LASIK vs. SMILE: Which Vision Correction Procedure Is Right for You?
If you're considering laser vision correction and want freedom from glasses or contact lenses, two of the most advanced procedures available today are LASIK and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction).
Patients throughout Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Sherman Oaks trust California Center for Refractive Surgery (CCRS), where Dr. Paul C. Lee personally evaluates every patient to determine whether LASIK, SMILE, EVO ICL, PRK, or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) offers the best long-term vision solution.
How They Work
Two advanced approaches to laser vision correction
LASIK
Thin corneal flap
A precise laser creates a thin corneal flap, then gently reshapes the cornea so light focuses correctly on the retina. Highly customizable, with a proven track record of millions of procedures worldwide.
SMILE
Flap-free, small keyhole incision
SMILE removes a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (a lenticule) through a tiny incision — no corneal flap. The smaller incision preserves more corneal nerves, which is often associated with fewer dry eye symptoms.
The Right Fit
Personalized to your eyes
Neither procedure is universally better. The ideal choice depends on your prescription, eye anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term visual goals — confirmed with a comprehensive evaluation at CCRS.
At a Glance
Quick comparison: LASIK vs. SMILE
| Feature | LASIK | SMILE |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure type | Creates a thin corneal flap | Small keyhole incision |
| Treatment time | 10–15 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Visual recovery | Very rapid | Rapid |
| Physical recovery | 1–2 days | Often next day |
| Dry eye symptoms | Slightly higher risk | Often lower risk |
| Treats nearsightedness (myopia) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Treats astigmatism | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (most cases) |
| Treats farsightedness (hyperopia) | ✓ Yes | No |
| Flap creation | Yes | No |
| Enhancement options | Multiple options available | More limited options |
| Long-term results | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost at CCRS | $2,000 per eye | $2,000 per eye |
All-inclusive pricing under the CCRS Price Guarantee. Your candidacy and treatment plan are confirmed at your evaluation.
By the Numbers
Cost, recovery & dry eye at a glance
Cost per eye
Same all-inclusive price for both procedures — evaluation, surgery, medications, postoperative care, and enhancement if needed.
Physical recovery
Time until most patients return to normal activities.
SMILE offers faster physical recovery, while LASIK patients may experience less haziness early on.
Dry eye symptoms
Relative likelihood of temporary dry-eye symptoms after surgery.
SMILE's smaller incision preserves more corneal nerves involved in tear production. LASIK dry eye is slightly more likely and usually temporary.
Treatment range
A general guide — your evaluation determines the best fit.
Benefits & Considerations
What each procedure offers
Benefits of LASIK
The world's most proven laser vision correction
Benefits
- Proven track record with millions of procedures performed worldwide
- Rapid visual recovery
- Minimal discomfort
- Highly customizable treatment
- Can treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
- Excellent enhancement options if additional correction is needed
- Often allows greater tissue-sparing customization
Considerations
- Requires creation of a corneal flap
- Temporary dry eye symptoms may occur
- Patients should avoid eye trauma while the flap heals
- Not ideal for every corneal shape or prescription
Benefits of SMILE
Flap-free laser vision correction
Benefits
- No corneal flap
- Smaller incision
- Preserves more corneal nerves
- Often associated with fewer dry eye symptoms
- Excellent visual outcomes
- Rapid return to normal physical activities
Considerations
- Primarily treats myopia and selected astigmatism
- Does not currently treat farsightedness
- Enhancement procedures can be more complex than LASIK
- Not appropriate for every prescription
Which Is Better?
LASIK vs. SMILE: which is right for you?
Neither procedure is universally better. The ideal choice depends on your prescription, eye anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term visual goals.
Prescription range
Patients with higher prescriptions may benefit from LASIK due to its greater customization and simpler enhancement options if additional correction is needed. It also allows the surgeon to tailor the procedure to help preserve corneal tissue, providing added flexibility in treating significant nearsightedness or astigmatism by varying flap thickness and treatment zone size.
Dry eye concerns
Patients who already experience dry eye symptoms may be better candidates for SMILE because the smaller incision may preserve more corneal nerves involved in tear production.
