If you have been considering laser vision correction, the first procedure that may have come to mind is LASIK. That’s unsurprising because LASIK is one of the most popular vision correction procedures in the world.
However, LASIK isn’t the only procedure available and may not always be suitable for every patient. For some people, the newest FDA-approved LVC known as ZEISS SMILE may be the best way to correct their vision.
Learning more about each procedure can help you determine whether ZEISS SMILE or LASIK is the right vision correction procedure for you. Keep reading to find out if ZEISS SMILE is better than LASIK!
What is ZEISS SMILE?
SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. ZEISS SMILE is a laser vision correction procedure that uses advanced software and the VisuMax femtosecond laser, which ZEISS, a leader in the vision correction industry, created.
The technology used in a ZEISS SMILE procedure is based on Nobel Prize-winning technology. It uses a software wizard to plan treatment and guide the eye procedure precisely.
During a ZEISS SMILE procedure, the femtosecond laser creates a small incision and forms a round piece of corneal tissue called a lenticule. The lenticule is then removed.
Recovery time from a ZEISS SMILE procedure is shorter than that from other vision correction procedures. Most ZEISS SMILE patients can resume their normal activities with improved vision within a day of the procedure. This includes driving, wearing makeup, swimming, and returning to the gym.
What is LASIK?
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is another laser vision correction procedure. It is the most well-known laser vision correction procedure and has successfully corrected the vision of millions of patients since receiving FDA approval.
LASIK uses two different lasers: a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser. A femtosecond laser can create incredibly precise incisions, while an excimer laser uses ultraviolet light to effectively break up molecular bonds.
During a LASIK procedure, the femtosecond laser creates a corneal flap to access the inner structures of the cornea. The excimer laser will then reshape the surface of the cornea.
Like ZEISS SMILE, LASIK also has short recovery times but can cause dry eyes. This is because the excimer laser used to reshape the cornea can disrupt the nerves involved in tear production.
ZEISS SMILE vs. LASIK
While ZEISS SMILE and LASIK are used to correct vision, they use very different methods. Because there’s a tiny incision made during ZEISS SMILE, it is considered much less invasive than LASIK, which requires the creation of a corneal flap. ZEISS SMILE has a higher safety profile.
Another notable difference between these two procedures is which refractive errors they can correct. While LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, ZEISS SMILE is limited to nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Although many people are good candidates for LASIK, it is not suitable for everyone. People with thin corneas, those that are highly nearsighted, and those with dry eyes are not good candidates for LASIK.
ZEISS SMILE is a better procedure for people who have dry eyes. Because a flap is not cut into the cornea, minimal corneal nerve endings are cut. As a result, patients usually do not have dryness after the procedure.
The procedure also doesn’t affect other structures within the eye, including those involved in healthy tear production. The best way to determine whether ZEISS SMILE or LASIK is the right option to correct your vision is to schedule a consultation.
Why wait any longer? Call Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare in Buffalo, NY, at 1-800-309-2020 to schedule an appointment or attend our next laser vision night to see a live procedure and get all your questions answered.
