Which is Better: Laser or LASIK Eye Surgery?

When it comes to improving your vision, you want to make the best decision for your eyes and lifestyle. Laser eye surgery, which includes LASIK, SmartSight, and PRK, offers life-changing benefits for millions of people. But choosing the right procedure can feel overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between these surgeries and help you understand which one might be better for you.

What Is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a broad term for procedures that use advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea. By doing this, the laser corrects common vision problems such as:

• Nearsightedness (myopia): Difficulty seeing objects at a distance.
• Farsightedness (hyperopia): Trouble focusing on nearby objects.
• Astigmatism: Blurry or distorted vision caused by an irregular cornea shape.

The goal of laser eye surgery is to allow you to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. The procedures are performed with exceptional precision and typically take less than 30 minutes.

What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most well-known types of laser eye surgery. Here’s how it works:

1. Your surgeon creates a thin flap on the surface of the cornea using a laser or microkeratome (a precise cutting tool).
2. The cornea underneath the flap is reshaped using an excimer laser.
3. The flap is repositioned, acting as a natural bandage to protect the eye as it heals.

LASIK is popular because it’s quick, relatively painless, and has a short recovery time. Many patients notice improved vision within 24 hours, and most achieve 20/20 or better.

Other Types of Laser Eye Surgery

While LASIK is the most common, other procedures might be better for certain patients.

1. SmartSight:
   • A newer, minimally invasive procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (called a lenticule) within the cornea.
   • The lenticule is removed through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea and improving vision.
2. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):
   • An older method where the surface layer of the cornea is removed before reshaping.
   • PRK is suitable for patients with thinner corneas or those who may not qualify for LASIK.

Comparing Laser Eye Surgery and LASIK: Which Is Better?

Choosing the right procedure depends on several factors:

• Recovery Time: LASIK has the shortest recovery period, with most people returning to work in a day or two. PRK takes longer to heal¹https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik#efficacy, while SmartSight offers a quick recovery with minimal discomfort.
• Suitability: LASIK is suitable for most people, but PRK is better for those with thin corneas whilst Smartsight is the best option for those with dry eyes.
• Complications: LASIK carries a slightly higher risk of flap-related issues, while SmartSight and PRK do not involve a flap, reducing this risk.

Benefits and Risks of Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery has benefits and potential risks like any medical procedure.

Benefits:

• Improved vision: Most patients achieve 20/20 or better²https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071228215645.htm.
• Freedom from glasses: Enjoy activities like swimming or sports without hassle.
• Long-lasting results: For most, the improvements are permanent.

Risks:

• Dry eyes: A temporary side effect in some patients.
• Halos or glare: Rare but possible, especially at night.
• Overcorrection or undercorrection: Uncommon but may require further treatment.

SmartSight Laser Eye Surgery: A New Approach

SmartSight has gained popularity as an alternative to LASIK. Here’s why:

• No flap: The absence of a corneal flap reduces the risk of complications.
• Minimally invasive: With a smaller incision, healing is faster and less disruptive.
• Stable results: Ideal for patients with high prescriptions.

Ultimately, the “better” procedure depends on your unique vision needs and eye health. An experienced eye surgeon will guide you through the options and recommend the best choice. Ready to explore your options? Take our self-test to find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK, SmartSight, or another type of laser eye surgery.