Smile Pro Vs Femto Lasik

Lasik surgery has gained popularity over the years as a reliable and effective method for vision correction. With various types of Lasik procedures available, patients often face a difficult decision when choosing which one is right for them. Smile Pro and Femto Lasik are two popular options that have emerged in recent times, both claiming to provide better results than traditional Lasik surgery. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two procedures to help you make an informed decision.

What is Lasik Surgery?

Lasik, or Laser-Assisted-In-Situ-Keratomileusis, is a type of refractive eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a quick and painless procedure that has a high success rate in improving vision.

What is Smile Pro?

Smile Pro, also known as Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is the latest advancement in laser vision correction. It uses a femtosecond laser to create a small disc-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, within the cornea. The lenticule is then removed through a small incision, reshaping the cornea and correcting vision.

What is Femto Lasik?

Femto Lasik, also known as Bladeless or All-Laser Lasik, uses two lasers - a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea and an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. This procedure eliminates the use of a blade, making it a safer and more precise method compared to traditional Lasik surgery.

Smile Pro & Femto Lasik Procedure

Smile Pro Procedure

The Smile Pro procedure begins with numbing eye drops being applied to ensure comfort during the surgery. The femtosecond laser creates a thin, circular disc inside the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision. The whole process takes only a few seconds. Once the lenticule is removed, the corneal shape is altered, correcting vision.

Femto Lasik Procedure

Femto Lasik also starts with numbing eye drops and a suction ring being placed on the eye to hold it in place. The femtosecond laser creates a flap in the cornea, which is then lifted and folded back. The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea, correcting vision. After that, the flap is put back in place, acting as a natural bandage for the eye.

Advantages of Smile Pro & Femto Lasik

Smile Pro Advantages

• Less invasive: Smile Pro does not require a flap to be created in the cornea, making it less invasive compared to Femto Lasik.

• Faster recovery: Since there is no flap involved, patients experience faster recovery time with Smile Pro.

• Reduced risk of complications: The small incision used in Smile Pro reduces the risk of potential complications, making it a safer option for vision correction.

Femto Lasik Advantages

• More precise: The use of two lasers in Femto Lasik ensures a more precise treatment, resulting in better vision correction.

• Suitable for higher prescriptions: Femto Lasik is suitable for people with higher degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

• Can be used on thinner corneas: The flap created in Femto Lasik is thinner, making it suitable for people with thinner corneas who are not eligible for traditional Lasik surgery.

Disadvantages of Smile Pro & Femto Lasik

Smile Pro Disadvantages

• Limited availability: Smile Pro is a relatively new procedure and may not be available in all clinics.

• Not suitable for all prescriptions: Since the lenticule is removed from the cornea, Smile Pro may not be suitable for people with higher degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness.

• Longer procedure time: The removal of the lenticule takes longer compared to creating a flap in Femto Lasik, making the overall procedure time longer.

Femto Lasik Disadvantages

• Higher risk of complications: The creation of a flap in the cornea increases the risk of potential complications such as flap dislocation or inflammation.

• Longer recovery time: Due to the creation of a flap, patients may experience a longer recovery time with Femto Lasik.

• Higher cost: Femto Lasik is generally more expensive compared to traditional Lasik surgery and Smile Pro due to the use of two lasers.

Results

Both Smile Pro and Femto Lasik have been shown to provide excellent results in correcting vision. However, studies have shown that Smile Pro may result in slightly better visual outcomes compared to Femto Lasik. This is because the removal of the lenticule allows for a more natural reshaping of the cornea, resulting in better vision.

Furthermore, Smile Pro has been shown to have a lower risk of inducing higher-order aberrations, which can affect night vision and contrast sensitivity.

Which Eye Procedure is Right for You?

The decision between Smile Pro and Femto Lasik ultimately depends on individual factors such as prescription, corneal thickness, and preference. It is important to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist who can assess your specific case and recommend the best option for you.

Prescription:

One of the main factors to consider when deciding between Smile Pro and Femto Lasik is your prescription. Smile Pro is typically recommended for those with mild to moderate nearsightedness, while Femto Lasik can also treat more severe cases. It is important to note that both procedures have limitations, and a prescription that falls outside of those limitations may not be suitable for either option.

Corneal Thickness:

Another factor to take into consideration is the thickness of your cornea. Smile Pro requires a thicker cornea to effectively reshape it, so if you have thin corneas, Femto Lasik may be a better option for you. This is because Femto Lasik uses a laser to create a thin flap in the cornea, making it a less invasive procedure.

Age:

Your age can also play a role in determining which procedure is right for you. Smile Pro is typically recommended for those between the ages of 20-40, while Femto Lasik may be more suitable for older individuals. This is because corneas tend to be thicker in younger individuals, making them better candidates for Smile Pro.

Preference:

Finally, personal preference should also be taken into consideration. While both procedures have high success rates and minimal recovery time, some individuals may feel more comfortable with one over the other. It is important to discuss your concerns and preferences with your ophthalmologist to make an informed decision.