Is Smile Pro Eye Surgery Better Than Contoura?

When it comes to refractive eye surgery options, SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and Contoura Vision are two leading techniques that have garnered attention worldwide. Both procedures offer a gateway to a life less reliant on glasses or contact lenses, promising improved vision quality. However, the comparative advantages and potential drawbacks between SMILE and Contoura Vision often spark debate among prospective patients and medical practitioners. This document aims to delve into the details of these two techniques, comparing their efficacy, safety profiles, and suitability for different visual impairments, providing some clarity in the decision-making process.

Smile Pro — No Pain More Gain

What is SMILE Pro eye surgery?

SMILE Pro eye surgery, also known as SMILE Advanced, is a newer and innovative refractive procedure that utilizes laser technology to correct vision impairments. Developed by Carl Zeiss Meditec, this technique involves the use of a femtosecond laser to create a small lens-shaped piece of tissue within the cornea called a lenticule. The surgeon then removes this lenticule through a small incision, reshaping the cornea and correcting the refractive error.

Advantages of SMILE Pro Eye Surgery

1. Minimally invasive: The procedure involves a small incision which reduces the recovery time and lessens the discomfort post-surgery.
2. Less risk of dry eyes: As SMILE does not create a large flap on the cornea (like in LASIK), it leaves more of the cornea’s surface untouched, reducing the chances of dry eyes.
3. High precision: The use of modern femtosecond laser technology enhances precision and accuracy in correcting vision impairments.

Disadvantages of SMILE Pro Eye Surgery

1. Not for all prescriptions: SMILE Pro is not yet approved for the correction of long-sightedness or astigmatism, limiting its suitability.
2. Potential for minor side effects: Some patients may experience minor side effects post-surgery, such as glare, halos, or starbursts.
3. Relatively new procedure: As a newer technique, long-term outcomes and potential complications of SMILE are not as extensively studied as older procedures like LASIK.

What is Contoura Vision?

Contoura Vision, also known as topography-guided LASIK, is a type of laser eye surgery that uses advanced 3D mapping technology to create a personalized treatment plan for each individual patient. The map created by the topographer records the unique characteristics of the patient’s cornea, including any irregularities or imperfections. This information is then used to guide the excimer laser in reshaping the cornea and correcting vision.

Advantages of Contoura Vision

1. More precise than traditional LASIK: Contoura Vision, with its topography-guided mapping, offers a higher degree of precision than traditional LASIK.
2. Can treat higher degrees of astigmatism than SMILE Pro: One significant advantage of Contoura Vision is its ability to correct higher degrees of astigmatism, something that SMILE Pro cannot, making it a suitable option for patients with this specific visual impairment.

Disadvantages of Contoura Vision

1. Slower visual recovery than SMILE Pro: After undergoing Contoura Vision surgery, patients might experience slower visual recovery compared to those who choose SMILE Pro.
2. May cause dry eye symptoms in some patients: Contoura Vision surgery involves creating a corneal flap, which could potentially cause dry eye symptoms in some patients.

How do SMILE and Contoura Vision compare?

Both SMILE and Contoura Vision have shown high success rates in correcting visual impairments and improving vision quality. However, there are some key differences between the two procedures that may make one more suitable for a particular patient than the other.

Efficacy:

Studies have shown that both SMILE and Contoura Vision have high efficacy rates in correcting myopia and astigmatism. However, Contoura Vision has been shown to provide better visual outcomes in patients with higher degrees of astigmatism.

Safety:

SMILE and Contoura Vision are both considered safe procedures with a low risk of complications. However, because SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure and does not involve creating a corneal flap like in LASIK, it may have a lower risk of dry eye symptoms post-surgery.

Suitability for different visual impairments:

While both procedures are suitable for correcting myopia and astigmatism, Contoura Vision has also shown promising results in treating irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus. This makes it a viable option for patients who may not be eligible for other laser eye surgeries.

Which one is better?

The question of whether SMILE Pro or Contoura is a better option depends largely on individual factors. Both procedures offer impressive results and a unique set of advantages.

In general, SMILE Pro emerges as an attractive option for patients aiming for the fastest possible visual recovery and those not deterred by the cost of the procedure. Its minimally invasive nature promotes quicker healing, enabling a hastened return to daily activities post-surgery. Yet, if your priority lies in obtaining the finest vision quality, Contoura may be more aligned with your needs.

While the visual recovery might be slightly slower compared to SMILE Pro, the advanced 3D mapping technology used in Contoura facilitates an unprecedented level of personalization that can yield superior visual outcomes. However, this choice should always be made in consultation with your eye care professional, taking into account your specific vision needs, lifestyle, and budget.