Lifestyle considerations
SMILE may appeal to:
- Athletes
- Military personnel
- Law enforcement officers
- Contact sport participants
- Individuals seeking a flap-free procedure
LASIK may appeal to:
- Patients seeking the broadest treatment range
- Patients with hyperopia
- Patients who may require future enhancement flexibility
Healing & Results
Recovery after LASIK vs. SMILE
Both LASIK and SMILE offer fast recovery compared with older vision correction procedures. SMILE offers faster physical recovery, while LASIK patients may experience less haziness during the early post-operative period.
Fine-Tuning
Enhancement procedures
Although most patients achieve excellent vision after a single treatment, enhancement procedures may occasionally be recommended if a residual prescription remains after healing.
After LASIK
Greater flexibility for future fine-tuning
- Lifting the original LASIK flap
- Creating a new flap when appropriate
- Surface laser treatment (PRK)
After SMILE
SMILE cannot be repeated; options differ
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
- LASIK enhancement
Depending on corneal thickness, prescription, and eye health. The appropriate strategy is determined during a comprehensive evaluation.
Are enhancements common?
Most LASIK and SMILE patients achieve their desired vision after a single procedure. Enhancements are more commonly considered when treating high myopia, significant astigmatism, hyperopia, or patients seeking highly precise visual outcomes.
At CCRS, treatment planning focuses on maximizing long-term visual quality while minimizing the likelihood of future enhancement.
Transparent Pricing
What does laser eye surgery cost in Los Angeles?
At CCRS, our goal is to recommend the vision correction procedure that is best suited to each patient's eyes — not simply perform one type of surgery. Dr. Paul C. Lee, a leading expert in all forms of vision correction, personally evaluates every patient and performs every procedure using the latest technology.
We are committed to providing exceptional care at an affordable price. Our Price Guarantee reflects that commitment. This all-inclusive fee covers:
- Preoperative evaluation
- Surgery
- Medications
- Postoperative care
- Any enhancement if needed
Why CCRS
Why choose Dr. Paul C. Lee for LASIK or SMILE?
Dr. Paul C. Lee has specialized in laser vision correction for more than 25 years and has personally performed more than 50,000 refractive procedures.
Comprehensive vision correction expertise
Unlike practices that offer only one procedure, CCRS evaluates patients for the complete spectrum of refractive surgery. This comprehensive approach allows treatment recommendations to be based on what is best for the patient — not limited by available procedures.
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Is SMILE safer than LASIK?
Both LASIK and SMILE have excellent safety profiles when performed on properly selected candidates.
Does SMILE heal faster than LASIK?
Physical recovery is often slightly faster with SMILE, while visual recovery may be slightly faster with LASIK.
Can LASIK treat higher prescriptions?
LASIK can treat a broader range of refractive errors, including farsightedness.
Which procedure causes less dry eye?
Studies suggest SMILE may produce fewer dry eye symptoms in some patients because it involves a smaller incision.
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
A comprehensive consultation is required to evaluate your prescription, corneal thickness, tear film, eye health, and lifestyle needs.
Which procedure provides better vision, LASIK or SMILE?
Both procedures provide excellent visual outcomes. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better when they are appropriate candidates.
Is SMILE less invasive than LASIK?
SMILE uses a small incision and does not require a corneal flap, which many patients consider a less invasive approach.
Can SMILE be performed after age 40?
Yes. However, patients over 40 should also be evaluated for presbyopia and may benefit from alternative procedures such as Refractive Lens Exchange.
Can LASIK or SMILE prevent cataracts?
No. LASIK and SMILE do not prevent cataracts because they reshape the cornea rather than replacing the natural lens.
Which procedure has a longer track record?
LASIK has been performed worldwide for decades and remains the most commonly performed laser vision correction procedure.
What if I am not a candidate for LASIK or SMILE?
Alternative procedures may include EVO ICL, PRK, or Refractive Lens Exchange. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine the best option.
Take the Next Step
Schedule your LASIK or SMILE consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Paul C. Lee personally reviews your prescription, corneal thickness, eye anatomy, tear film, pupil size, lifestyle, and long-term visual goals. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, he will recommend the procedure that offers the safest treatment and the best possible visual outcome for your unique eyes.
Whether you are a candidate for LASIK, SMILE, EVO ICL, PRK, or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), you'll receive a personalized treatment plan designed to maximize your vision while preserving your long-term eye health.
This page is for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Candidacy, outcomes, and pricing are determined during a personal consultation with Dr. Paul C. Lee.
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