There are currently various vision correction surgeries including LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE. If you are looking into surgical methods for vision correction for the first time, you may not know what each surgery is and what the differences are between each surgery.
Differences in surgical methods
LASIK is a surgical procedure that involves making a 20 mm incision in the cornea to create a corneal flap. The flap is then flipped, and a laser is used to correct vision by targeting the exposed corneal stroma. Finally, the flap is placed back in its original position. LASEK corrects vision by removing the corneal epithelium without creating a corneal flap and then irradiating a laser into the corneal stroma. SMILE LASIK is a surgery that corrects vision by using a laser to penetrate the surface of the cornea. Irradiating the corneal stroma as needed for correction, and extracting the corneal stroma through an approximately 2 mm corneal incision.
Difference in Recovery
LASIK has a quick recovery and causes less pain due to the corneal epithelium not being removed. In most cases, vision is restored within 2 to 3 days. So you can consider this period as the time for returning to daily life. Unlike LASIK, LASEK has the advantage of being safe from external shocks after surgery since it does not involve the creation of a corneal flap. Nonetheless, there is pain during the regeneration of the removed corneal epithelium. It takes 3 to 4 days for recovery.
SMILE LASIK only involves making a minimal incision of approximately 2 mm on the cornea. Therefore, less damage is inflicted upon it. It results in a faster recovery after surgery in comparison to LASIK and LASEK procedures. You can resume daily activities such as showering, washing your face, and using a cell phone the day after surgery.
Differences After Surgery
The corneal flap made during LASIK is not firmly attached and can be easily moved or displaced by external shocks. It’s recommended to wash your face and hair and to avoid strenuous exercise for a month after LASIK. Since the flap is still healing.
Compared to LASIK and LASEK, SMILE LASIK enables a faster recovery and quicker return to daily life. However, as with other surgeries, it is recommended to refrain from activities that may put a strain on the eyes for a certain period to allow for eye recovery. Just like with LASIK, it’s important to refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise that could potentially irritate your eyes for a month.
Do you have any questions about whether Smile LASIK is safe? If you would like to know more about Smile LASIK, please refer to the link below. 🙂
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