Medically reviewed by Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy · Last reviewed June 25, 2026 · Review policy (Arabic)
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Several procedures are used today to correct refractive errors such as hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), and astigmatism. Newer laser techniques have widened the options considerably — chiefly LASIK, Femto-LASIK, and SMILE Pro. So what actually separates the three, and how do you choose the procedure that is best for your eyes?
The points below walk through the key differences, so you can see how LASIK, Femto-LASIK and SMILE Pro compare.
At Dr. Shaarawy's clinics, all refractive procedures are performed using the latest laser platforms.
Conventional LASIK corrects refractive errors by reshaping the curvature and thickness of the cornea, so incoming light lands precisely on the retina and vision sharpens again.
Not every eye qualifies, though. Some are unsuitable for standard LASIK, and the surgeon may instead recommend Femto-LASIK or SMILE Pro, and the surgeon may recommend Femto-LASIK or SMILE Pro instead. Examples include:
Femto-LASIK is a more advanced version of conventional LASIK. The key difference from standard LASIK is the flap: instead of a mechanical microkeratome blade, a femtosecond laser separates the corneal layers. That single change brings several advantages:
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 corrects refractive errors too, much like 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 parts ways with Femto-LASIK on one point: no corneal flap is created at all. The laser works through a tiny incision instead.
SMILE Pro can correct myopia in cases that may also be candidates for LASIK, including:
Both SMILE Pro and Femto-LASIK each have their own indications. SMILE Pro tends to win out when the following apply:
In these cases, SMILE Pro is often the preferred option — discuss your individual eyes with Dr. Shaarawy to settle on the best procedure for you.
In the end, the choice between LASIK, Femto-LASIK, and SMILE Pro comes down to the condition of each individual eye: corneal curvature, corneal thickness, refractive error, and other factors that vary from patient to patient. Your surgeon will recommend whichever technique is safest and most accurate for your corneas.
