The difference between Femto LASIK and Femto Smile: which is better?

The difference between Femto LASIK and Femto Smile

In today's world, the dream of having clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses has become a reality for many. Laser vision correction surgeries have revolutionized the world of ophthalmology and are helping people enjoy their lives with greater clarity. Among the advanced methods available, Femto-LASIK and Femto SMILE are two popular and effective options, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages. But the question that arises in the minds of many people is which method is better and which one will be more suitable for their specific conditions? In this article, we will thoroughly review these two techniques to help you understand the difference between Femto LASIK and Femto Smile and make an informed choice.

General understanding of laser eye surgeries: from LASIK to Smile

Refractive defects of the eye, such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, cause the light to not focus properly on the retina, and as a result, the person has blurred vision. For years, glasses and contact lenses have been common solutions to these problems, but with the advancement of science, laser vision correction surgery has emerged. One of these surgeries is LASIK, which has been used for years as one of the most reliable and effective methods to treat vision problems. LASIK has freed millions of people from dependence on visual aids. However, newer methods such as Femto Smile were introduced, which try to minimize invasiveness and side effects with innovative approaches. Knowing how each of these methods works can help people choose the best and most suitable option for themselves.

Read more: Refractive defects surgery | The best refractive error surgery doctor

Femto-LASIK surgery (Femto-LASIK):

LASIK is one of the most well-known and widely used methods of vision correction surgery. It has been widely used since the early 90s. This method has gained a lot of popularity due to its high recovery speed and impressive results. In LASIK, the cornea of the eye is reshaped with high precision using a laser so that the light is properly focused on the retina.

Femto LASIK procedures

LASIK surgery is usually performed in two main stages:

Corneal flap creation: In the past, this was done using a microkeratome (a mechanical blade), but today, in Femto-LASIK, a femtosecond laser creates a very thin layer of corneal tissue called a flap. This flap remains hinged on one side.
Corneal Reshaping with Excimer Laser: After removing the flap, the excimer laser precisely cuts the underlying corneal tissue to correct its curvature. This stage takes a different time depending on the type and degree of the patient's refractive error.
Flap Reposition: Finally, the corneal flap is returned to its original location. This flap quickly attaches to the cornea without the need for sutures and acts as a natural dressing.

Femto LASIK operation benefits

One of the benefits of LASIK eye surgery is the rapid recovery of vision. Many patients experience a significant improvement in their vision immediately after surgery or within a few days. LASIK has a long and reliable history. This method has been performed for more than three decades and extensive research has confirmed its safety and effectiveness. In LASIK surgery, there is no pain or very little pain. Surgery is often performed under local anesthesia and the pain during the operation is minimal.

Disadvantages and possible complications of LASIK

One of the most common temporary side effects of LASIK is dry eyes, which may last for several months after surgery. Other disadvantages of this method include complications related to the flap, which are very rare, but there is a possibility of flap displacement or cell growth under it. Aura and glare may occur for some patients. At night, a person may experience luminous halos around light sources or glare, which is often temporary. Another disadvantage of LASIK is the reduction of corneal strength. Creating a flap can slightly reduce the biomechanical strength of the cornea.

Read more: Dry Eye | The best doctor for dry eye disease

Femto Smile surgery (Femto SMILE):

Femto Smile (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a relatively newer method in refractive surgery that offers many of the advantages of LASIK and overcomes some of its limitations with a less invasive approach. This method is designed to correct myopia and astigmatism in patients.

Steps of smile surgery

Unlike LASIK, there is no need to create a complete flap in Smile:

Lenticular cutting with femtosecond laser: In this method, femtosecond laser creates a lens-shaped tissue (lenticulum) inside the cornea. This lenticule is formed exactly enough to correct the person's refractive error.

Small incision: Next, the doctor makes a very small incision (about 2 to 4 mm) on the surface of the cornea.

Lenticule extraction: Through this small incision, the laser-created lenticule is carefully removed from inside the cornea. By removing this piece of tissue, the shape of the cornea changes and vision is corrected.

