U Education

LASIK involves two primary steps:

1. A flap is created on the surface of the cornea, traditionally with a blade or more precisely with the IntraLase method (100% blade-free).
   
2. The cornea underneath is reshaped using an excimer laser, then the flap is repositioned to heal naturally.
   For those seeking visual freedom from glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery offers transformative results. Two of the most advanced and widely performed procedures are SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). But how do they differ—and which might be the right fit for your lifestyle, eye health, and visual goals?

This guide explores the key differences between SMILE and LASIK, from how each procedure works to recovery timelines, candidacy requirements, and the technologies that power them. Whether you’re in Brampton, Vaughan, or Scarborough, UELC is your trusted partner for personalized, cutting-edge vision correction.

An Overview of Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction aims to reshape the cornea—the clear front part of your eye—so that light focuses correctly on the retina. This corrects refractive errors such as:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
  
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
  
• Astigmatism (irregular curvature)
  

Both SMILE and LASIK deliver excellent outcomes, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. The primary difference lies in the surgical approach and recovery experience.

What Is SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser vision correction technique. During SMILE:

1. A femtosecond laser creates a small disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue (called a lenticule) within the cornea.
   
2. This lenticule is removed through a tiny incision (2–4 mm), altering the shape of the cornea to correct vision.
   

Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not require a corneal flap. This contributes to quicker recovery of corneal strength and potentially lowers the risk of dry e

At UELC, the UltraView LASIK™ system integrates advanced technologies like iDesign Advanced WaveScan and the STAR S4 IR Laser to deliver a personalized correction profile tailored to each patient's unique eye structure.

Step-by-Step: SMILE vs. LASIK Procedure

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea. A tiny incision—usually under 4 mm—is made, through which the lenticule is removed, reshaping the cornea to correct vision. The flapless approach preserves more corneal strength and typically results in less dry eye.

LASIK involves creating a thin corneal flap using a femtosecond laser. The flap is lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying cornea to correct vision. The flap is then repositioned to heal naturally. LASIK offers fast recovery and is highly customizable using advanced mapping and bladeless technology.

Both SMILE and LASIK safely correct myopia and astigmatism, offering freedom from glasses and contacts. SMILE is flapless and may reduce dry eye risk, while LASIK treats a wider range of vision issues and offers quicker recovery. The best choice depends on your eye health and prescription, assessed during a consultation.

Who Is a Candidate?

• SMILE is ideal for:
  
  
  • Patients with dry eye predisposition
    
  • Individuals with thin corneas
    
  • Athletes or those in high-impact professions
    

• LASIK is best for:
  
  
  • Those with stable prescriptions and healthy corneas
    
  • Patients seeking personalized correction with iDesign mapping
    
  • Individuals open to a slightly longer recovery of corneal strength
    

At UELC, candidacy is determined through a comprehensive consultation, including corneal thickness measurement, lifestyle analysis, and refractive error assessment.

Post-Surgery Recovery & Downtime

• SMILE patients often experience:
  
  
  • Mild discomfort
    
  • Functional vision within 24–48 hours
    
  • Less risk of dry eye post-op
    

• LASIK patients typically report:
  
  
  • Immediate vision improvement
    
  • Mild irritation (burning or tearing) for a few hours
    
  • Return to most activities within a day or two
    

Both procedures at UELC include follow-up visits and 24/7 access to aftercare support for peace of mind.

Visual Outcomes and Long-Term Expectations

Both SMILE and LASIK deliver comparable results—many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. UltraView LASIK™ also allows for future enhancements if needed, thanks to the customizable flap.

Over time, age-related changes (like presbyopia) may still require reading glasses. However, these procedures offer long-lasting freedom from distance correction for the majority of patients.

Technology Behind Each Procedure

• SMILE: Uses a single femtosecond laser (VisuMax or equivalent)
  
• LASIK: Combines multiple advanced systems:
  
  
  • iDesign Wavefront Analysis for unique eye mapping
    
  • IntraLase flap creation
    
  • STAR S4 IR Excimer Laser for reshaping
    

Cost Considerations and OHIP Coverage

In general, neither SMILE nor LASIK is covered by OHIP as they are elective procedures. Costs can range based on your customized treatment plan. At UELC, we offer:

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  
• Flexible financing options
  
• A breakdown of additional follow-up services, if needed
  

Lifestyle Impact: Sports, Screen Time & Dry Eye

• SMILE is often favored by contact sport athletes due to the flapless approach.
  
• LASIK allows for rapid return to screen use, ideal for students and professionals.
  
• Dry Eye? Both procedures are supported by UELC’s Dry Eye Institute, where specialized care includes UltraView DEL® laser therapy and personalized management plans to ensure a smooth recovery.
  

What to Expect at UELC: The Consultation Experience

Our consultation process is thorough, yet patient-friendly. We take time to:

• Evaluate your refractive error and eye health
  
• Discuss lifestyle and vision goals
  
• Conduct corneal topography, tear film analysis, and diagnostic imaging
  
• Outline a personalized treatment recommendation
  

You’ll leave with clarity—not just in your potential vision, but in your decision-making process.

Why Patients Trust UELC in Brampton, Vaughan & Scarborough

UELC combines state-of-the-art technology, specialized surgeons, and a deep commitment to personalized care. We’ve helped thousands of patients reclaim their vision—and their lives. From laser vision correction to dry eye therapies, our team is with you every step of the way.

Ready to See Clearly? Let’s Take the Next Step

If you’re weighing the choice between SMILE and LASIK, let UELC guide you. Schedule your consultation today at our Brampton, Vaughan, or Scarborough locations and experience why so many Ontarians trust us with their most precious sense—sight.

📞 Call us at 416-653-8352
📧 Email: info@uelc.ca
🌐 Visit: www.uelc.ca

Your journey to visual clarity starts here—with personalized, professional, and precision care at UELC.

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