hobbies or job tasks feature high-energy exertion.
The heart of the SMILE procedure is the extremely fast and precise femtosecond laser. There’s no flap cut into the cornea, only a tiny incision to remove the lenticule, a precision-shaped section of the cornea that accomplishes the correction of your refractive error.
Besides the lack of a corneal flap, SMILE reduces the risk of temporary dry eye after surgery. SMILE primarily targets nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, so your refractive error may not make this an option.
The recovery profiles of LASIK and SMILE are different. LASIK provides near-immediate visual sharpness, though the healing of the corneal flap takes longer.
SMILE has the edge with structural recovery, since there’s no flap and only a tiny incision that seals well. However, your vision may be softer for the first day or two after your procedure, as the void caused by removing the lenticule heals.
Cutting the LASIK flap often leads to temporary dry eye symptoms lasting up to six months. Many patients rely on artificial tears during this period. SMILE produces fewer dry eye symptoms and a faster return to normal.
The LASIK flap also means no exertion, eye rubbing, or sweat or water in your eyes for up to two weeks to allow the flap to heal, as compared with two or three days for SMILE patients.
Learn more about your available laser refractive surgery options in New York City with a comprehensive eye exam at Advanced Lasik. Book a consultation at our East 55th Street office in Midtown East, or either of our California locations, today.
