Lasik & smile

Lasik & Smile : Modern Laser Treatments to Get Freedom from Glasses

By Dr. Sharad Lakhotia

Senior Eye Surgeon

Lakhotia Eye Centre & Laser Institute, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi

Are You Tired of Wearing Glasses?

Do you struggle to see distant objects clearly without glasses? Do you find spectacles inconvenient during sports, travelling, driving, or everyday activities?

If yes, modern laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK and SMILE may help you achieve clearer vision and reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Both procedures are widely used to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and, in suitable patients, associated astigmatism.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a common vision problem in which nearby objects appear clear, but distant objects look blurred. It occurs when light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

LASIK and SMILE correct myopia by reshaping the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye, so that light focuses more accurately on the retina.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a well-established laser procedure for correcting refractive errors.

During LASIK, a thin corneal flap is created, usually using a femtosecond laser. An excimer laser then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct the spectacle power. The flap is gently repositioned without stitches.

The procedure usually takes approximately 10–15 minutes for both eyes.

Advantages of LASIK

Quick and generally painless procedure.

Rapid visual recovery, often within 24–48 hours.

Highly predictable results in appropriately selected patients.

Effective correction of myopia and astigmatism.

Long-established safety and effectiveness.

Most patients can resume many routine activities within a day or two, following their surgeon's advice.

What Is SMILE?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer, minimally invasive laser vision correction technique.

Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not require the creation of a large corneal flap.

A femtosecond laser creates a tiny, lens-shaped piece of tissue called a lenticule inside the cornea. This is removed through a small incision, reshaping the cornea and correcting myopia.

Advantages of SMILE

No large corneal flap.

Small corneal incision.

Potentially less postoperative dry eye in some patients.

No flap-related complications.

Excellent visual outcomes in suitable candidates.

Vision generally improves over the first few days, although complete stabilisation may take longer.

LASIK vs SMILE: Which Is Better?

Both LASIK and SMILE provide excellent results when performed on properly selected patients.

LASIK often offers faster initial visual recovery, while SMILE avoids flap creation and may be preferable for certain patients, particularly those with concerns about flap-related complications.

However, SMILE is not necessarily better than LASIK for everyone.

The ideal procedure depends on your spectacle power, corneal thickness, corneal shape, tear film condition, lifestyle, and overall eye health.

Who Is Suitable for Laser Vision Correction?

Generally, suitable candidates should:

Be at least 18 years old.

Have stable spectacle power.

Have adequate corneal thickness and healthy corneal shape.

Have no significant uncontrolled dry eye disease.

Have no contraindicating eye conditions.

A detailed preoperative evaluation, including corneal topography or tomography, pachymetry, and dry eye assessment, is essential.

Is Laser Vision Correction Safe?

LASIK and SMILE are generally safe and effective in carefully selected patients. However, no surgical procedure is completely risk-free.

Temporary dryness, glare, halos, and fluctuating vision may occur. Rare complications can affect vision. Some patients may require glasses for certain activities later in life, particularly as age-related reading difficulties develop.

Enjoy Life with Less Dependence on Glasses

Modern laser technology has helped millions of people reduce their dependence on spectacles and contact lenses.

The key to successful treatment is choosing the right procedure for the right patient.

At Lakhotia Eye Centre & Laser Institute, Dr. Sharad Lakhotia emphasises comprehensive eye examination, individualised treatment planning, and patient safety.

Book a consultation to discover whether LASIK or SMILE is suitable for your eyes.

Dr. Sharad Lakhotia

MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology)

Past President, Delhi Ophthalmological Society

Lakhotia Eye Centre & Laser Institute

E-342, Ground Floor, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi – 110048

Contact: 9312255311 / 9810236265

Website: www.drsharadlakhotia.com