What Is Traditional LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most common refractive surgical procedure worldwide. It treats common vision problems, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, by reshaping the cornea. LASIK procedures typically involve the following steps:
- Creating a corneal flap using a femtosecond (bladeless) laser (or microkeratome) that is as thin as a paper clip.
- Lifting the corneal flap to access the cornea below.
- Reshaping the cornea underneath with an excimer laser to result in better vision.
- Replacing the corneal flap back on the eye – once treated, the flap goes back in position without stitches (due to suction).
Advantages of Traditional LASIK:
Based on these steps, LASIK surgery can offer major advantages for patients:
- Extremely rapid results – some patients achieve 20/20 vision within 24 to 48 hours.
- Good candidate for a wide variety of refractive errors.
- Short, mostly painless recovery.
- For all-laser bladeless LASIK, know that this is one of the most accurate and safest treatments available in Pune.
What Is Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx SMILE Eye Surgery)?
Lenticule extraction, more commonly referred to as ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), is a new, bladeless procedure that is changing flap-free eye surgery forever.
How ReLEx SMILE Works:
- A high precision femtosecond laser is employed to create a small lens shaped disc (lenticule) in the cornea.
- A micro incision is performed to 2–4mm in size.
- Through this small incision, the lenticule is removed, changing the shape of the cornea and restoring vision. Since this procedure is flapless, it is also minimally invasive.
- There is no longer a need for a large corneal flap, thus it is flapless.
Key Benefits:
- Flapless and bladeless: less chance of flap complication (displacement) and inflammation.
- Less likely to experience post-surgery dry eye, as fewer corneal nerves are severed.
- Faster recovery time for active lifestyles; perfect for athletes or those who work physically with their hands.
- More relaxed post-surgery expectations and recommendations.
It is a high-level vision correction procedure offered at a select few leading centers (in Pune) and is efficient and affordable.
SMILE Eye Surgery vs LASIK: Main Differences
- Surgical Measures: SMILE is a flapless, minimally invasive procedure that uses a small laser-produced incision for the removal of a corneal lenticule, while LASIK uses a much larger corneal flap that is lifted for remission and reshaping.
- Laser Usage: SMILE only uses a femtosecond laser to create the incision; LASIK consists of both femtosecond (used for the flap) and excimer lasers to reshape the cornea.
- Vision Correction: LASIK can treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, while SMILE primarily corrects myopia and mild to moderate astigmatism.
- Dry Eye Risk: Risk of dry eye post-surgery is lower for SMILE surgery because fewer nerves are disrupted.
- Candidate Criteria: LASIK can be performed on a wider spectrum of prescription and shapes of eyes, while SMILE only qualifies strict candidates.
- Recovery: Recovery is fast for both procedures, but many patients will notice the results from LASIK are faster to see in the beginning.
- Availability: Access to LASIK is much greater than SMILE which requires special centers and training in order to perform.
Advanced Vision Correction Techniques in Pune
Pune is the distinction of bringing you the most advanced LASIK and bladeless LASIK options, all with world-class technology, available to you from several leading hospitals and clinics. Your options include:
- Contoura Vision and customized LASIK.
- ReLEx SMILE eye surgery for people looking for flapless, minimally invasive treatment.
- Surface techniques (like PRK or LASEK) for patients with thin corneas or other special needs.
- Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) as another alternative to LASIK in Pune for patients who don’t qualify for laser procedures.
Bladeless and Flapless: Safety Innovations
Choosing the bladeless surgery (with incisions and corrections only by lasers) significantly reduces all risks associated with earlier blade techniques. Flapless eye surgery (like SMILE) is especially popular for individuals with active lifestyles, because it reduces risk of trauma-related flap displacement, which can rarely occur after LASIK.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
- Choose standard LASIK for a wider range of correction options, large amounts of long-term data and if you are a candidate for bladeless and custom techniques.
- Choose lenticule extraction (ReLEx SMILE) if you require a minimally invasive procedure, a flapless technique and are at more risk for dry eye, especially if your lifestyle requires activity and you have high myopia.
Ultimately the best laser eye surgery procedure is the one that is suited to your eyes and needs, as suggested by your specialist following comprehensive examination of your eyes. Even in Pune, where you will find well trained healthcare professionals and advanced hospitals, you will find the best in the world in terms of your individual situation vision correction.Thinking about LASIK or cataract surgery? Contact Dada Laser Eye Institute to know more.
