While LASIK is a popular choice for vision correction, not every patient is an ideal candidate for traditional LASIK. If you’ve been told that your cornea is too thin or if you have an active lifestyle where corneal flaps pose a risk, Epi-LASIK (also known as Touch-Free LASIK) could be the perfect alternative for you.
Let’s explore what Epi-LASIK is, how it differs from other LASIK procedures, and who can benefit from it.
Epi-LASIK (Epithelial LASIK) is a flapless laser eye surgery technique designed for patients who are not suitable for standard LASIK due to thin corneas or certain corneal surface irregularities.
Unlike conventional LASIK, where a flap is created in the corneal tissue, Epi-LASIK only removes the thin epithelial layer (outermost layer of the cornea), preserving the structural integrity of the cornea.
This procedure is also referred to as Touch-Free LASIK because of its no-blade, no-flap approach, offering a completely surface-based laser correction.
Feature | LASIK | Epi-LASIK (Touch-Free LASIK) | PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) |
---|---|---|---|
Flap Creation | Yes (with blade or laser) | No flap, only epithelial removal | No flap, epithelium removed chemically or mechanically |
Suitability for Thin Corneas | Limited | Excellent | Excellent |
Structural Corneal Integrity | Slightly compromised by flap | Fully preserved | Fully preserved |
Pain/Discomfort | Minimal | Mild to moderate (for 2-3 days) | Moderate (for 3-4 days) |
Recovery Time | 1-2 days | 3-5 days for vision stabilization | 5-7 days for vision stabilization |
Risk of Flap Displacement | Yes | None | None |
Dry Eye Symptoms | Common | Lesser than LASIK | Lesser than LASIK |
Aspect | Epi-LASIK (Touch-Free) | SMILE | Contoura Vision LASIK |
---|---|---|---|
Flap Creation | No | Small Incision (No flap) | Flap (Femtosecond Laser) |
Ideal for Thin Corneas | Yes | Limited | Limited |
Recovery Time | 3-5 days | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
Pain/Discomfort | Mild to moderate (2-3 days) | Minimal | Minimal |
Dry Eye Risk | Low | Very Low | Moderate |
Surface Irregularity Correction | Moderate | No | Excellent |
Epi-LASIK, or Touch-Free LASIK, is a safe, reliable, and effective alternative to traditional LASIK, especially for patients with thinner corneas or active lifestyles. While the recovery is slightly longer, the benefits of no flap, no blade, and full corneal integrity preservation make it a fantastic choice for many.
If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, LASIK surgery might be the vision correction solution you’ve been waiting for. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most popular and effective procedures to correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
However, LASIK isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” surgery. Over the years, various advanced LASIK techniques have emerged, each offering unique advantages. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of LASIK, how they compare, and which one might be suitable for you.
LASIK is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea—the transparent front part of your eye—to improve how light focuses on the retina. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for spectacles or contact lenses.
Procedure: A microkeratome blade creates a thin corneal flap, which is lifted to allow an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.
Procedure: Uses a femtosecond laser instead of a blade to create the corneal flap, followed by excimer laser reshaping.
Procedure: Uses a wavefront device to create a detailed map of the eye’s optical system, correcting higher-order aberrations (HOAs) that glasses or standard LASIK can’t fix.
Procedure: Uses detailed corneal topography to customize the laser ablation pattern, addressing both refractive errors and irregularities on the corneal surface.
Procedure: A femtosecond laser is used to create a thin lenticule inside the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision—no flap is created.
Type | Blade/Flap | Customization | Best For | Recovery Time | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Standard LASIK | Blade | No | General vision correction | 1-2 days | ₹₹ (Affordable) |
Femtosecond (Blade-Free) LASIK | Femtosecond Laser | No | Thinner corneas, safer flap creation | 1-2 days | ₹₹₹ |
Custom LASIK (Wavefront) | Femtosecond/Blade | Wavefront-guided | High visual demands, night glare | 1-2 days | ₹₹₹₹ |
Contoura Vision LASIK | Femtosecond Laser | Topography-guided | Corneal irregularities, high precision | 1-2 days | ₹₹₹₹₹ |
SMILE | Flapless | No | Myopia/astigmatism, dry eyes | 1-2 days (faster nerve healing) | ₹₹₹₹ |
The ideal type of LASIK depends on several factors:
LASIK has evolved tremendously over the past two decades, offering safe, precise, and highly customizable solutions for vision correction. Whether you choose Standard LASIK, Blade-Free LASIK, Custom LASIK, Contoura Vision, or SMILE, the key is to consult an experienced ophthalmologist who can assess your eyes and recommend the best option for you.
