With advances in technology, eye health can now be protected using increasingly sophisticated treatment methods every year. Laser eye surgeries, in particular, offer a permanent alternative to glasses and contact lenses, significantly improving the quality of life for millions of people.
Two of the most popular methods in this field are SMILE Laser and LASIK Laser. Although their goal is the same — to correct refractive errors — they differ significantly in terms of surgical technique, the way the cornea is treated, recovery time, technology used, patient comfort and potential risks.
In this article, we will examine the differences between SMILE Laser and LASIK Laser in detail, based on the clinical experience and scientific insights of Op. Dr. Diclehan.
Laser eye surgery dates back to the 1980s, beginning with the PRK technique. However, PRK involved a long recovery period and lower comfort. In the 1990s, LASIK Laser emerged as a far more comfortable and rapid alternative.
As technology advanced, new techniques requiring less tissue intervention were developed. The most advanced of these is SMILE Laser, which has been widely adopted around the world since the early 2010s.
According to Op. Dr. Diclehan“LASIK revolutionized eye surgery; SMILE has taken safety and comfort to an even higher level. Today, minimally invasive surgery has become a standard in eye health.”
Surgical Technique
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors. During the procedure, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea to access the underlying layer. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea based on the patient’s prescription.
Once the laser treatment is completed, the flap is repositioned without sutures.
Op. Dr. Diclehan explains“LASIK has been one of the most widely used laser techniques worldwide for many years. With correct patient selection, it provides highly successful and safe results.”
Advanced Technology With Minimal Incision
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is performed using femtosecond laser technology. Unlike LASIK, no flap is created. Instead, the laser forms a small piece of tissue (a lenticule) inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny 2–3 mm incision.
This reshapes the cornea and corrects the refractive error.
According to Op. Dr. Diclehan“SMILE is the least invasive laser method. Because no flap is created, the structural integrity of the cornea is preserved, increasing both safety and comfort.”
LASIK requires a large corneal flap (around 20 mm).
SMILE uses only a tiny micro-incision of a few millimetres.
This significantly reduces surgical trauma.
LASIK affects the corneal surface nerves increasing the risk of dry eye.
SMILE largely preserves nerve fibers reducing this risk.
LASIK patients generally return to daily life within 1–2 days.
SMILE patients often regain clear vision within 24 hours.
Dry eye symptoms are less common after SMILE due to nerve preservation.
LASIK carries a risk of flap displacement or infection.
SMILE does not — because there is no flap.
This makes SMILE ideal for athletes and active individuals.
LASIK uses two lasers (femtosecond + excimer).
SMILE uses only one femtosecond laser, simplifying the process.
SMILE preserves the corneal surface and often delivers more natural visual quality, with fewer issues like glare or halos.
Because SMILE leaves no flap, it is safer for contact sports.
LASIK treats myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
SMILE currently treats myopia and astigmatism only.
• No flap creation
• Lower dry-eye risk
• Faster recovery
• Fewer complications
• Suitable for active lifestyles
• Natural visual quality
• Long-term corneal stability
• Long-term proven success
• Wider treatment range
• Applicable to more refractive conditions
• High global availability
• Thin cornea
• Keratoconus
• Severe dry eye
• Active eye infection
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Thin cornea
• Glaucoma
• Active eye disease
• Autoimmune disease
• Under 18
Both procedures are short and usually performed on both eyes in one session.
Most SMILE patients resume work the next day.
LASIK patients may need a short rest period.
Post-operative drops and follow-up visits are important in both methods.
Laser systems are evolving toward AI-guided technology, allowing personalized precision adjustments and even higher success rates.
“LASIK is a reliable method backed by years of experience. SMILE provides the same success with less incision and higher comfort. Not creating a flap has opened a new era in eye surgery.”
Both SMILE and LASIK are highly successful vision-correction surgeries but they reach the same goal using different techniques.
The right method depends on the patient’s eye structure, lifestyle and expectations.
As Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes:“Every eye is unique. The best treatment is the one that protects eye health for life not just removes glasses.”
Your eyes are your windows to the world and treatment decisions should always be made under the guidance of an experienced ophthalmologist.
Experience healthy vision with our clinic that provides expert and reliable eye health and treatment services.
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