Thinking about getting laser vision correction? There are a few things you need to know about before the surgery. What are the differences between SMILE and LASIK? Am I a potential candidate? What are the sequelae? How much does it cost? Get the information with Cigna Smart Health now.
Differences between lasik and smile
LASIK and SMILE have long been two of the most popular forms of laser vision correction surgery for people with visual impairments, such as myopia (nearsightedness), farsightedness, or astigmatism. The differences are mentioned below.
|
SMILE |
LASIK |
|
|
History |
About 10 years |
More than 20 years |
|
Operating Principles |
It does not require a flap to be created. Instead, the corneal tissue removal is done using an excimer laser |
It works by creating a small flap in the cornea and removing some corneal tissue in order to reshape the cornea |
|
Invasion |
Less invasive |
More invasive |
|
Operation time |
Takes about 15 minutes per eye, only one laser is used and so the patient would not be moved from one machine to another, reducing the risk of dry eye as a side effect |
Takes about 15 minutes per eye |
|
Sight correction |
Works only for myopia, and sometimes associated astigmatism as well |
Can be used to correct all kinds of refractive errors, such as near-sightedness |
Similarities between lasik and smile
Despite these differences, LASIK and SMILE share a number of similarities. Both cost at around HKD21,000, and can achieve at least 20/40 vision for most patients. Patients of either procedures have to be 18 or up, and only need a recovery time of a day or two before returning to work.
Who Is Not Suitable For Laser Vision Correction?
If you are 18 years old or bove and have made no major changes in their visual acuity in the previous year, then you are eligible for laser correction. See the reasons that patients may not be suitable for laser vision correction.
- Unstable vision
- Thin cornea
- Dry eye syndrome or lack of tears
- Corneal infection, inflammation, or injury
- Suffering from keratoconus
- Suffering from cataracts or glaucoma
- Suffering from autoimmune diseases
- Steroid users
- Pregnancy
Cost Comparison of Laser Vision Correction
Some of the medical institutions will only provide one kind of laser vision correction services. The range of the cost* is from $16,000 to $28,500, including 4 to 5 times of free check-up visits. You may refer to the table below for more details.
|
Medical Institution |
Examination Fee (HKD) |
SMILE (HKD) |
LASIK (HKD) |
Items |
|
$800 |
– |
$21,000 |
Including 5 times of check-ups |
|
|
$670 |
– |
#23,300 |
Including 5 times of check-ups & medicine fee for the first time |
|
|
$800 |
– |
$19,800 |
Including 5 times of check-ups |
|
|
$990 |
$22,000 |
$22,000 |
Including 5 times of check-ups |
|
|
$500 (Refundable) |
$28,000 |
$18,800 |
Including 5 times of check-ups, one-year free consultation & medicine fee |
|
|
$100 (Refundable) |
$22,000 |
– |
Including 5 times of check-ups, medicine fee on the day of surgery & one-year free consultation |
|
|
$800 |
$23,800 |
$16,800 |
Including 5 times of check-ups & one-year free consultation |
|
|
$600 |
$24,000 |
$16,000 |
Including 4 times of check-ups |
|
|
$800 |
$28,500 |
$20,000 |
Including 5 times of check-ups |
*Prices as of 30th Mar 2021
Note: For detailed pricing, please contact respective medical institution
The Risks & Sequelae of Laser Vision Correction
Laser vision correction uses laser technology to change the curvature of the cornea for correcting vision. However, Dr. Ng, an ophthalmologist, mentioned that two types of sequences may occur after the surgery.
- Short-term and Common
The common examples are dry eyes, halo and glare. Halo and glare usually appear 1 to 2 months after the surgery and will gradually improve as time passes, while dry eyes are caused by temporary damage to the corneal nerve during surgery, and it can be soothed by artificial tears.
- Serious and Rare
The examples include infection, corneal dilation or deformation. Antibiotic treatment is needed immediately when infection occurs, while corneal dilatation or deformation may not appear until several years after the surgery, and there will be a greater risk of myopia or astigmatism.
FAQs about SMILE and LASIK
- Will short-sightedness come back after laser vision correction?
This situation is not common. However, if you have deep myopia above 800 degrees or 250 degrees of astigmatism, the risk of developing short-sightedness will be greater. Also, the health of eyesight depends on your habits. If you use electronic screen products at close range for a long time, there will be a higher risk to affect your eye health.
- Can I wear contact lenses after laser vision correction?
Contact lenses can still be worn after laser correction surgery, however, the surgery will change the curvature of the cornea, and you are advised to have a contact lens consultation and get the contact lenses that fit the shape of your cornea.
- Will it be easier to get glaucoma or cataract after laser vision correction?
Generally speaking, laser vision correction will not increase the risk of eye diseases. However, high myopia might increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and other retinopathy.
- Can other eye surgery be performed after laser vision correction?
Laser vision correction will not affect other ocular tissues other than the cornea, so eye surgery such as cataracts can still be performed in the future. However, you are advised to tell your doctor that you have performed laser correction in order to determine if you are a good candidate.
Sources: