Still searching for the “best LASIK surgery near me?” If so, a better question would be choosing between LASIK and SMILE Lasik. LASIK is a well-known laser procedure used to correct and restore vision for more than 30 years. Smile LASIK, on the other hand, is a third-generation laser vision correction procedure that is an upgrade from traditional LASIK.
Don’t get these two confused – they differ in several critical ways, including technique, recovery time, side effects, and types of refractive errors treated.
In this guide, we’ll explore the primary differences between LASIK and SMILE eye surgery to help you decide which procedure is best for you. We’ll also answer some common questions like ‘Does LASIK hurt?’, ‘How long will my vision be blurry after lasik?’, ‘How long does lasik surgery take?’ and ‘Where can you find the best LASIK surgery near me?’.
What is SMILE Eye Surgery?
Today, three generations of laser vision correction have evolved, resulting in the safe and comfortable Golden Smile LASIK, which corrects vision through 2 mm corneal micro-incisions without the need to remove the corneal epithelium or create corneal flaps. Traditional LASIK had the disadvantage of being vulnerable to external impacts. SmileLASIK compensates for the disadvantages of basic LASIK and upgrades its advantages.
SMILE, or small incision lenticule extraction, is a relatively new procedure pioneered to treat blurred vision (astigmatism) and nearsightedness (myopia). Unlike the older LASIK procedure, SMILE incorporates a second-generation laser developed by Carl Zeiss Meditec.
The Golden Smile Lasik procedure
Golden Smile Recommendations for
- Want to recover quickly
- Concerned about dry eyes
- Want to correct nearsightedness or astigmatism
- Highly active athletes, police officers, military personnel, etc.
Many people have asked me how long will my vision be blurry after lasik ? Smile LASIK is a third-generation breakthrough laser vision correction procedure that allows you to recover the day after surgery. The microscopic incisions provide high stability and reduce the risk of side effects and complications. It is the preferred surgery for athletes, police officers, military personnel, and other people who want to live an active lifestyle. It is also popular among students, office workers, and housewives because of its fast recovery time of about one day.
3 generations of GS family’s Golden Smile formula!
1st Generation : LASEK Surgery to remove the corneal epithelium
2nd generation : LASIK Surgery to remove the corneal flap
3rd Generation : Smile LASIK Minimally invasive surgery that does not create a corneal flap
Today, laser vision correction has evolved over three generations, resulting in the safe and comfortable Golden Smile procedure, which corrects vision through a micro-incision of just 2 mm in the cornea without removing the corneal epithelium or creating a corneal flap.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a world-famous technique to correct visual defects. Unlike SMILE, LASIK corrects issues associated with blurred vision, nearsightedness, and farsightedness (hyperopia).
The surgery was first developed in the 1970s and is known for its high success rate. The procedure involves altering the shape of the cornea. However, it is significantly more invasive than SMILE eye surgery.
There are two types of procedures:
- Traditional LASIK: In this method, a surgeon utilizes a surgical blade (microkeratome) to create a flap in the corneal tissue.
- Bladeless LASIK: This procedure employs a femtosecond laser, replacing the need for a surgical blade.
You can expect:
- Your eye surgeon uses a microkeratome or a laser to create a small flap in your cornea.
- Your surgeon then folds back the flap, exposing the tissue beneath your corneal surface.
- Your surgeon removes and reshapes some of your corneal tissue using a different laser, specifically an excimer laser.
- The flap is then placed back.
- You may receive a bandage contact lens to safeguard your healing cornea.
