Is SMILE Better than LASIK for Nearsighted Vision?

For decades, LASIK was the most well-known option for vision correction surgery. LASIK is a convenient procedure that has helped countless people reduce their need for glasses and contact lenses. But is LASIK the best choice for issues like nearsightedness?

Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi is proud to offer an alternative treatment for patients with nearsighted vision. The SMILE procedure also helps people experience clear vision for the first time.

Are you interested in discussing your options? Compare SMILE vs LASIK in Birmingham, AL by scheduling a vision consultation at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center. We can review both SMILE and LASIK benefits in our office.

Nearsightedness explained

Nearsightedness is a vision condition in which objects farther away appear blurry. While reading books and menus seem easy, road signs may be more challenging. Nearsighted vision occurs when the shape of your eyes causes light rays to refract in front of the retina instead of on your retina. Nearsightedness can happen to children or adults, and it often runs in families. A basic examination with a trusted eye doctor can confirm a nearsighted diagnosis.

Patients with nearsightedness may:

• Squint at distant objects

• Sit closer to the television

• Seem unaware of distant objects

• Blink excessively

• Rub their eyes frequently

Candidates for laser eye surgery

It is important to be evaluated by an ophthalmologist before choosing SMILE vs LASIK in Birmingham, AL. The basic eligibility criteria for both are about the same, including having stable vision for at least one year. Patients should also have generally healthy eyes with no immediate problems, such as an infection. Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center can let you know about your eligibility during an assessment.

Comparing SMILE vs LASIK

SMILE is a procedure during which a surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to make a small disc of tissue within the cornea. This process changes the shape of the cornea and how light is refracted from it in the future. The great news is that SMILE can address nearsightedness almost immediately.

Instead of creating a disc in the cornea, LASIK surgery creates a flap. Once the flap is made, a surgeon can reshape the cornea as needed. LASIK works just as quickly in terms of results to treat nearsightedness and other refractive issues. While one treatment is not necessarily superior to the other, there are some differences in terms of SMILE and LASIK benefits.

Patients undergoing SMILE experience less invasive surgery. Since SMILE does not require a corneal flap, it lowers the risk of post-treatment complications, such as dry eye. However, SMILE is only effective in addressing nearsightedness. LASIK, on the other hand, can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism.

SMILE and LASIK benefits

It can be difficult to understand which laser eye treatments are best for your situation. For a long time now, both SMILE and LASIK have been producing wonderful results in patients. If you are interested in clear vision and want to treat your nearsightedness, speak with Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center about setting up a consultation. Dr. Young H. Choi can give you information and advice about SMILE and LASIK in Birmingham, AL.