At Vision & Beyond, we offer comprehensive LASIK evaluations using the latest diagnostic technology to ensure you get a tailored solution for your lifestyle and visual needs.
Are you over 40 and struggling to read your mobile or newspaper without glasses? You’re not alone. Presbyopia, the age-related loss of near focusing power, affects almost everyone after their 40s. If you want to reduce your dependency on reading glasses without going in for multifocal lenses or lens replacement surgery, Monovision LASIK might be the perfect solution for you.
Monovision LASIK is a time-tested, non-invasive laser vision correction technique that helps you see clearly at both distance and near—by treating each eye differently.
Monovision LASIK is a specialized form of LASIK surgery where:
The brain learns to use each eye for its strength, allowing you to perform daily tasks like driving, reading, and mobile phone use without needing bifocals or reading glasses.
You might be a suitable candidate if:
No need to constantly put on or remove reading glasses for near tasks.
A blade-free LASIK procedure, performed in just a few minutes per eye.
Recovery within 1-2 days.
The degree of monovision can be customized to your visual demands.
Monovision trials with contact lenses before surgery help fine-tune the treatment.
A simpler and more economical alternative to multifocal IOL surgery or PRESBYOND LASIK.
Since it’s a corneal laser procedure, no foreign body is left inside the eye.
Feature | Monovision LASIK | PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision |
---|---|---|
Treatment Principle | One eye for distance, one for near | Both eyes contribute to distance & near |
Intermediate Vision | May be slightly compromised | Enhanced depth of field for intermediate |
Adaptation Difficulty | Moderate (some need time to adjust) | Easier adaptation due to smoother blend |
Procedure Complexity | Simple LASIK | Customized wavefront-guided LASIK |
Cost | More economical | Slightly higher due to customization |
At Vision & Beyond, we offer:
Monovision LASIK is a simple yet effective way to achieve spectacle independence after 40. While it’s not for everyone, with proper pre-surgical evaluation and adaptation support, it can provide a cost-effective, minimally invasive solution to reading vision problems.
Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, SMILE, or surface ablation surgeries like PRK. Patients with very high refractive errors, thin corneas, or dry eyes often need an alternative, and that’s where Phakic Intraocular Lenses (ICLs) come into play.
Phakic IOLs, often called Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs), offer a safe, effective, and reversible solution for vision correction. Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, Phakic IOLs are placed inside the eye without removing the natural lens, providing high-definition vision even in extreme prescriptions.
Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses implanted in front of the natural crystalline lens, but behind or in front of the iris, to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The term “phakic” indicates that the eye’s natural lens is left intact, unlike cataract surgery where the natural lens is removed.
Phakic IOLs function like permanent contact lenses inside your eye:
There are two main types of Phakic IOLs, classified by where they are positioned in the eye:
Feature | Phakic IOLs (ICLs) | LASIK | SMILE |
---|---|---|---|
Corneal Flap Creation | No flap | Yes (20 mm flap) | No flap (small incision) |
Refractive Error Range | High Myopia up to -20D, Astigmatism up to 6D | Moderate to high myopia & astigmatism | Myopia up to -10D with astigmatism |
Ideal for Thin Corneas | Yes | Not suitable | Sometimes suitable |
Dry Eye Risk | Minimal | Moderate to High | Low |
Reversibility | Fully reversible | Permanent corneal reshaping | Permanent corneal reshaping |
Healing Time | 1-2 days | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
Surgical Invasiveness | Intraocular (inside the eye) | Surface corneal procedure | Surface corneal procedure |
Being an intraocular procedure, it carries a small risk of:
At Vision & Beyond, we specialize in EVO Visian ICL and Artisan/Artiflex phakic IOL implantation, offering:
Phakic IOLs (ICLs) provide a safe, effective, and life-changing solution for patients who are not candidates for corneal laser surgeries. With advancements like EVO ICL with central flow technology, Phakic IOLs are now safer and more efficient than ever, offering sharp, high-definition vision with minimal risk and reversibility.
Are you in your 40s or 50s and tired of juggling between reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses? Presbyopia — the age-related loss of near focusing ability — affects everyone as they age. While monovision LASIK and multifocal IOLs are popular options, PRESBYLASIK offers a more advanced, customized laser solution to restore your ability to see at all distances without glasses.
PRESBYLASIK is a sophisticated laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to create multiple focal zones, allowing you to see near, intermediate, and distance clearly, similar to how multifocal contact lenses work—but permanently.
PRESBYLASIK is an advanced refractive laser surgery designed to correct presbyopia, along with any existing myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the corneal surface with a femtosecond excimer laser to create concentric zones of focus, enabling vision at multiple distances.
Unlike monovision LASIK, which makes one eye for distance and the other for near, PRESBYLASIK reshapes each eye to provide a full range of vision—near, intermediate, and far.
PRESBYLASIK uses aspheric ablation profiles to modify the shape of the cornea in a controlled way:
The result is a “multifocal cornea” that allows light from various distances to focus accurately on the retina, providing clear functional vision across all ranges.
There are three main types of PRESBYLASIK ablation profiles:
Aspect | PRESBYLASIK | Monovision LASIK | Multifocal IOLs (Lens Exchange) |
---|---|---|---|
Procedure Type | Corneal multifocal laser reshaping | One eye for distance, one for near | Natural lens is removed, replaced by trifocal IOL |
Invasiveness | Non-invasive corneal laser | Non-invasive corneal laser | Invasive (intraocular lens surgery) |
Binocular Vision | Both eyes work together for all distances | Eyes work separately (distance & near) | Both eyes see at all distances simultaneously |
Depth Perception | Preserved | Slight compromise in depth perception | Preserved |
Adaptation Difficulty | Low to moderate (depends on pupil dynamics) | Moderate (brain adjusts to imbalance) | Moderate (neuroadaptation to multifocal lens) |
Reversibility | Enhancement possible | Enhancement possible | Permanent lens exchange |
Suitable Age Group | 40-55 years | 40-55 years | 50+ years (or early cataracts) |
PRESBYLASIK is a revolutionary laser-based approach for presbyopia correction, offering the convenience of multifocal vision without the need for lens implants or reading glasses. With customized ablation profiles and advanced technology, it can significantly improve your quality of life after 40, giving you freedom from glasses for most daily activities.
As we age, many of us find ourselves holding books at arm’s length or switching between multiple pairs of glasses for reading and distance. This common condition is called Presbyopia, a natural loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. For decades, reading glasses and multifocal lenses were the only solution—until now.
Enter PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision—an innovative, customized laser treatment that can free you from the need for reading glasses while still maintaining sharp distance vision.
PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision is an advanced femtosecond LASIK-based procedure designed to correct presbyopia, combining the best of monovision and wavefront-guided laser ablation to create a seamless range of vision—near, intermediate, and distance.
Unlike traditional monovision LASIK, which simply makes one eye for near and the other for distance, PRESBYOND creates a “blended vision zone” through controlled depth-of-field enhancement, resulting in natural, binocular vision without glasses.
Feature | Traditional Monovision LASIK | PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision |
---|---|---|
Treatment Concept | One eye for near, one eye for distance | Both eyes contribute to blended focus |
Intermediate Vision | Often blurry | Sharp and seamless |
Depth of Field Enhancement | None | Controlled spherical aberration adjustment |
Neuroadaptation Requirement | High | Low (better binocular harmony) |
Patient Comfort | Some may experience imbalance | Natural, comfortable vision |
Aspect | PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision | Multifocal IOLs (RLE/Trifocal IOLs) |
---|---|---|
Procedure Type | Corneal Laser-Based | Intraocular Lens Replacement |
Suitability for Younger Presbyopes | Ideal (40-50 years) | Preferred for older age group (>50 yrs) |
Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Invasive (lens removal surgery) |
Reversibility | Yes (can be adjusted or enhanced) | Lens exchange is permanent |
Risk of Halos/Glare | Minimal | Possible in low-light conditions |
Visual Outcome | Natural binocular depth-of-field | Good range of focus, but adaptation required |
PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision is the most advanced laser solution for presbyopia, offering a seamless range of vision without the discomforts of monovision or the invasiveness of lens exchange surgeries. If you’re over 40 and tired of juggling multiple glasses, PRESBYOND can give you freedom from reading glasses and sharp distance vision—all in one go.
Long before LASIK became a household name, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the first successful laser eye surgery to correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. While newer procedures like LASIK and SMILE have gained popularity, PRK remains a gold-standard choice for specific cases where flap-based surgeries are not advisable.
