Femto-LASIK vs. SMILE® PRO – the differences at a glance
Choosing between Femto-LASIK or SMILE® PRO can be a crucial question for anyone who wants to correct their refractive error with eye lasers. Both methods offer state-of-the-art techniques for improving vision, but they differ in their procedure, healing time and possible risks.
In this post, we compare Femto-LASIK and SMILE® PRO in detail to help you find the best eye laser method for your needs. Whether it’s to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism – learn about the pros and cons of each method and find out which might be the best eye laser method for you.
How does Femto-LASIK work?
Femto-LASIK is a high-precision procedure for correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The procedure begins with the creation of a thin corneal flap using a femtosecond laser. This laser works extremely fast and accurately, which protects the surrounding tissue.
After the flap has been prepared and folded back, an excimer laser is used. This forms the underlying corneal tissue to correct the defective vision. Finally, the flap is put back where it sticks without seams.
Bányai Neue Augen uses femto-LASIK for nearsightedness up to -10 diopters, farsightedness up to +4 diopters and astigmatism up to 6 diopters. The procedure allows for quick healing and quick results, with thorough aftercare being important to ensure optimal results.
How does eye lasers work with SMILE® PRO?
SMILE® PRO, a further development of the ReLEx® smile method, is a minimally invasive procedure for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism. A femtosecond laser prepares a small lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny incision. This changes the shape of the cornea and corrects the defective vision.
Bányai Neue Augen uses SMILE® PRO for myopia up to -10 diopters and astigmatism up to 5 diopters. This method works without a corneal flap, which keeps the cornea more stable and reduces the risk of complications such as dry eyes. It is particularly suitable for patients with a high diopter value and an active lifestyle.
Femto-LASIK vs. SMILE® PRO: The Cure
The healing time with Femto-LASIK is short, and most patients can see well again the next day. However, the flap takes some time to heal completely, which is why certain activities that could strain the eyes should be avoided.
SMILE® PRO has an even shorter healing time because no large flap is created. This preserves the stability of the cornea and reduces the risks of laser eye surgery. Already on the day after the operation you can see well again; after about 3 weeks, the final vision is usually reached.
Both methods offer a quick recovery, but SMILE® PRO is often more comfortable in the postoperative phase. In addition, in many cases you can achieve maximum vision after about three days – long-term protection is usually not necessary, pain or a foreign body sensation are not to be expected.
In both methods, however, it is imperative to follow the instructions of the ophthalmologist – for example, a possible drip schedule – as well as to carry out follow-up examinations.
Advantages and disadvantages of femto-LASIK and SMILE® PRO
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Femto-LASIK and SMILE® PRO at a glance:
| Method | Benefits | Cons |
| Femto-LASIK | Long-proven procedure, broad applicability | Risk of flap complications, protection required |
| SMILE® PRO | Minimally invasive, lower risk of dry eyes, quick healing | Limited use (mainly myopia & astigmatism), slightly more expensive |
Femto-LASIK or SMILE® PRO: Which method is best when?
Femto-LASIK or SMILE® PRO– so which should you choose? Femto-LASIK can be used to laser nearsightedness as well as to treat farsightedness and astigmatism. However, this procedure, which has been tried and tested for many years, requires a little more protection after the procedure. In addition, it cannot be used if the cornea is too thin.
SMILE® PRO is particularly suitable for patients with high myopia up to -10 diopters and astigmatism up to 5 diopters – even with thin corneas. This method allows a quick return to normal activities and minimizes the risk of dry eyes and other complications. However, the cost of laser eye surgery with this method is usually slightly higher.
At Bányai Neue Augen in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, we will find the optimal treatment method for you. And if you are unsure whether you are suitable for laser eye surgery in principle, then simply use our online laser eye aptitude test, or arrange a consultation to clarify all your questions.
FAQs
What is the difference between ReLEx® SMILE and Femto-LASIK?
The main difference between ReLEx® SMILE and Femto-LASIK is in the way the cornea is treated. In Femto-LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea, which is folded back to model the underlying tissue with an excimer laser. ReLEx® SMILE, on the other hand, is a procedure in which a small lenticle is prepared in the cornea and removed through a tiny incision. ReLEx® SMILE does not require a large flap, which makes the cornea more stable and reduces the risk of complications such as dry eyes.
What is the difference between ReLEx® SMILE and SMILE® Pro?
ReLEx® SMILE and SMILE® PRO are both minimally invasive procedures that are suitable for correcting refractive errors. SMILE® PRO, a method further developed from ReLEx® SMILE, can lead to results even faster. The main difference lies in the refined technology, and the improved cut on SMILE® PRO, which allows for an even gentler treatment. In addition, the treatment time has decreased from about 30 seconds to 10 seconds. Both methods do not require a large corneal flap, which preserves the stability of the cornea and shortens the healing time.
For which refractive errors is SMILE® PRO suitable?
SMILE® PRO is particularly suitable for correcting myopia and astigmatism. Bányai Neue Augen uses SMILE® PRO for myopia up to -10 diopters and astigmatism up to 5 diopters. This method is ideal for patients who want minimally invasive treatment and want to benefit from faster healing and a more stable cornea.