Key Differences Between SMILE and LASIK
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Technique | Less invasive, simpler, no corneal flap needed. Smaller 2-4 mm incision. Less damage to corneal nerves. | Requires creating a corneal flap with a 24mm incision. More invasive technique. |
| Refractive Errors Treated | Primarily for myopia and myopic astigmatism. | Suitable for myopia, hyperopia, and other refractive errors. |
| Visual Recovery Time | Patients may experience slower visual recovery in the first week, but outcomes are comparable to LASIK after one month. | Faster visual recovery in the initial week post-surgery. Comparable outcomes to SMILE after one month. |
| Risks and Side Effects | Generally fewer risks and side effects due to being less invasive. | Higher potential for risks and side effects due to the invasive nature of the procedure. |
| Corneal Flap Complications | No corneal flap, eliminating related complications. | Risk of flap-related complications exists, as the procedure involves creating a corneal flap. |
| Dry Eye | Lower incidence of dry eye due to minimal corneal nerve damage. | Higher likelihood of postoperative dry eye due to more extensive nerve damage. |
Smile LASIK
- Reduces corneal damage with incisions as small as 2 mm
- Virtually painless
- Recovery time is as short as 1 day, allowing for normal activities the next day
LASIK
- Corneal flap creation
- 20 to 24 mm incision
👉What’s the real reason ophthalmologists recommend SmileLASIK over LASIK?
Guidelines for Choosing Between SMILE and LASIK
LASIK, on the other hand, is currently the best procedure for hyperopia or far-sightedness – although it’s expected that SMILE will also become the go-to procedure for hyperopia.
GS Ophthalmology is trusted by many famous entertainers, singers, actors, and athletes! ’Ive Ahn Yoojin’, ‘MONSTA X’s Chennu’, etc.
Does Lasik Hurt?
“Does LASIK hurt?”, “How long will my vision be blurry after lasik” is a common question among patients. LASIK is performed with anesthetic eye drops before surgery, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Patients may feel slight pressure or discomfort during the procedure. After surgery, you may experience temporary discomfort or a foreign body sensation as the anesthesia wears off, but this usually subsides within a few hours.
For concerns or persistent discomfort, patients should consult their eye surgeon or healthcare provider promptly.
GS Eye Clinic – The Best LASIK Surgery Near Me
GS Eye Clinic is at the forefront of providing solutions for blurred vision and near- and far-sightedness. During your visit, our experts will identify, diagnose, and schedule surgery to address your eye concerns.
Many people are curious about the duration of the surgery, such as how long does lasik surgery take, how long will my vision be blurry after lasik, etc. With Smiloplasty, hospitalization is not required due to the quick recovery time. You can go home immediately after surgery. Our experienced team, consisting of seven principal experts in GS Ophthalmology, is skilled in completing top-notch LASIK and SMILE eye surgery.
Learn more from GS Eye Clinic’s expertise and services by visiting our YouTube Channel or Instagram page, where we address frequently asked questions like “Is SMILE LASIK Surgery Right For Me?,” “What are the Complications of SMILE LASIK Surgery?, ” “Does LASIK hurt?, “Major Differences Between LASIK and SMILE,”, “How long will my vision be blurry after lasik”, “Where can you find the best LASIK surgery near me?” and much more.
👉 Watch Smile LASIK videos on our YouTube channel
👉3 Things about cataract surgery that you are curious about! – Watch now
What is Smile Pro and how long does Smile Pro take?
Smile Pro represents a significant advance in vision correction technology for shortsightedness. In addition to minimizing discomfort during and after surgery, this innovative technique facilitates a rapid smile eye surgery recovery time. Unlike traditional Lasik, Smile Pro offers a revolutionary vision correction experience that combines speed and sophistication within 10 seconds.
Is Smile Pro surgery available in Korea?
Smile Pro eye surgery transforms vision correction by creating a lens within the cornea, and it is available in Korea. Although Smile Pro has low side effects and excellent performance, it may not suit everyone, so getting an evaluation is essential. The GS Eye Clinic offers Smile Pro eye surgery and efficient same-day scheduling from consultation to surgery for those interested in LASIK eye surgery. Contact us via KakaoTalk Channel for more information about Smile Pro eye surgery!
Where should I get my eye surgery in Korea?
GS Eye Clinic in Seoul, Korea, is at the forefront of the latest technological advancements in laser eye surgery, including cataract surgery, Smile Lasik, and Lasek. Please schedule a consultation with GS Eye Clinic today to explore your options via our KakaoTalk Channel or visit us at 8,15,16F, Mizin Plaza, 390 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea.
If your vision needs correcting, schedule a consultation with GS Eye Clinic at your earliest convenience.
GS Ophthalmology Center
Directions 8,15,16F, Mizin Plaza, 390 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