If you’ve been told you’re not suitable for LASIK due to thin corneas, PRK could be the safest and most effective alternative for you.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a surface-based laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems. Unlike LASIK, where a flap is created in the cornea, PRK removes only the outermost epithelial layer, reshapes the underlying tissue using an excimer laser, and allows the epithelium to regenerate naturally.
Feature | PRK | LASIK |
---|---|---|
Flap Creation | No | Yes (Blade or Femtosecond Laser) |
Ideal For Thin Corneas | Yes | Limited |
Structural Corneal Integrity | Fully preserved | Slightly compromised due to flap |
Pain/Discomfort | Mild to moderate (for 3-4 days) | Minimal |
Visual Recovery | Slower (5-7 days for functional vision) | Faster (1-2 days) |
Risk of Flap Complications | None | Present (flap-related risks) |
Dry Eye Risk | Lesser than LASIK | Higher due to nerve disruption |
An advanced version of PRK is TransPRK (Transepithelial PRK), also known as Touch-Free PRK, where:
Aspect | PRK | SMILE | Contoura Vision LASIK |
---|---|---|---|
Flap Creation | None | Small Incision (No flap) | Flap (Femtosecond Laser) |
Epithelial Removal | Yes | No | No |
Ideal for Thin Corneas | Yes | Limited | Limited |
Recovery Time | 5-7 days | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
Pain/Discomfort | Mild to moderate (few days) | Minimal | Minimal |
Dry Eye Risk | Lower | Lowest | Moderate |
Surface Irregularity Correction | Moderate | No | Excellent |
While newer procedures like LASIK and SMILE are widely popular, PRK remains a highly effective and safe option, especially for patients with thin corneas or those who wish to avoid flap-related risks. Though it requires a bit more patience during recovery, the visual outcomes of PRK are equally rewarding.
Undergoing refractive surgery—be it LASIK, SMILE, PRK, ICL, PRESBYLASIK, or other vision correction procedures—can be life-changing, freeing you from glasses and contact lenses. However, the success of your surgery doesn’t end when you leave the operation theatre; how well you heal and follow post-operative instructions is crucial to achieving optimal results.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the recovery process, common post-op experiences, and essential do’s & don’ts after refractive surgery to ensure a smooth, safe, and speedy recovery.
Procedure | Functional Vision Recovery | Complete Healing |
---|---|---|
LASIK / Contoura LASIK | 24-48 hours | 1-2 weeks (flap healing continues for 3-6 months) |
SMILE / SMILE Pro | 24-72 hours | 2-4 weeks |
PRK / Trans-PRK / Epi-LASIK | 5-7 days (after epithelial healing) | 4-6 weeks |
ICL (Phakic IOL) | 1-2 days | 2-4 weeks |
PRESBYLASIK / PRESBYOND | 1-3 days | 2-4 weeks |
Timeline | What to Expect |
---|---|
Day 1-2 | Blurry/fluctuating vision, discomfort, light sensitivity. |
Day 3-7 | Vision starts stabilizing, discomfort subsides. |
Week 2-4 | Most patients achieve 90-95% of their final vision. |
Month 1-3 | Fine-tuning of visual clarity continues. |
Month 3-6 | Final visual outcomes achieved (especially after PRK/ICL). |
Recovery after refractive surgery is a crucial phase that determines the clarity, stability, and longevity of your visual results. By following your surgeon’s instructions and taking necessary precautions, you’ll ensure a safe, smooth healing process with minimal complications.
Remember, the success of your surgery is a team effort—between you and your surgeon.
If you're tired of glasses or contact lenses, LASIK might be the perfect solution for you. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a painless and quick procedure that reshapes your cornea to give you clearer vision.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser eye surgery similar to LASIK but without creating a corneal flap. It’s a safer option for people with thin or irregular corneas.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer, minimally invasive laser procedure ideal for correcting myopia and mild astigmatism.
Choosing between SMILE and LASIK depends on several factors:
Aspect | LASIK | SMILE |
---|---|---|
Flap Creation | Yes | No |
Recovery Time | 24-48 hours | 2-3 days |
Dryness Risk | Slightly higher | Lower |
Suitable For | Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism | Myopia, mild astigmatism |
Consult your eye specialist to decide which suits your eyes and lifestyle better.
Both PRK and TransPRK are surface ablation procedures suitable for patients with thin corneas.
LASIK is one of the safest and most effective surgeries, with a global success rate of over 95%.
Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces risks significantly.
When laser procedures aren’t suitable, lens-based surgeries offer excellent alternatives.
