After performing over 50,000 refractive surgeries, including LASIK and its refractive variations Epi-LASIK/PRK, Visian ICL, Kamra Inlay, and SMILE LASIK, I’ve learned that each technique has its unique role in treating specific vision problems. On this page, I describe the SMILE LASIK procedure, and its distinct advantages and limitations compared to LASIK/Epi-LASIK. As the Bay Area’s #1 user of the Visumax femtosecond laser, I’ve been using the VisuMax for 100% of my SMILE LASIK procedures, and the 80% of my LASIK procedures since 2016. The SMILE LASIK procedure represents “another tool in our toolbox” for helping our patients achieve a lens-free lifestyle.
Summary of SMILE LASIK
SMILE is an FDA-approved laser vision correction procedure to treat pure nearsightedness with up to 3 diopters of astigmatism. The VisuMax laser is the only femtosecond laser that is approved for the SMILE procedure, which is a minimally-invasive, bladeless, painless, flapless, single-step laser procedure to treat nearsightedness. But for patients with farsightedness or over 3 diopters of astigmatism, LASIK and Epi-LASIK/PRK are more effective options than SMILE. During your consultation, I will be able to determine the best refractive option for you.