Picking a particular specs removal surgery is a big decision. With a variety of advanced procedures like SMILE and Wavelight Plus InnovEyes, choosing what’s right for you can be overwhelming.
This is why we bring you this detailed guide on the differences between two of the most talked-about technologies in the field of vision correction. In this blog, we are going to discuss the features of SMILE and Wavelight Plus InnovEyes, so you can make a knowledgeable decision about which technology fits your visual requirements and preferences the best.
What is LASIK/Laser Eye Surgery?
Before we dive into comparing SMILE and Wavelight Plus InnovEyes, here’s an overview of what LASIK/laser eye surgeries do. Most refractive errors (vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) develop due to changes in the eye shape (the clear, outermost layer of the eye).
This irregular corneal shape prohibits light from focusing accurately on the retina, causing unclear vision. LASIK/laser surgery reshapes the cornea permanently with the help of a highly precise laser. The reshaping of the cornea allows light to enter the eye and focus on the retina properly, thus resulting in perfectly clear vision. Both SMILE and Wavelight Plus InnovEyes serve the same purpose, but differ in their methods.
What is SMILE Eye Surgery?
SMILE or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction is an advanced, minimally invasive laser specs removal procedure. Unlike LASIK technologies, SMILE corrects refractive errors without the need to create a corneal flap.
How SMILE works:
- Lenticule Creation: The very first step after administering numbing eye drops is to create a disc-like lenticule in the cornea. This is done through femtosecond laser pulses.
- Tiny side incision: Then, a tiny side incision is created using the femtosecond laser again. The incision is about 4 mm.
- Lenticule extraction: The lenticule is then extracted through the incision. This reshapes the cornea, thereby correcting your refractive error.
The outer layers of the cornea remain intact and untouched for the most part, resulting in a much faster recovery time.
👉Also read: SMILE Pro vs SILK vs Standard LASIK: Which Vision Correction is Best for You?
What is Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Eye Surgery?
Wavelight Plus InnovEyes is the 1st of its kind AI+ray-tracing specs removal LASIK. This fully personalised treatment maps over 1,00,000 data points on the eye for precise optical measurements. Then, a Digital Eye Twin (a virtual model of your eye) is created, which helps in determining the best treatment plan fitted to your unique optical measurements and requirements.
How Wavelight Plus InnovEyes Works:
- Corneal flap: After a personalised treatment plan has been determined for each eye (Yes! Even the treatment for your own two eyes differs owing to their unique measurements), the first step is to create a hinged corneal flap using a femtosecond laser. This flap is flipped to one side to expose the corneal tissue.
- Corneal reshaping: The next step involves reshaping the cornea using the Alcon WaveLight EX500 excimer laser machine. Your cornea is reshaped according to the virtual eye model, thus correcting your refractive error.
- Flap repositioning: Once the cornea has been successfully reshaped, the hinged flap is placed back in its original position. The surgery does not require any stitches. The corneal tissue regenerates, and the thin flap heals on its own.
This procedure gives exceptional visual quality within 24-48 hours. Most patients report 6/6 or better vision 1 week post-op.
A study by Alcon [1] (manufacturer) states that 98% individuals who undergo the surgery report 6/6 vision, 83% report 6/5 vision, and 45% report 6/4 HD vision!
👉Also read: Long-Term Benefits of Wavelight Plus InnovEyes
The Difference Between Wavelight Plus InnovEyes and SMILE
Here’s a concise look at the difference between Wavelight Plus InnovEyes and SMILE:
| DIFFERENCE | WAVELIGHT PLUS INNOVEYES | SMILE |
| Flap | Yes | No |
| Incision size | Circular flap (approx. 10 mm) | Tiny side incision (approx. 4 mm) |
| Laser used | Femtosecond & excimer | Femtosecond |
| Correctable refractive errors | Myopia & astigmatism (including higher order aberrations) | Myopia & astigmatism |
| Post-op corneal strength | Slightly weak due to flap creation | Largely intact due to minimal tissue disruption |
| Dry eye risk | Slightly higher | Very low |
| Recovery time | Quick – 24 hours | 24-48 hours |
Both procedures come with their advantages and drawbacks. You can decide which treatment fits your preferences and visual requirements the best after a detailed eye evaluation at Sohana Hospital.
The institution offers the highest quality eye care options for all. It is North India’s largest specs removal centre with all US-FDA approved specs removal technologies available under one roof! The hospital also boasts a team of the best LASIK doctors – who employ cutting-edge diagnostic tools, modern treatment facilities, and strict safety protocols to provide exceptional care to all patients.
Not just that, you can also benefit from the hospital’s transparent and affordable pricing, along with flexible payment options such as no-cost EMIs. So, you can get the vision of your dreams without burning a hole in your pocket!
Get your LASIK screening tests today!
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