At Vision and Beyond, we are committed to guiding you through your vision correction journey. Refractive surgeries like LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and lens-based solutions offer safe, effective ways to free yourself from glasses and contact lenses.
Every eye is unique, and so is the choice of surgery. Consult with us to find the procedure that’s right for you!
The world of laser vision correction is constantly evolving, and the latest breakthrough is SILK Surgery (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis). SILK takes the advantages of SMILE surgery—minimal invasiveness, flapless precision—and elevates them with ultra-smooth lenticule creation, faster healing, and enhanced visual outcomes.
If you’re looking for the most advanced, gentle, and safe method to get rid of glasses or contact lenses, SILK might just be the perfect fit for you.
SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis) is a next-generation, minimally invasive laser eye surgery that corrects myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism through a small incision lenticule extraction technique, similar to SMILE, but with significant technological refinements.
Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a large corneal flap, SILK uses a gentle, ultra-fast femtosecond laser to create and remove a tiny lenticule from within the cornea through a micro-incision of just 2 mm.
While both SILK and SMILE are flapless procedures, SILK offers key technological enhancements:
A high-speed femtosecond laser creates a thin, lens-shaped lenticule within the corneal stroma with ultra-smooth precision.
A tiny 2 mm incision is made on the corneal surface.
The surgeon gently removes the lenticule through the micro-incision.
This reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive error.
Since no flap is created, the tiny incision heals on its own within a few days, with minimal discomfort.
Feature | LASIK | SMILE | SILK |
---|---|---|---|
Flap Creation | Yes (20 mm flap) | No flap, 2-3 mm incision | No flap, ultra-smooth 2 mm incision |
Corneal Nerve Preservation | Moderate | Better nerve preservation | Superior nerve preservation |
Dry Eye Risk | Moderate to High | Low | Very Low |
Biomechanical Stability | Compromised (flap weakens structure) | Excellent (flapless) | Excellent (flapless & gentler) |
Lenticule Extraction Smoothness | Not applicable | Good | Ultra-smooth tissue planes |
Recovery Time | 1-2 days | 1-2 days | 24-48 hours (potentially faster) |
Precision of Correction | High (with wavefront/topography) | High | Ultra-precise centration and cutting |
Aspect | SMILE PRO | SILK Surgery |
---|---|---|
Laser Frequency | Up to 2 MHz | Ultra-fast, ultra-low energy pulses |
Incision Size | ~2-3 mm | As small as 2 mm |
Tissue Plane Smoothness | High | Superior (enhanced tissue interaction) |
Recovery Time | 1-2 days | Potentially faster due to smoother cuts |
Precision and Centration | Excellent | Enhanced (newer centration algorithms) |
You are likely a good candidate if:
At Vision & Beyond, we’re proud to be among the early adopters of SILK technology, offering:
SILK Surgery represents the future of laser vision correction—a gentle, flapless, ultra-precise procedure designed to provide crystal-clear vision with minimal downtime and maximum safety. If you’re looking for a bladeless, touch-free, and cutting-edge solution, SILK could be your gateway to a glasses-free life.
In the ever-evolving world of laser eye surgeries, SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and its latest advancement, SMILE PRO, are redefining how vision correction is performed. Unlike traditional LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap, SMILE and SMILE PRO are flapless, minimally invasive procedures, offering faster healing, reduced dry eye symptoms, and unparalleled precision.
If you’re considering getting rid of your glasses or contact lenses, SMILE or SMILE PRO might be the ideal solution—especially if you are looking for a safe, no-flap, next-generation technique.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure that treats myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea—without creating a flap.
The procedure involves:
SMILE PRO is the latest evolution of SMILE surgery, utilizing advanced Femtosecond laser technology with faster pulse rates (up to 2 MHz), improved precision, and enhanced patient comfort.
Key Improvements with SMILE PRO:
A highly precise Femtosecond laser creates a lenticule within the corneal stroma, along with a tiny incision at the surface.
The surgeon removes the lenticule through the micro-incision, reshaping the cornea to correct vision.
Since no flap is created, the incision heals naturally within a few days without sutures.
