LASIK vs SMILE Pro: What is the difference?

Patients frequently ask whether SMILE Pro is 'better' than LASIK. In refractive surgery, 'better' is highly relative. Both procedures are incredibly safe and effective, but they achieve their results through fundamentally different biomechanical pathways.

Tissue access vs Tissue extraction

LASIK creates a 270-degree flap to expose the corneal stroma for excimer laser reshaping. SMILE Pro uses a femtosecond laser to carve out a lenticule of tissue which is extracted through a 3mm keyhole.

Biomechanical strength and dry eye

Because SMILE Pro leaves the anterior cornea virtually untouched, more corneal nerves are preserved, leading to a theoretically lower risk of post-operative dry eye. It also preserves more of the cornea's tensile strength, making it the preferred option for combat or contact sports athletes.

However, LASIK offers an exceptionally rapid visual recovery—often within 24 hours—and remains the gold standard for treating hyperopia, which SMILE cannot currently address.