When there are multiple laser eye surgery technologies available to get rid of the eye glasses, the obvious question that arises is which stands as the latest technology to exploit maximum technology benefits. The three surgeries available in the medical industry for vision correction are Lasik, PRK and SMILE and all these three procedures are enough safe, trusted and effective. And still the question continues, which is the latest one to choose?
First Generation – PRK
The first generation vision refractive error correction procedure stands is PRK or PhotoRefractive Keratectomy. The procedure is developed to treat astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness.
The procedure involves removal of the epithelium or outer cornea layer, gently by using a manual instrument. Then reshaping of the cornea is attempted to correct the vision, using a cool excimer laser.
PRK procedure is preferred for the patients, who have irregular or thin corneas and who have chronic dry eye condition. Professionals, who have to work with direct eye contact, like fighters, boxers do prefer this procedure.
Second Generation – LASIK
Laser-Assisted Stromal In-situ Keratomileusis is most widely known and most frequently performed vision correction procedure in the medical industry.
The procedure involves creation of a small flap tissue with the help of femtosecond laser and then it is folded back. The underlying corneal tissue is then reshaped for correction of vision, by the surgeon. Lasik today stands as the standard procedure to improve the vision and if it is not suitable for the patient, usually, PRK or SMILE is considered for suitability. It is extremely trusted, safe and effective.
Third Generation – SMILE
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, as the name suggests, a small incision is made and extraction of lenticule is performed. It is the latest laser technology for vision correction to date. It has been in practice, since 2012.
One major technical difference between SMILE and its predecessors is that it does not make use of excimer laser, while performing this procedure. Very small or tiny incisions in the cornea are made using femtosecond laser and small pieces of corneal tissues are removed. It can reshape the cornea effectively and hence the vision gets improved.
The best part of the SMILE procedure is that it is very less invasive surgery and eventually, the risks and complications associated with this surgery procedure become minimal. Incision is about 3mm for SMILE, compared to 8mm incision needed for the PRK procedure and 20mm incision is needed for the Lasik procedure. smaller incision also enables corneal stability after the surgery and corneal nerves are less disturbed. In addition to that SMILE procedure is performed quiet and it is odourless. SMILE procedure has been proven to be accurate and safe, through clinical trials.
However, there is a small limitation to the SMILE procedure that it is yet available for treating only nearsightedness, but not for astigmatism and farsightedness. Let us expect the treatments for these two too in near future. So far SMILE is easier, faster and latest technology to date.