SMILE Pro eye surgery results are permanent, whereas contact lenses merely act as a temporary tool for poor vision. But wait, there’s a lot more to the pros and cons list of the two than just the permanency of their results.
Which of the two options is ideal for you depends entirely on your personal preferences, vision requirements, and lifestyle. The latest advancements in vision correction have made permanently clear vision more accessible, and if you are someone who regularly wears specs or contact lenses but wants a better long-term solution, you might want to read along.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the pros, cons, costs, and other aspects of both SMILE Pro and contact lenses, so you can make a well-informed decision for your eyes.
Overview of SMILE Pro Eye Surgery
SMILE Pro or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction is a vision correction surgery designed with a minimally invasive approach in mind. The surgery corrects refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and myopic astigmatism in just 9 seconds (per eye)! According to the technology’s manufacturer, Zeiss1, it can correct myopia up to -10.00 D and myopic astigmatism up to -5.00 D.
Unlike traditional LASIK, SMILE Pro does not involve creating a flap on the cornea with a blade. The procedure uses a femtosecond laser to create a lens-shaped layer (known as a lenticule) in the cornea. Next, the lenticule is extracted via a tiny side incision, thereby reshaping the cornea and correcting vision.
This advanced no-flap technology eliminates the risks that accompany traditional LASIK. SMILE Pro offers a much faster recovery, and has thus fast become the trusted choice of specs wearers for permanent freedom from specs.
Pros of SMILE Pro Eye Surgery
Permanent Vision Correction
Once you undergo SMILE Pro eye surgery, the results are long-lasting and permanent. The procedure eliminates the need for additional corrections through glasses or contact lenses in most cases.
Minimally Invasive
SMILE Pro involves a tiny incision of 2-4 mm instead of a full corneal flap. This eliminates flap-induced complications and allows for a faster recovery. Additionally, the surgery does not employ a blade – making it a safer option than conventional LASIK.
Quick Recovery
SMILE Pro comes with an exceptionally fast recovery time. You can get back to routine activities in just 24 hours!
No Daily Maintenance
Contact lenses need regular maintenance, proper cleaning, hygienic storage in lens solution and case, etc. When you choose SMILE Pro, you can simply enjoy crystal clear vision without performing these extra tasks every day.
Ideal for Active Lifestyles
Whether you love swimming, have a physically demanding job, or play contact sports – we’re sure you know how impractical contact lenses can be. SMILE Pro is ideal for active lifestyles – gym-goers, site workers, and sportsmen alike.
Overview of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are curved, thin lenses that are placed on the surface of the eyes to correct vision problems, including myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia. Contact lenses vary in types, like extended-wear, daily-disposables, gas-permeable, etc. These are highly popular among individuals who do not wish to wear spectacles.
Pros of Contact Lenses
Non-Invasive
A major reason people prefer to stick to contact lenses for so long is that they can use them daily without the need for surgery, cuts, or incisions. They can be a painless (albeit temporary) solution to unclear vision.
Initially Affordable
Contact lenses are a cheaper short-term solution when we look at surgery costs upfront.
👉 Note: It is important to note that while they might seem to be a cheaper solution on the face of it, a lifetime of contact lens costs can easily add up to an amount much more than SMILE Pro surgery’s one-time cost.
Reversible
Another good thing about contacts is that they’re easily reversible. If you’re not happy with the results they give you, or if they cause significant discomfort, you can always switch back to specs or try a different prescription and brand.
SMILE PRO vs Contact Lenses
Here’s a concise look at the differences between SMILE Pro and contact lenses:
| DIFFERENCE | SMILE PRO | CONTACT LENSES |
| Procedure | Minimally invasive surgery | Non-invasive |
| Cost | High (initially) but money-saving in the long-run | Low but recurring |
| Vision Correction | Permanent | Temporary |
| Maintenance | No daily maintenance | Special care, storage & replacement required |
| Lifestyle | Perfect for active lifestyles | May not be ideal for contact sports, swimming, or windy environments |
| Complications | Very low risk of complications (dry eyes & mild discomfort) | Medium risk of complications (infections, dislodging, tearing) |
| Recovery Time | 24 hours | No downtime |
| Convenience | Hassle-free experience for life | Require daily care and maintenance |
To conclude, SMILE Pro offers lifelong clear vision, whereas contact lenses offer temporary vision correction for as long as they are in use. Additionally, SMILE Pro costs may seem to be a bit on the higher side initially, but given the repetitive investment in contact lenses coupled with the daily hassles involved and the harm they may cause to the eyes, SMILE Pro is becoming the preferred choice of specs wearers.
Both options come with their own sets of advantages and drawbacks. The final decision is up to you – which suits your lifestyle, preferences, and eye health the best.
Sohana Hospital has been at the forefront of eye care since 1995, constantly leading change and innovation every step of the way. If you want permanent vision correction, Sohana Hospital offers ‘Google’s best-rated SMILE Pro’, performed by expert LASIK surgeons. The institution also boasts advanced diagnostic tools, world-class infrastructure, and multiple other advanced specs removal treatment options.
Sohana Hospital – Trusted Eye Care Since 1995
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