Advantages of Femto Smile

One of the advantages of Femto Smile is that it is less invasive (no flap). Not creating a complete corneal flap eliminates the risk of flap-related complications and preserves the biomechanical strength of the cornea more. In the Femto Smile method, there is less dry eye because in this method, a smaller incision is made and the corneal nerves are preserved more, so the possibility and severity of dry eye after the operation in Smile is significantly less. Nerve recovery is faster in Femto Smile. Corneal nerves, which are responsible for sensation and tear production, are repaired faster. This method is very suitable for an active lifestyle. Because the strength of the cornea is preserved more, Smile is a more suitable option for athletes or people who are exposed to eye trauma.

Disadvantages and limitations of Femto Smile

Femto SMILE has a limitation in the correction range. At present, Smile is mainly used to correct myopia and astigmatism and is not used for farsightedness. The femto smile surgeon must have special skills and experience, so he must be the best doctor eye smile operation should be chosen so that there is no problem for the patient. This initial vision method recovers a little slower. In some cases, vision recovery in the early hours after surgery may be slightly slower than with LASIK, although final vision is usually the same. Another disadvantage of Femto Smile is the limited possibility of retreatment. If re-treatment is required, there may be fewer options than LASIK.

Key Differences: Comparing Femto Smile and LASIK

To better understand the difference between eye lasers in Femto Smile and LASIK methods, the following table provides a complete comparison:
Criterion LASIK Femto Smile (Femto SMILE) Surgical method Creating a flap (larger incision), excimer laser vaporization of the corneal bed Lenticular incision with femtosecond laser, lenticule extraction through small incision (2-4 mm) Laser type Femtosecond laser (for flap) and excimer laser (for shape change) Only femtosecond laser Invasion rate More (flap cut approximately 20mm) Less (very small incision 2-4 mm) Complications of dry eyes More probability and higher intensity in the short and medium term Less likely and lower intensity Complications related to the flap Possible (such as flap displacement, cell growth under the flap) does not have (due to not creating a flap) Time to recover vision Very quickly (usually within a few hours to a day) A little slower in the early hours, but similar final visibility Amendment range Myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism Mainly myopia and astigmatism Cornea stability Good (somewhat affected by flap creation) Excellent (due to preservation of more corneal tissue and structure) Back to activity Fast (but with caution in heavy physical activity) Rapid (with fewer restrictions on physical activity)
Choosing the best method: Femto Smile or LASIK?

After carefully examining the difference between Femto Smile and Femto LASIK, we come to the conclusion that no method is absolutely superior and choosing the best method completely depends on the individual conditions, needs and recommendations of the ophthalmologist. Femto SMILE can be a good option for you in situations where the thickness of the cornea is low or you are worried about the complications of the flap. But if you have a camera problem or you want to recover as quickly as possible, LASIK can be a more suitable option for you. Both methods are safe and effective and have a high success rate, but the important thing is to choose a surgeon and perform detailed examinations before surgery to achieve the best possible result. Also, your lifestyle and expectations play a very important role in choosing the type of surgery.

Conclusion:

Both femto smile and eye LASIK methods are safe and effective surgeries to correct refractive errors, each of which has advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Choosing the best method depends on the individual conditions of the patient, the thickness and structure of the cornea, the type of refractive error and lifestyle. In the Femto Smile method, the incision is smaller and the strength of the cornea is preserved. This option is less invasive and suitable for those who want to reduce the complications caused by the flap. Femto LASIK has a faster recovery and a wider range of correction, and is a more common choice for many people. Finally, consultation with a specialist ophthalmologist and choosing an experienced and skilled surgeon is the key to achieving the best result and good and lasting vision.

FAQ

Is Femto Smile suitable for everyone?

No, this method is more suitable for myopia and astigmatism and is not applicable for farsightedness.

How long does it take for vision to improve after LASIK?

Usually in a few hours to a day there is a significant improvement in vision.

Is dry eye after Femto Smile less than LASIK?

Yes, because in Femto Smile the incision is smaller and the corneal nerves are less damaged.

Is it possible to re-do surgery (retreatment) in Femto Smile?

This possibility is more limited. It depends on the condition of the patient and the doctor's opinion and it may be done.

Is Femto Smile surgery more painful than LASIK?

Both procedures are usually done painlessly or with very little pain, and local anesthesia is sufficient.
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