LASIK vs Femto-LASIK vs SMILE Pro: What's the Difference?

LASIK vs Femto-LASIK vs SMILE Pro

There are several procedures used today to correct refractive errors such as hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), and astigmatism. Newer laser techniques have expanded the options available, including LASIK, Femto-LASIK, and SMILE Pro

. So what is the difference between LASIK, Femto-LASIK, and SMILE Pro — and how do you choose the procedure that is best for your eyes?

The points below outline the key differences between these refractive procedures, so you can understand how LASIK, Femto-LASIK and SMILE Pro compare.

At Dr. Shaarawy's clinics, all refractive procedures are performed using the latest laser platforms.

Standard LASIK

Conventional LASIK corrects refractive errors by reshaping the curvature and thickness of the cornea so that incoming light focuses precisely on the retina, restoring sharp vision.

However, some eyes are not suitable for standard LASIK, and the surgeon may instead recommend Femto-LASIK or SMILE Pro. Examples include:

• Keratoconus.
• Thinner-than-average corneal thickness.

Femto-LASIK

Femto-LASIK is a more advanced version of

conventional LASIK. The main difference between Femto-LASIK and standard LASIK is that the surgeon does not use a mechanical microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap; instead, a femtosecond laser separates the corneal layers. This approach offers several advantages:

• Femto-LASIK can be performed on eyes with thinner corneas where standard LASIK would not be safe.
• The accuracy of refractive correction tends to be higher.
• Recovery time is shorter than with standard LASIK.
• Visual quality after the procedure is consistently better than with conventional LASIK.

Is Femto-LASIK Suitable for Every Patient?

Femto-LASIK is suitable for most patients who would qualify for standard LASIK, and it can also be performed in some cases where standard LASIK is not — for example, eyes with thinner corneal thickness or steeper-than-average corneal curvature.

SMILE Pro

SMILE Pro is also used to correct refractive errors, similar to LASIK and Femto-LASIK.

In SMILE Pro, a femtosecond laser carves a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (a lenticule) within the cornea — without lifting a flap as in LASIK.

SMILE Pro differs from Femto-LASIK in that no corneal flap is created; the laser is applied to the cornea through a tiny incision instead.

When Is SMILE Pro Used?

SMILE Pro can correct myopia in cases that may also be candidates for LASIK, including:

• Eyes with very thin corneas where neither LASIK nor Femto-LASIK is appropriate.
• Patients with very high degrees of myopia.

When Is SMILE Pro Better Than Femto-LASIK?

Both SMILE Pro and Femto-LASIK have specific indications. SMILE Pro tends to be the better choice when the following conditions apply:

• Thin corneal thickness.
• Steep corneal curvature.
• High degree of myopia.
• Low astigmatism.

In these cases, SMILE Pro is often the preferred option. You can discuss your individual eyes with Dr. Shaarawy to determine the best procedure for you.

The right choice between LASIK, Femto-LASIK, and SMILE Pro depends on the condition of each eye — corneal curvature, corneal thickness, refractive error, and other factors that vary from patient to patient. Your surgeon will recommend the technique that is safest and most accurate for your corneas.