Feature | SMILE/SMILE PRO | LASIK |
---|---|---|
Flap Creation | No flap (small 2-3 mm incision) | Yes (20 mm flap with blade/laser) |
Corneal Nerve Damage | Minimal | Significant |
Dry Eye Risk | Very Low | Moderate to High |
Structural Corneal Stability | Excellent (flapless) | Slightly compromised due to flap |
Discomfort Post-Surgery | Mild dryness/foreign body sensation | Minimal discomfort |
Recovery Time | Functional vision in 1-2 days | Functional vision in 1-2 days |
Sports & Active Lifestyle | Safer (no flap displacement risk) | Caution needed for contact sports |
Aspect | SMILE | SMILE PRO |
---|---|---|
Laser Pulse Frequency | 500 kHz | Up to 2 MHz (4x faster) |
Laser Treatment Time | ~25-30 seconds per eye | ~7-10 seconds per eye |
Patient Comfort | High | Enhanced comfort (shorter suction time) |
Precision & Centration | Excellent | Even more precise lenticule centration |
Visual Recovery | 1-2 days | Slightly faster visual clarity post-op |
Technological Edge | Highly advanced | Next-Gen technology with smoother cuts |
Aspect | SMILE/SMILE PRO | Contoura Vision LASIK | TransPRK |
---|---|---|---|
Flap Creation | No (small incision) | Yes (20 mm femtosecond flap) | No (surface ablation) |
Higher Order Aberration Correction | Not targeted | Specifically corrected | Partial correction |
Dry Eye Risk | Very Low | Moderate | Low |
Healing Time | 1-2 days | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
Corneal Strength Preservation | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
At Vision & Beyond, we offer the latest SMILE & SMILE PRO technology with:
If you’re looking for a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to LASIK, SMILE and SMILE PRO surgeries offer the latest advancements in laser vision correction. With quicker recovery, reduced dry eye symptoms, and no risk of flap complications, SMILE procedures are fast becoming the preferred choice for patients who demand precision and safety.
In today’s world, vision problems are common, with millions relying on spectacles or contact lenses for daily activities. Fortunately, advancements in eye surgery have made it possible for individuals to achieve better vision without the need for these corrective aids. Refractive surgeries offer a safe, efficient, and long-lasting solution to reduce or eliminate dependence on spectacles. Let’s explore what refractive surgeries are, their various types, and the advantages of being spectacle-free.
Refractive surgery refers to any procedure aimed at correcting refractive errors in the eye, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. These errors are caused by imperfections in the shape of the cornea or lens, which prevent light from focusing correctly on the retina. Refractive surgeries reshape the cornea or replace the eye’s natural lens to enhance vision clarity.
LASIK is the most popular refractive surgery, known for its precision, effectiveness, and short recovery time. It involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, lifting it, and using an excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue. Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is repositioned, and the eye heals naturally without the need for stitches.
PRK was the precursor to LASIK and remains a great alternative for those with thin corneas or specific conditions that make LASIK unsuitable. In PRK, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed entirely before the corneal tissue is reshaped using a laser. The epithelium regenerates naturally over several days.
SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure designed primarily to correct myopia and, to a lesser extent, astigmatism. During the surgery, the surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue within the cornea. This tissue, called a lenticule, is then removed through a small incision, allowing the cornea to reshape.
Unlike LASIK or PRK, ICL surgery doesn’t reshape the cornea. Instead, a small, biocompatible lens is implanted between the iris and the eye’s natural lens to correct vision. The ICL works like a permanent contact lens and can be removed or replaced if necessary.
RLE, also called lens replacement surgery, involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), similar to cataract surgery. This option is typically chosen by older patients with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) or extreme refractive errors.
Now that you understand the types of refractive surgeries available, let’s explore the advantages of living without spectacles.
One of the most significant benefits of refractive surgery is the freedom it brings. No longer needing to wear glasses or contact lenses means you can engage in activities like swimming, sports, or even waking up without the hassle of searching for your spectacles. You won’t have to worry about losing or breaking glasses, or dealing with the discomfort of contact lenses.
For many, the cosmetic benefits of being spectacle-free are a driving factor. Some people feel that glasses detract from their appearance or don’t match their style. Without spectacles, your face is more visible, and you won’t need to hide behind frames. This can boost confidence, especially in social or professional settings.
Even with the best lenses, glasses and contacts can sometimes provide suboptimal vision, particularly in challenging conditions like rain, fog, or dim lighting. After refractive surgery, many patients report clearer, sharper vision without the distractions of smudged lenses or glare from the frames.
Although the initial cost of refractive surgery may seem high, it’s essential to consider the long-term savings. Over the years, the cost of new glasses, contact lenses, solutions, and routine eye exams can add up significantly. Refractive surgery is a one-time expense that can reduce or eliminate these ongoing costs.
