For anyone in Cheltenham, Gloucester, or across South Wales tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, laser vision correction offers the promise of clear, natural sight. But with so many options available today, one key question often arises: Should I choose SMILE or LASIK?
Both procedures are highly effective, but they offer different benefits depending on your eye health, lifestyle, and vision goals. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between these two cutting-edge treatments and help you decide which is best for you.
What Is LASIK? The Trusted Classic
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) has been a leading vision correction procedure for over 30 years. Using an ultra-precise femtosecond laser, a small flap is created in the cornea, allowing the underlying tissue to be reshaped. This corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Why Patients Choose LASIK:
- Rapid recovery—many see clearly within 24 hours.
- Highly predictable results with a long track record of success.
- Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Ideal for those with mild to moderate prescriptions.
However, because LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, it’s not always recommended for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, or those engaged in high-impact sports.
What Is SMILE? The Next-Generation Laser Eye Surgery
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the latest advancement in laser vision correction. Instead of creating a corneal flap, SMILE uses a tiny laser incision (just 2-4mm) to remove a small, lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue called a lenticule. This gently reshapes the cornea to correct vision.
Why SMILE Is Gaining Popularity:
- Minimally invasive with no large corneal flap.
- Faster recovery with less post-operative dry eye.
- Greater corneal stability—ideal for active lifestyles and contact sports.
- Excellent for moderate to high levels of myopia (nearsightedness).
SMILE vs. LASIK: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Small laser incision, no flap | Corneal flap creation |
| Best For | Moderate to high myopia | Mild to moderate prescriptions |
| Astigmatism Correction | Yes (up to moderate cases) | Yes (effective for most cases) |
| Recovery Time | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Risk of Dry Eyes | Very low | Low to moderate |
| Corneal Stability | High (no flap) | Moderate (flap created) |
| Suitability for Contact Sports | Excellent | Caution advised |
| Reversibility | No | No |
| Cost Range | £2,000 per eye | £2,000 per eye |
Where Are These Treatments Available in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Wales?
Traditionally, patients seeking these advanced procedures had to travel to major UK cities. Now, with the expertise of internationally renowned surgeon Mr. Fadi Kherdaji, these life-changing treatments are available closer to home.
Mr. Kherdaji offers advanced SMILE and LASIK procedures to patients across Cheltenham, Gloucester, and South Wales, providing local access to world-class vision correction without the need to travel far.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Choose LASIK if:
- You have mild to moderate refractive errors.
- You want fast results and a trusted, long-standing procedure.
- You’re not involved in high-impact sports or activities.
Choose SMILE if:
- You have moderate to high myopia.
- You lead an active lifestyle or play contact sports.
- You’ve experienced dry eyes and want to reduce that risk post-surgery.
- You want the most minimally invasive laser correction option available today.
Book Your Consultation Today
Ready to experience life without glasses or contact lenses?
Your journey to clear, natural vision starts here—whether you choose the time-tested reliability of LASIK or the cutting-edge advantages of SMILE.