Wavefront-Guided LASIK vs SMILE

Wavefront-Guided LASIK (WG-LASIK) is widely regarded to be the gold standard for laser vision correction but in recent years, SMILE, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, has been developed by a single company as an alternative to LASIK, and they have advertised aggressively claiming it to be a better way of correcting vision. The technique may be new, but we have a strong conviction that “new” may not always be better, and that any new technique needs to be examined with scientific rigour.

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Five star ratings from our patients

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How much does vision correction, eye surgery cost?

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You may think that LASIK or Vision Correction is expensive, and while it isn’t cheap, you might be surprised to learn how much money you save when compared to a lifetime of buying glasses or contacts. LASIK will prove a superior investment over the course of 20 years, and you will enjoy the added benefit of not requiring to wear glasses or put in contacts every day.

Laser eye surgery estimation
By the time I turn 60 I will have spent on contact lenses/glasses:
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At Re:Vision, all types of laser vision correction (LASIK & PRK) cost $3,444/eye.
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So, what’s the difference between Wavefront-Guided LASIK and SMILE?

Here are ten reasons our surgeons at Re:Vision see WG-LASIK as a superior procedure to SMILE:


  1. LASIK has been around for longer, (30+ years) which means it has gone through many small incremental improvements to perfect it over time. SMILE, on the other hand, is relatively new, and has not been perfected as of yet.
  2. Over 30 million people have had LASIK worldwide, including one of our surgeons and many other Re:Vision staff. LASIK therefore boasts a track record of success and durability. In contrast, only a fraction of vision correction procedures have been SMILE treatments to date, and the technology significantly lags behind WG-LASIK when it comes to delivering high definition vision.
  3. WG-LASIK is much more accurate in correcting subtle and unique focus errors of your eye. This is something that SMILE simply cannot compete with.
  4. WG-LASIK offers faster recovery of vision following treatment. Visual recovery following SMILE is slower, primarily because a lot of the process is performed manually by the surgeon.
  5. WG-LASIK employs highly sophisticated eye tracking and iris recognition software. This ensures that laser treatments are delivered precisely and accurately. This is not something that SMILE can offer.
  6. WG-LASIK can accurately and reliably treat a range of focus issues in the eye. This includes short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. On the other hand, SMILE can only deal with short-sightedness and small levels of astigmatism.
  7. Occasionally, fine-tuning retreatments are required following any laser vision correction procedure. Whilst this is easily and safely done with LASIK, there are issues with SMILE and the best way to perform this “enhancement” has not yet been elucidated. SMILE enhancements have poorer outcomes than WG-LASIK.
  8. SMILE is promoted as being safer, but there is no evidence in the literature that it allows for higher prescriptions to be treated. In fact, many have reported that more corneal tissue is removed following SMILE than with LASIK eye surgery.
  9. SMILE claimed lead to less dry eye, but studies have been small, and conflicting in nature. If SMILE does indeed lead to less dry eyes, this is certainly offset by its many disadvantages.
  10. Finally, it is important to state that the vast majority of laser vision correction patients are happy after treatment regardless of the type of procedure they undergo. It is our belief that the quality of vision is superior following WG-LASIK, as compared to SMILE, and whilst scientific studies are being completed at present, we have patients where one eye is treated with WG-LASIK, and the other was treated with SMILE, we’ve found its common for patients to report clearer vision with the eye that underwent WG-LASIK surgery.


Second opinion:

We encourage second opinions. There is no better way of getting a good feeling for your surgeon and the professionalism of their unit than having a personalised assessment. You will then see why more patients choose Re:Vision for their vision correction procedure, and see why Re:Vision gets so many Google 5-star Reviews.


