Laser vision correction is more popular than ever as Australians look for freedom from glasses or contact lenses. When comparing SMILE vs LASIK eye surgery, both offer clear, natural vision but use different techniques and suit various needs.
Knowing how they differ helps you choose the option that best fits your eyes and lifestyle.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most widely performed vision correction procedure and has been performed widely since 1996. It alters the curvature of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, so light focuses correctly on the retina.
Instead of lasering directly on the surface of the eye, the surgeon creates an ultra-thin flap in the cornea with a femtosecond laser, lifts the flap, and reshapes the underlying tissue with micron-level precision using an excimer laser. The surgeon then replaces the flap, which acts as a natural bandage.
At Perth Laser Vision, our surgeons perform LASIK using the WaveLight Refractive Suite, combining high-speed, high-accuracy femtosecond and excimer lasers to deliver consistent, safe results.
Benefits
- Immediate vision improvement
- Minimal discomfort during and after surgery
- Fast recovery, many able to return to work within 24-36 hours
- Suitable for a wide range of prescriptions, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
- More accurate than Smile especially for lower levels of myopia.
LASIK is ideal for people with healthy corneas of adequate thickness, those who want rapid vision improvement.
Check if you qualify for LASIK with your Australian health fund.
Learn more: LASIK Eye Surgery Recovery Time: What to Expect at Every Stage.
What is SMILE Eye Surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer, minimally invasive procedure that also reshapes the cornea but without creating a flap. It has been regularly performed since 2015.
A femtosecond laser cuts a thin, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea just beneath the surface. The surgeon removes this lenticule through a tiny incision, usually just a few millimetres wide allowing the corneal surface to be reshaped. The cornea then heals naturally without the need for a surface flap.
Because SMILE avoids cutting a large flap, it preserves more of the eye’s surface nerves, which can reduce the risk of severe dry eye symptoms.
Benefits
- Smaller incision for less disruption to the eye’s surface
- Lower risk of post-surgery dryness
- Used for moderate to high myopia and myopic astigmatism, but less accurate for low levels of refractive error
- Often preferred for active lifestyles and contact sports due to strong corneal stability
SMILE best suits people with moderate to high myopia and myopic astigmatism but treatment is still limited for those with thin corneas.
SMILE vs LASIK: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | LASIK | SMILE |
| Procedure Type | Flap creation and corneal reshaping by laser | Small incision, manual lenticule removal, no flap |
| Recovery Time | Most patients see well within 24–48 hours | Vision improves immediately but continues to improve over a few days; it may be slightly slower than LASIK |
| Dry Eye Risk | Slightly higher, but risk of severe dry eye remains less than 1/1000 | Reduced risk due to preserved corneal nerves. Some dryness still occurs. |
| Suitable For | Wide range of prescriptions from +5.0 to -10D | Moderate to high myopia and some astigmatism from -2.5 to -9.0D |
| Technology | Femtosecond and excimer lasers | Femtosecond laser only |
| Availability | Widely available worldwide | Fewer clinics due to specialised equipment |
Australians Living with Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) show just how widespread these conditions are:
Myopia affects around 6.3 million Australians, making it harder to see clearly for any distance viewing like road signs, TV, watch sport from a distance, or recognise faces far away, without resorting to glasses or contact lenses. Rates of myopia have risen in recent decades, often linked to more indoor time and persistent close work.
Hyperopia affects about 7.2 million Australians but most cases are mild. It affects near vision first and eventually both distance and near are impaired. It makes tasks like reading a menu, threading a needle, or using a computer more difficult. It causes eye strain, headaches, and fatigue when focusing on close objects more than distance. Although this is normal for those over 40 years, many suffer this even from a young age. Severe cases also affect depth perception, cause a “lazy eye” and affect overall visual comfort.
Astigmatism affects roughly 1.4 million Australians and causes blurred or distorted vision at any distance. This may also occur in association with myopia, hyperopia or presbyopia. It makes night driving or reading fine print challenging and often leads to squinting, frequent eye strain, and headaches during visually demanding activities, with double images often seen.
While these figures may seem daunting, LASIK achieves success rates of up to 98% in restoring clear vision, while SMILE reaches around 95%.
How to Decide: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between SMILE and LASIK depends on more than just your prescription. Your Surgeon will decide what procedure most suits you.
- Corneal thickness: If your corneas are thinner than average, only lower refractive errors can be treated safely.
- Irregular corneas: LASIK can smooth even irregular corneal shapes and is superior to Smile for this.
- Lifestyle and occupation: Contact sports players, or those in dusty environments may benefit from the stability of SMILE’s flapless approach or PRK if mild.
- Dryness concerns: If you already experience dry eyes, SMILE’s reduced nerve disruption could make recovery more comfortable.
- Desired recovery speed: LASIK typically delivers faster visual recovery, which may matter if you need to return to work quickly, and vision is slightly sharper than Smile.
Every eye is different, so Perth Laser Vision starts with a comprehensive assessment, using advanced corneal mapping and eye health checks to recommend a tailored treatment plan.
Why Perth Laser Vision for SMILE or LASIK?
Dr Phillip McGeorge, the founder of Perth Laser Vision, has performed more than 30,000 laser eye surgeries, making him the most experienced refractive surgeon in Australia. His skill and commitment to patient care have helped thousands of people achieve life-changing results.
We use the WaveLight Refractive Suite for LASIK and the latest-generation femtosecond laser for SMILE, delivering precise, safe, and reliable outcomes. Perth Laser Vision was among the first in Western Australia to offer SMILE, giving local patients early access to this procedure.
From your first consultation to your final check-up, we guide you through every stage. We provide clear, jargon-free advice so you can make an informed decision. With payment plans from under $40 a week, we make quality vision correction accessible without delay.
Explore our flexible payment options.
Clarity Starts with the Right Choice
When choosing between SMILE vs LASIK eye surgery, the best option depends on your eyes, lifestyle, and goals. At Perth Laser Vision, we offer both and provide expert guidance to help you achieve the best result.
Book your free consultation today by calling (08) 9218 7666 (Murdoch) or (08) 9388 7773 (Subiaco), or by emailing [email protected].
Your clearer tomorrow could start today.
