SMILE vs LASIK: What’s the Difference? | Insight Eye Clinic Perth
By Dr Graham Furness | Insight Eye Clinic – Perth
👁️ Thinking About Laser Eye Surgery?
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, chances are you’ve thought about laser eye surgery. It’s quick, effective, and can transform your everyday life — but with several options available, you might be wondering: “What’s the difference between SMILE and LASIK, and which one is best for me?”
At Insight Eye Clinic, we offer both procedures — and our priority is helping you make an informed, confident decision. Here’s a simple breakdown of how SMILE and LASIK work, their key differences, and how to know which one might be right for your eyes.
🔬 What Is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) has been a popular form of laser eye surgery for over two decades. It involves:
• Creating a thin flap in the cornea.
• Reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser to correct your vision.
• Repositioning the flap to heal naturally.
LASIK is effective for treating short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, with most patients experiencing dramatically improved vision within 24–48 hours.
🌟 What Is SMILE?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the latest advancement in laser eye surgery — and one we’re proud to offer at Insight Eye Clinic. It’s:
• Minimally invasive: No flap is created.
• Gentler on the eye: A small laser incision (~2–4 mm) is made in the cornea to remove a lenticule (a thin layer of tissue), reshaping the eye.
• Quick recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
SMILE is ideal for people with myopia or astigmatism — especially those who lead active lifestyles or want a lower risk of dry eyes.
🔍 SMILE vs LASIK: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Minimally invasive (no flap) | Flap-based surgery |
| Recovery Time | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Dry Eyes | Lower risk | Slightly higher risk |
| Ideal For | Active people, athletes, dry eye sufferers | Broad range of prescriptions |
| Suitability | Myopia, astigmatism | Myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia |
| Technology Used | ZEISS VisuMax® femtosecond laser | Excimer & femtosecond lasers |
💡 So, Which One Is Right for You?
The answer depends on your eyes, your lifestyle, and your goals. At Insight Eye Clinic, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, Dr Graham Furness personally assesses each patient to determine which treatment offers the best outcome.
SMILE may be better if:
• You play contact sports or live an active lifestyle.
• You want a flapless procedure.
• You’ve had dry eyes in the past.
LASIK may be better if:
• You have hyperopia (long-sightedness).
• You want a longer-established option with broad suitability.
• You’re not suitable for SMILE based on corneal thickness or eye shape.
📍 Why Choose Insight Eye Clinic?
We’re not just a laser eye surgery clinic — we’re your partners in vision. At our Subiaco and Westminster locations, we offer:
✅ State-of-the-art ZEISS technology
✅ Tailored, honest recommendations from Dr Furness
✅ A calm, boutique environment focused on your comfort
✅ Proven results with hundreds of happy patients across WA
📞 Ready to See Clearly?
If you’re curious about SMILE, LASIK, or want to find out which option fits your eyes best, we invite you to book a refractive assessment with Dr Furness.
👉 Book online now or call us at (08) 9440 4033 or email us at: info@insighteye.com.au
👁️ Your future without glasses could be just one appointment away.
🧠 FAQ
Is SMILE safer than LASIK?
Both procedures are safe, but SMILE has a smaller incision and may reduce the risk of dry eye and flap-related complications.
Can I get SMILE if I have astigmatism?
Yes! SMILE is FDA-approved and widely used for treating both myopia and astigmatism.
What if I’m not suitable for either?
We also offer Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) — perfect for patients who don’t meet LASIK or SMILE criteria.
Transparency is Key
At Insight Eye Clinic, we believe a transparent approach is the best way to achieve trust with our patients. We understand how important it is to build a good relationship with your eye surgeon before your treatment date. Insight Eye Clinic offer a surgeon consultation to ensure the most accurate possible measurements are taken and that all the scans performed are as accurate as possible.
Highly trained staff will ensure a smooth journey from your first appointment to your last appointment with minimal effort required on your part. Friendly clinics in the heart of Subiaco and Westminster, WA, are the most accessible location for patients; making appointments quick and easy!
Competitive Pricing Guaranteed
We do our best to make the procedure as affordable as possible. Not only do we offer INTEREST FREE FINANCE over a maximum of 24 months, but we also include all of your aftercare appointments for the first 6 months post-op, eye drops, SOEK® sustainable sunglasses and we even provide an endorsement letter stating you no longer require spectacles for your drivers license… something very few people would think about which may later be a nuisance.