Questions to consider asking a SMILE surgeon:

  • Have you performed SMILE on a family member? Yes/No?
  • If I need a fine-tuning enhancement after SMILE, how will this be performed? Will this technique be as accurate as a wavefront-guided LASIK enhancement?
  • Does SMILE cause dry eye? Yes/No?
  • How will my SMILE treatment be centred on my eye?
  • How will my astigmatism axis be accurately aligned during SMILE treatment?
  • What happens if the SMILe treatment is decentred on my eye? (WG-LASIK cannot be decentred as the computer auto-centrates the treatment)
  • Are you convinced that SMILE will give me a higher quality of vision that wavefront-guided LASIK can offer me?


If you have any questions about the best laser eye treatment for you, don’t hesitate to contact us or book a free laser appointment today!

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Five star review from our cataract patient

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"Dear Dr Trevor Gray and Team, I had my cataract operation three weeks ago. The best decision I have ever made in my life! I regret I have not done this a long time ago. I was very nervous and on edge about the upcomimg operation on both of my eyes, to be performed on the same day. But your very kind and friendly approach dispelled any apprehension about the required procedure. I can't thank you enough for your excellent professional care before, during and after the cataract operation on both of my eyes. Your team made me feel very relaxed and comfortable. The operation was painless and pretty straightforward. And the end result is miraculous. I had this amazing vision on the day after my operation. The world around me has become brighter and clearer. I couldn't believe it! I had the perfect vision! I could drive my car straight away. No glasses! No contact lenses! When I look back: I have been wearing glasses all my life and my vision was gradaully deteriorating every year. And now for the first time in my life I have 20-20 vision, which I never thought possible. To anyone who is thinking of having this operation done, I strongly recommend Dr Trevor Gray and his team. You will receive the best possible care and attention. I am extremely greatful to this amazing team! Many Blessings to you!"

Five star ratings
from our patients

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There's a good reason Trevor, Mo, and the rest of the vision correction team get such high Google ratings. Our patients consistently receive great eye care from an outstanding team of professionals who always go the extra mile, but don’t take our word for it! Browse independent reviews from Re:Vision patients on how the laser vision correction experience went for them!

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FOR LASER VISION CORRECTION

Same-Day Sight

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Same-Day Sight is primarily suited for people outside of Auckland, we are offering you an opportunity to fast track your vision correction dream by getting your laser suitability assessment and laser eye surgery done on the same day! Ask our team for availability of the next dates...

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Frequently asked questions

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Still have a questions? Please click the link below to find out more about
Wavefront-Guided LASIK vs SMILE
Frequently asked questions

Our technology for laser eye surgery

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Re:Vision the most advanced and world class technology on offer for our patients. Click the link below to find out more.
Our technology

Our technology for cataract surgery

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Re:Vision the most advanced and world class technology on offer for our patients. Click the link below to find out more.
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If you would like to know more about the cost of a cataract procedure, please ask the team on 0800 55 2020 or email Reception@re.vision.nz

Free downloadable resources

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Start your journey to visual freedom

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Re:Vision Sight Correction Centre is certified by the DAA Group Ltd, our personalised quality of patient care meets regulatory standards. But we quietly and confidently know that our care exceeds our patients expectations, see for yourself on Google Reviews:

See all reviews about RevisionSee all reviews about Revision
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Address

Re:Vision Sight Correction Centre
6c Pacific Rise
Mt Wellington
Auckland 1060

PO Box

PO Box 132337
Sylvia Park
Auckland
1644

Contact

Phone 09 222 2020
Freephone 0800 55 20 20
Fax 09 222 2021
Email

Start your journey to visual freedom

:

Re:Vision Laser & Cataract is certified by the DAA Group Ltd, our personalised quality of patient care meets regulatory standards. But we quietly and confidently know that our care exceeds our patients expectations, see for yourself on Google Reviews:

See all reviews about RevisionSee all reviews about Revision
daa group logo
Address

Re:Vision Sight Correction Centre
6c Pacific Rise
Mt Wellington
Auckland 1060

PO Box

PO Box 132337
Sylvia Park
Auckland
1644

Contact

Phone 09 222 2020
Freephone 0800 55 20 20
Fax 09 222 2021
Email