Confused between LASIK and SMILE eye surgery? Discover the key differences in procedure, recovery, benefits, risks and eligibility. Learn how Bansal Eye Hospital in Ambala helps patients explore suitable laser vision correction options based on their individual eye health.
Choosing between LASIK and SMILE surgery can feel overwhelming. Both are advanced laser vision correction procedures that reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses. But they are not the same — and the right choice depends on your eyes, lifestyle, and visual goals.
At Bansal Eye Hospital, we have performed laser vision correction since 1997 and were the first in North India to offer LASIK surgery. Today, we also offer the latest flapless technologies, including SILK and SMILE. This guide breaks down the key differences.
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is the most widely performed vision correction procedure worldwide, with decades of clinical data supporting its safety.
Your surgeon creates a thin hinged flap on your cornea using a femtosecond laser. The flap is lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue to correct your prescription. The flap is then repositioned and heals naturally.
Key steps:
Numbing drops are applied
A corneal flap is created and lifted
Excimer laser reshapes the cornea
The flap is repositioned and heals
Procedure time: 10–15 minutes for both eyes
Recovery: Most patients see clearly within 24 hours
SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a newer, flapless procedure approved by the FDA in 2016.
Instead of a flap, SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (a lenticule) inside the cornea. The surgeon removes it through a tiny 2–4 mm incision.
Key steps:
Numbing drops are applied
Femtosecond laser creates the lenticule
A small incision is made
The lenticule is extracted
The cornea reshapes as it heals
Procedure time: 10–15 minutes for both eyes
Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 days
There is no single "best" procedure — only the best one for your eyes.
LASIK treats myopia up to -12.00 D, hyperopia up to +6.00 D, and astigmatism up to 6.00 D.
SMILE is approved for myopia typically -1.00 to -10.00 D and astigmatism up to 3.00 D. It is not approved for hyperopia in most countries.
LASIK removes more tissue due to the flap. SMILE preserves more corneal structure, making it an option for thinner corneas.
SMILE cuts fewer corneal nerves, so it is associated with fewer dry eye symptoms after surgery.
Contact sports: SMILE may be safer (no flap to dislodge)
Rapid recovery needed: LASIK offers slightly faster results
Patients over 40 may be approaching presbyopia. Your surgeon may discuss monovision LASIK or other options.
At Bansal Eye Hospital, we also offer SILK (Small Incision Lenticule Keratoplasty) — the newest generation of flapless correction using the ELITA femtosecond laser from Johnson & Johnson Vision.
SILK offers:
Lower laser energy (~45–60 nJ)
Faster laser time — just seconds
Bi-convex lenticule design for smoother cornea
Cyclotorsion compensation for precise astigmatism correction
Potentially lowest dry eye symptoms among flapless procedures
99%+ achieve 20/40 or better vision
90%+ achieve 20/20 or better
Results stable over 10+ years
95%+ achieve 20/40 or better vision
80–90% achieve 20/20 or better
Corneal biomechanics better preserved
At Bansal Eye Hospital, we maintain a 99% successful outcome rate.
Flap complications (rare with modern technology)
Temporary dry eye
Night halos or glare
Under- or over-correction
Lenticule extraction difficulties (rare)
Slightly slower visual recovery
Limited enhancement options
Not suitable for all prescriptions
Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk profile.
Bansal Eye Hospital has been a trusted name in Ambala since 1995. We were the first in North India to perform LASIK in 1997.
40+ years of combined surgical experience
Advanced technology — SILK, femtosecond, and excimer platforms
Personalized treatment planning
NABH accredited facility
24/7 emergency eye care
75,000+ patients treated with a 99% success rate
Our team includes Dr. VK Bansal (MBBS, DOMS, MNERF USA), Dr. Mohit Bansal (MBBS, MS PGI, FVRS), and Dr. Ashish Bansal (MBBS, MS PGI, FRCS).
Neither is universally better. SMILE suits dry eye or thin cornea patients. LASIK offers broader prescription range and faster recovery.
You can express a preference, but the final recommendation depends on your corneal thickness, prescription, and eye health.
Costs vary. At Bansal Eye Hospital, we offer transparent pricing and discuss all options during consultation.
Both provide permanent corneal reshaping. Age-related presbyopia can still affect near vision later.
Alternatives include PRK, implantable contact lenses (ICL), or refractive lens exchange with toric IOLs.
The best way to know whether LASIK, SMILE, or another procedure is right for you is a comprehensive eye evaluation.
At Bansal Eye Hospital, we use advanced diagnostic tools to measure your corneal thickness, map your prescription, and assess eye health. Then we recommend the procedure that gives you the best chance of clear vision.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Your journey to life without glasses starts here.
Book a free consultation with Dr. VK Bansal today. Life is better in clear vision.