Contact lens wearers know the daily discomfort that can arise from prolonged use, including dry eyes, irritation, and the risk of infection. Glasses can also cause discomfort, especially if they slip, feel too heavy, or pinch your nose and ears. Refractive surgery eliminates these concerns, providing a more comfortable and natural vision experience.
Whether you’re a professional athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who enjoys outdoor activities, being free from glasses and contact lenses can significantly enhance your performance. Without the worry of glasses falling off or lenses drying out during physical activities, you can focus entirely on the task at hand.
While refractive surgeries offer numerous advantages, they aren’t suitable for everyone. The best candidates are adults over 18 with stable vision, good overall eye health, and no underlying conditions like keratoconus or severe dry eyes. A thorough consultation with an ophthalmologist will help determine if you’re a suitable candidate for surgery.
Refractive surgery is also an investment in your future vision, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons and consult with an expert to choose the best option for your specific condition.
Refractive surgeries have transformed the lives of millions by offering clear, unaided vision, allowing individuals to lead more active and hassle-free lives. With various surgical options available—each tailored to different needs—achieving spectacle-free vision is more accessible than ever before. Whether it’s for comfort, aesthetics, or freedom from glasses, refractive surgery offers a wide array of benefits that can improve your quality of life.
Laser vision correction has come a long way from its early days. While LASIK is the most commonly known procedure, not everyone is an ideal candidate for it—especially those with thin corneas or active lifestyles. Enter TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy), also known as Touch-Free LASIK — a completely bladeless, flapless, and no-touch laser procedure designed to deliver precise vision correction while preserving the natural integrity of your eye.
In this blog, we’ll explain what TransPRK is, how it’s performed, its advantages over LASIK and PRK, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
TransPRK (Transepithelial PRK) is the latest generation of surface ablation laser eye surgery, where both the epithelial removal and corneal reshaping are done by a laser—completely touch-free. It is an evolution of PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), but far more advanced, safer, and more comfortable.
Unlike traditional LASIK, where a corneal flap is created, TransPRK involves no flap, no blade, and no manual intervention. The procedure is entirely laser-driven and done in a single step.
A smart excimer laser gently removes the thin epithelial layer of the cornea with extreme precision. This is done without alcohol, blades, or mechanical instruments.
In the same session, the excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal stroma to correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism).
A bandage contact lens is placed to protect the eye while the epithelium regenerates naturally over the next few days. Recovery is smoother compared to traditional PRK.
Feature | LASIK | PRK | TransPRK (Touch-Free LASIK) |
---|---|---|---|
Flap Creation | Yes (Blade or Femtosecond Laser) | No | No |
Epithelial Removal | Not applicable (flap-based) | Manual scraping or alcohol-assisted | Laser-based (no-touch) |
Suitability for Thin Corneas | Limited | Excellent | Excellent |
Risk of Flap Complications | Present | None | None |
Pain/Discomfort (Initial Days) | Minimal | Mild to moderate (3-4 days) | Mild (lesser than PRK) |
Healing Time | 1-2 days | 5-7 days | 3-5 days |
Dry Eye Risk | Moderate to high | Low | Very Low |
Surgical Touch | Manual flap creation | Manual epithelial removal | Fully Touch-Free (Bladeless, Flapless) |
No mechanical instruments, blades, or alcohol touch your eye. Entire process is handled by a computer-controlled laser, enhancing safety and precision.
Ideal for patients with borderline or thin corneas, where LASIK isn’t advisable.
No flap creation means natural corneal strength is preserved, reducing long-term risks.
Best suited for athletes, military personnel, or individuals in high-impact activities.
Corneal nerves are less affected, leading to reduced dry eye symptoms post-surgery.
Advanced laser algorithms and medications like Mitomycin-C significantly reduce post-op haze.
Aspect | TransPRK | Epi-LASIK | PRK |
---|---|---|---|
Epithelial Removal | Laser-based (Touch-Free) | Mechanical separation | Alcohol-assisted/manual scrape |
Flap Creation | None | None | None |
Discomfort Level | Mild (better than PRK/Epi) | Mild to moderate | Moderate |
Healing Time | 3-5 days | 4-6 days | 5-7 days |
Precision of Treatment | Highest (single-step laser) | High | High |
Corneal Strength Preservation | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
At Vision & Beyond, we’re proud to offer the latest Touch-Free TransPRK technology for patients who need a safe, reliable, and blade-free alternative to LASIK. With:
We ensure you receive the best visual outcomes with maximum safety and comfort.
