Choosing the right laser eye surgery can feel overwhelming, especially with options like SMILE Pro, TransPRK, and FemtoLASIK. Each procedure is designed to correct vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts, but the best choice depends on your eye condition, lifestyle, and vision goals. Here’s a breakdown of each option to help you decide.

What is SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive procedure that corrects myopia and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, it doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, a small incision is made in the cornea to remove a lenticule, reshaping the cornea and improving vision.

• Best for: Individuals with myopia and mild astigmatism seeking a minimally invasive procedure with fast recovery.
• Benefits: Quick recovery, less dry eye risk, no flap-related complications.
• Considerations: Limited to certain prescriptions (myopia and mild astigmatism).

What is TransPRK?

TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a surface-based laser surgery that does not require an incision or flap. Instead the laser simply ablates (surgically removes) the outermost layer of cells on the surface of the eye to reach the cornea. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with thin corneas or those who aren’t eligible for FemtoLASIK or SMILE pro. TransPRK offers more versatility by treating a wider range of refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, it comes with a longer recovery time and more post-surgery discomfort, as the outer layer of the cornea takes time to regenerate.

Best for: Patients with thin corneas, irregular corneas, or those wanting to avoid any cuts or flaps.

• Benefits: No flap creation, suitable for thin corneas, less invasive.
• Considerations: Longer recovery time and more discomfort during healing.

What is FemtoLASIK?

FemtoLASIK is a popular procedure where a femtosecond laser creates a corneal flap. After the flap is lifted, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct the vision. The flap is then repositioned, and recovery begins.

• Best for: Those seeking fast recovery, minimal discomfort, and who have suitable corneal thickness for flap creation.
• Benefits: Quick visual recovery, minimal post-op discomfort.
• Considerations: Slight risk of flap-related complications, such as displacement.

Which One Is Best for You?

The best choice between SMILE Pro, TransPRK, and FemtoLASIK depends on several factors, including your eye health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

• SMILE Pro is ideal for those with myopia and mild astigmatism who want a minimally invasive option with a fast recovery.
• TransPRK is better suited for individuals with thin or irregular corneas or those who prefer a surface-based procedure without incisions or flaps.
• FemtoLASIK offers the quickest recovery and is a great option for those with appropriate corneal thickness and who want minimal post-surgery discomfort.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between SMILE Pro, TransPRK, and FemtoLASIK depends on your unique eye conditions and vision goals. Consulting with an experienced ophthalmologist will provide personalized guidance on which procedure is the best fit for you.

SMILE pro, Femto LASIK, TransPRK and glasses – comparing the total costs

Consider the yearly and long-term costs of your glasses and contacts when thinking about investing in laser vision correction. In today’s blog post, we’re going to be discussing cost, value and investment as it relates to your vision correction and care options. This is a very important topic as you consider your options and plan for caring for your vision.

First, let’s acknowledge an important fact. Laser vision correction options such as Femto LASIK and SMILE pro are not inexpensive, especially if you’re investing in quality technology, experienced surgeons and a proven laser program. Your eyes are precious, and laser vision correction is not the best place to shop based only on cost!

So how does the cost of laser vision correction compare to glasses and contacts?

Let’s start with contact lenses. If you wear disposable contacts and replace them every two weeks (which is the most common replacement schedule recommended by eye doctors), you’ll pay about RM 500 to RM 1000 a year for lenses and another RM 100 to RM 250 a year on contact lens solution. This adds up to about RM600 to RM1250 a year to wear your contact lenses.

Now, let’s consider the cost of eyeglasses, which is a bit more tricky to average due to the wide variety of frames, lenses and brands to choose from. According to Vision Service Plan, the national cost average for a pair of prescription glasses is RM400, with costs ranging from RM300 to well over RM1000+ for designer frames and premium lens technologies.

Now consider these costs over a more than 10-year period. For regular contact lens wearers, this equates to more than RM700 in lens and solution purchases. For glasses wearers, depending on the number of glasses and sunglasses pairs you purchase, it also equates to thousands of dollars.

Finally, be sure to understand the pricing options available at your preferred Femto LASIK or SMILE pro practice. Some practices advertise a very low price for laser vision correction, only to give you a much higher price because of your prescription after you come in for a consultation. Other practices offer a flat fee for your laser vision correction, which will include any and all technologies that will be needed to give you better vision. Be sure you discuss costs in detail with your eye practice and know your exact costs.

In truth, no matter what you choose for your vision correction – TransPRK Femto LASIK, SMILE pro, glasses or contacts – caring for your vision can be expensive! All these treatments are an investment in your vision and your quality of life over many years. Instead of considering only the immediate cost of each option, be sure to invest in a long-term plan that matches your lifestyle.

What do you think? Does considering the cost of glasses, contacts and laser vision correction over 10 or more years change the way you think about the cost? If you have questions about the cost or value of SMILE pro, TransPRK and Femto LASIK, please call or email us and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

Are you a SMILE pro or Femto LASIK candidate?

As the latest technology in laser vision correction, SMILE pro & Femto LASIK are a comfortable procedure, but how do you know if it’s right for you?

• Do you have blurry vision or are you nearsighted?
• Do glasses or contact lenses inconvenience your daily life?
• Do you often experience dry eye symptoms?
• Are your eyes intolerant of contact lenses?
• Do you play contact sports or work on a flight crew, as rescue personnel, or in the military?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, SMILE pro & Femto LASIK might be the best laser vision correction option for you. 

As part of any laser vision correction program, each patient has to go through a detailed eye examination with an eye doctor to fully determine their suitability for SMILE pro and Femto LASIK and TransPRK. Factors your eye doctor will take into consideration include the nature and degree of the refractive error and the curvature and thickness of the cornea.

SMILE pro and Femto LASIK have quick vision recovery and short post op downtime where they typically regain clarity 1-2 days later. In addition, due to short surgery time, this enhances the safety measures and reduces the chances of complication which is an attractive option for patients seeking for laser vision correction. Overall, it is a very comfortable and convenient experience. Patients are able to resume most normal daily activities within a day, including driving, showering, applying makeup and going to work. However, the condition may varies based on individual recovery time.

Call us today to discuss the best laser vision correction option for you!