Singapore is one of the countries with high cases of myopia, from children to adults. It is not surprising why many are seeking eye treatments to improve their eyesight. LASIK and ReLEx SMILE treatments in Singapore are two of the most popular treatments for the eyes in the world.

But what are the differences between the two? What is more effective? Are they the same? This article will discuss the differences and similarities between LASIK and ReLEx SMILE in Singapore.

LASIK VS ReLEx SMILE In Singapore: Similarities And Differences

DEFINITION AND METHOD

LASIK

LASIK, or Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is an eye treatment that uses lasers to correct eyesight problems.

The epithelium is an invisible tissue that covers and protects the cornea from dust, debris, and bacteria. It also keeps a hold of the cornea to prevent it from slipping or displacement when crying.

The cornea is a transparent dome-shaped film that covers the iris and pupil. Besides protecting your eyes from dust and debris, the cornea bends the light as it enters the eyes, helping the eyes to focus on objects. Vision problems happen when the cornea bends the light improperly.

In the LASIK procedure, an eye doctor in Singapore uses a laser to remove a portion of the epithelium. It allows the doctor to reshape the cornea so it can refract or bend light correctly.

ReLEx SMILE

ReLEx SMILE in Singapore, or refractive lenticule extraction (ReLEx) small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), also uses lasers to correct vision problems.

Similar to LASIK, the eye specialist in Singapore removes a portion of the epithelium to reshape the cornea and correct its light refracting ability.

So what is the difference between the two treatments? In LASIK, the eye doctor creates around a 20mm flap diameter epithelium flap, whereas ReLEx SMILE only requires around 4mm epithelium cut.

The diameter differences drastically affect the recovery time of both treatments.

VISION PROBLEMS

LASIK

LASIK treats many vision problems, including myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, it cannot treat cataracts and age related macular degeneration in Singapore.

ReLEx SMILE

SMILE specifically treats myopia and myopia associated with astigmatism. But it cannot treat hyperopia, astigmatism, cataracts and age related macular degeneration in Singapore.

PROCEDURE LENGTH AND STEPS

LASIK

LASIK surgery typically lasts 30 minutes or less. The procedure starts with the patient sitting in a reclining chair and taking a relaxant and anaesthesia.

Then the eye specialist in Singapore will use a device that will keep the eyelids open. They will use a laser to cut a flap on the epithelium tissue to access the cornea.

The laser will reshape the cornea, eventually removing tiny corneal tissues.

ReLEx SMILE

ReLEx SMILE eye surgery in Singapore typically lasts 20 minutes or less. The procedure starts with the patient sitting in a reclining chair and being given anaesthetic eye drops.

Then the eye specialist in Singapore will use a device that will keep the eyelids open. They will use a laser to create a thin contact-lens-shape layer called the corneal lenticule under the epithelium tissue.

The eye doctor will create a small incision of epithelium tissue to remove the corneal lenticule whilst keeping the cornea intact. This surgery fixes myopia vision problems.

PROCEDURE RISKS

LASIK

There are several risks in LASIK surgery. It includes dry eyes or reduced tear production, which typically lasts half a year. The patient may feel their eyes drier than usual, and the doctor may prescribe using eye drops.

Another risk is light sensitivity, where the patient sees halos around bright lights.

They may also be flap complications, where infections arise during the healing stage, or the corneal tissue overgrows outside the flap.

There are situations where the procedure causes under-corrections, overcorrections, and astigmatism due to uneven tissue removal.

It is crucial to discuss with your eye doctor in Singapore the risks of LASIK surgery.

ReLEX SMILE

Generally, ReLEX SMILE in Singapore has fewer risks and complications since it is minimally invasive, unlike LASIK.

Among its risks and complications are light sensitivity and night vision issues. The patient may see halos around bright lights and

As mentioned, the ReLEx SMILE procedure involves removing the corneal lenticule. There are situations where some debris is left during the procedure, leading to infection.

Cornea bulging is a condition where the lens protrudes forward due to weakened eyes.

Similar to LASIK, patients who have undergone ReLEX SMILE may experience dry eyes.

Under-correction, overcorrection, and astigmatism are also possible in this procedure.

It is advisable to discuss the risk and complications of the ReLEX SMILE procedure with your eye specialist in Singapore before undergoing one.

AFTERCARE

LASIK

It takes at least two months to recover from LASIK surgery.

The eye specialist in Singapore may prescribe pain medication to ease the pain and discomfort of the eyes. The patient should wear protective goggles to prevent dust and debris from entering the eyes.

Avoid showering or wetting the eyes for one week.

The patient may use eye makeup and cosmetics at least two weeks after the surgery, but much better and safer to wait longer. The patient is also advised to avoid swimming and strenuous exercises weeks after the surgery.

Never skip follow-up checkups with the eye doctor in Singapore to assess the healing progress and prevent infection of the eyes.

ReLEX SMILE

It takes two months to recover from ReLEX SMILE in Singapore.

Similarly, the eye doctor will prescribe medication for the pain. The patient can also wear protective goggles.

Avoid showering or wetting the eyes for two days.

The patient may use eye makeup and cosmetics at least two weeks after the surgery, but much better and safer to wait longer. The patient is also advised to avoid swimming, water-related activities, and strenuous exercises for two weeks after the surgery.

Make sure to visit an eye doctor for follow-up checkups in Singapore to assess the recovery progress and prevent infection.

LASIK or ReLEX SMILE

The two eye procedures are effective and safe; however, there are several things to consider, such as the patient’s vision issues, downtime, and cost.

You can weigh the differences and similarities between the LASIK and ReLEX SMILE procedures in Singapore to determine which one is right for you.