ReLEx SMILE vs LASIK – What’s The Difference?

relex smile vs lasik

Both ReLEx SMILE and LASIK are laser vision correction procedures that are meant to help you to see clearer. But, how do they weigh against each other?

In this post, of ReLEx SMILE vs LASIK, we will uncover the features and characteristics of these two laser eye surgery and see how they fare in the ring! Also, check out our SMILE FAQ for more interesting info!

ReLEx SMILE vs LASIK Comparison

Here’s some of the differences between ReLEx SMILE and LASIK:

1. ReLEx SMILE is less invasive than LASIK

Approximately a 20mm flap diameter will be created on the cornea for LASIK. The SMILE eye surgery will create an incision of about 4mm. Hence, SMILE will actually have 80% smaller side-cut on the corneal compared to LASIK and able to preserve the anterior corneal structure better.

2. SMILE has no flap complications

Flap complications like wrinkles on the corneal flap and epithelial ingrowth happens due to improper placement of the flap. SMILE being a flapless eye surgery can avoid all of those problems.

relex smile has lesser complaints of dry eyes

3. ReLEx SMILE has less complaints of dry eyes

ReLEx SMILE incision is 1/5 smaller than that of LASIK which means that normal production and regulation of tear film is better in SMILE. This is because much less corneal nerves being disturbed in SMILE procedure.

Hence, the central cornea sensitivity is kept at a level closer to normal than LASIK. So, the tear production system is maintained better. Hence, post-surgery dry eyes are greatly reduced.

4. ReLEx SMILE Operation is much more comfortable

There is no clicking sound from the laser or odour in ReLEx SMILE compared to that of LASIK. LASIK uses excimer laser that creates a clicking noise when used. There is also a certain odour produced when the laser is used to remove the corneal cells surgically.

relex smile can treat short sightedness

5. ReLEx SMILE treatment can only address short-sightedness and minor astigmatism

SMILE surgery can treat short sightedness and astigmatism. As for the details on how high the degree it can correct can only be determined after eye examination.

SMILE is also considerably much safer because it does not reduce the mechanical strength of the cornea as much as LASIK.

Meanwhile, LASIK can correct more than just short-sightedness. It can be used to treat long-sightedness and astigmatism. However, the cornea needs to be thick enough. The curvature of the cornea also must be within normal range.

6. ReLEx SMILE uses one laser whereas LASIK uses two lasers

For ReLEx SMILE, only one laser is used. That is the Zeiss Femtosecond laser by Carl Zeiss Meditec. The laser will make a small incision that allows the extraction of the tissue from the cornea.

LASIK will require the use of one femtosecond laser to create the flap on the cornea. A different laser called the excimer laser which is computer programmed will help the eye surgeon to remove precise amount of tissue from the cornea to correct the vision.

ReLEx SMILE and LASIK Similarities

1. Both does not require ward admission

The laser eye operation takes place very quickly. The time taken for the procedure is about 15 to 20 minutes. Right after the procedure, patients can go home, after a quick counselling on the post operative care and medication.

relex smile has similar recovery time as lasik

2. Both have similar visual recovery time

We at Sunway Eye Centre has collected our own patient’s feedback to investigate the visual clarity after respective laser vision correction. We found out that patients of ReLEx SMILE operation share similar or even faster visual recovery time than that of LASIK patients.

3. Both are painless laser vision correction procedure

The term laser might strike fear in many as people usually get the idea on how laser is like from sci-fi movies. Movies typically display the use of laser as a weapon to take down space ships or use as traps. That’s scary but fear not!

The laser for eye surgery is painless. The laser used is not hot and within the ultraviolet range, which is safe for the eye. You won’t be able to see the laser let alone feel pain from it. However, you might feel a slight sensation of pressure on the eye.

4. Both are FDA approved laser eye surgery procedure

FDA is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They are responsible in regulating products such as food, cosmetics, human drugs including medical devices for eye laser surgery to protect public health.

Rest assured that both procedures is approved by FDA. Which means that it is generally safe for the patients. Despite ReLEx SMILE technique is newer, the technology exists since 2010. So, it’s not exactly a very new thing or at an experimental stage.

Is ReLEx SMILE better than LASIK?

In this comparison of ReLEx SMILE vs LASIK, we get to see several obvious differences between the two such as the creation of flap, treatment that they can cover and so on. One of the main advantage that SMILE technique has over LASIK is the avoidance of flap complications.

So, when it comes to correcting short-sightedness, SMILE procedure stands on a higher ground. But, LASIK has its long history in the market. ReLEx SMILE is less heard off and there are more eye surgeons that specialize in LASIK.

FDA approves Zeiss Visumax laser to be used for SMILE technique eye surgery. ReLEx SMILE is also a registered trademark of Carl Zeiss Meditec.

In other words, it’s easier to find eye centres that cover LASIK than SMILE treatment. However, we are on set to see a change in this in the mere future as more and more people get to know about SMILE and more satisfied patients coming forward with their testimony.

We can’t exactly say which one is particularly better since they both are not exactly the same. Ultimately, the choice of surgery depends on different individuals and their suitability for either procedure. Get your consultation with us today and get a better insight into what is best for you!

So, get your consultation with us today at Sunway Eye Centre and get a better insight on what is the best for you!

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