Owing to the advancements in vision surgery, today, patients have a variety of surgery options to choose from. These surgeries work to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism by corneal reshaping. The procedures help in ensuring that proper light reflects onto the retina, thereby cutting the need for contacts or glasses. PRK, LASIK, and SMILE treatment for eyes are the most popular options out there.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Unlike LASIK or SMILE treatment for eyes, PRK is the first generation of laser eye correction. It can treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. In this procedure, the cornea’s outer layer is removed with the use of an instrument. The surgeon further uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea resulting in vision correction.
Laser-Assisted Stromal In-situ Keratomileusis or (LASIK)
Most people know about LASIK eye surgery because it is the most common corrective eye surgery performed today. It can treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism at a mild and moderate level. In this procedure, surgeons create a flap of the corneal tissue through a femtosecond laser and then fold it back. Using an excimer laser, the surgeon will reshape the corneal tissue to achieve vision correction.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction or SMILE
SMILE treatment for the eyes is the latest laser vision correction surgery approved by FDA. It has been performed globally since 2012. There are many reasons why it is reckoned as the most advanced eye treatment procedure, including:
- The one-step procedure is what sets SMILE treatment for eyes apart from other eye procedures. Contrary to LASIK and PRK procedures, surgeons do not use an excimer laser while performing the procedure. Instead, they use a femtosecond laser to create a small incision in your cornea and remove the lenticule.
- SMILE treatment for eye surgery is a less invasive procedure in comparison to LASIK. In the latter surgery, the surgeon cuts a 20mm flap. Even in PRK, the surgeon removes the surface, which is 8mm in diameter. But SMILE only creates a corneal keyhole incision of 3 mm. This provides more stability to the cornea post-surgery.
- During PRK and LASIK surgery, there is a lot of clicking sound of the laser and a noticeable odour. Since SMILE treatment for eyes does not use excimer laser. The procedure is quite quick as well as odourless.
- Multiple clinical trials have shown SMILE treatment for eyes to be as accurate and safe as LASIK.
- The SMILE procedure also appears to have less risk of dry eye symptoms. This may be because the SMILE procedure occurs within the cornea without having to make a sizable corneal flap.
The Bottom Line
From the initial PRK treatment, we have come a long way. Modern procedures are faster and more effective in rectifying flawed vision. Lately, SMILE treatment for eye surgery has gained tremendous popularity worldwide. This is because the procedure is fast, less invasive, accurate and has fewer side effects. If you wish to go for a vision corrective surgery, consult your doctor regarding this procedure, as only a professional can truly comment on your eligibility for the procedure.