TransPRK (Touch-Free LASIK) represents the future of blade-free, flapless laser vision correction. It’s especially beneficial for individuals with thin corneas, active lifestyles, or anyone looking for the safest, least invasive laser eye surgery option.
While recovery is slightly longer than LASIK, the precision, safety, and long-term corneal integrity preservation make TransPRK a highly reliable procedure.
If you’re considering LASIK to get rid of glasses or contact lenses, you’ve probably come across the term Contoura Vision LASIK. Touted as the most advanced LASIK technology available today, Contoura Vision combines the precision of Femtosecond (FS) Blade-Free LASIK with highly detailed, customized corneal mapping to deliver superior visual outcomes.
But what exactly is Contoura Vision? How is it different from other LASIK procedures? And who can benefit from it the most?
Let’s dive into the world of Customized FS LASIK – Contoura Vision and understand why it’s often called the next-generation LASIK.
Contoura Vision is an advanced form of topography-guided LASIK surgery that not only corrects your glasses number but also treats irregularities on the surface of the cornea.
Unlike standard LASIK, which corrects spherical (myopia/hyperopia) and cylindrical (astigmatism) power, Contoura Vision goes a step further by:
Feature | Standard LASIK | Contoura Vision LASIK |
---|---|---|
Corneal Mapping | Generalised mapping | Topography-guided mapping of 22,000 corneal points |
Correction of Glasses Power | Yes | Yes |
Correction of Corneal Irregularities | No | Yes |
Visual Quality Improvement | Corrects refractive error | Corrects refractive error + improves visual quality |
Technology Used | Blade/Femtosecond + Excimer Laser | Femtosecond Laser + Excimer Laser + Topolyzer™ |
Night Vision (Glare, Halos) | May persist in some patients | Significantly reduced due to surface regularization |
While Contoura Vision is a breakthrough, it’s important to know:
Aspect | Contoura Vision LASIK | SMILE | Custom (Wavefront) LASIK |
---|---|---|---|
Flap Creation | Femtosecond Blade-Free | Flapless (small incision) | Blade-Free or Bladeless |
Surface Irregularity Correction | Yes | No | Partially |
Night Glare/Halos | Significantly Reduced | Minimal | Reduced |
Dry Eye Risk | Moderate | Lower | Moderate |
Ideal For | Perfectionists, irregular corneas | Active lifestyles, dry eyes | General visual quality improvement |
At Vision & Beyond, we believe that every eye is unique and deserves a personalized vision correction solution. With state-of-the-art equipment, precise diagnostic tools, and experienced surgeons, we ensure:
If you’re looking for the sharpest, clearest vision possible—beyond just removing your glasses power—Contoura Vision LASIK is the gold standard. It’s the most personalized LASIK procedure available today, offering exceptional visual clarity and quality of life improvements.
If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK or SMILE due to high refractive errors, thin corneas, or dry eyes, there’s an advanced alternative that can still help you get rid of your glasses or contact lenses — ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery.
Often called the “Implantable Contact Lens”, ICL is a safe, effective, and reversible option for vision correction that provides high-definition clarity without reshaping your cornea.
An ICL is a soft, flexible lens implanted inside your eye, between the iris and the natural crystalline lens. Unlike cataract surgery where the natural lens is removed, ICL surgery preserves your natural lens while adding an extra lens inside the eye to correct refractive errors.
The ICL is made of Collamer, a biocompatible material that contains collagen, making it highly compatible with the human eye and providing UV protection.
Feature | ICL (EVO Visian) | LASIK | SMILE |
---|---|---|---|
Procedure Type | Intraocular lens implantation | Corneal reshaping with flap | Corneal reshaping without flap |
Refractive Error Range | Myopia up to -20D, Astigmatism up to 6D | Myopia & Astigmatism up to -10D | Myopia up to -10D with Astigmatism |
Ideal for Thin Corneas | Yes | No | Sometimes |
Dry Eye Risk | Minimal | Moderate to High | Low |
Reversibility | Yes | No | No |
Recovery Time | 1-2 days | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
For patients seeking a permanent, reversible, and high-definition vision correction solution, ICL lenses offer unmatched clarity and safety, especially in high refractive errors or corneal conditions where laser procedures are not suitable.
With modern advancements like the EVO Visian ICL with Central Flow, this procedure is now safer, faster, and more comfortable than ever before.