The amount of cornea removed during SMILE surgery varies depending on the individual patient and the degree of vision correction needed. However, generally, SMILE removes a smaller amount of corneal tissue compared to LASIK.
Here's a breakdown:
- SMILE: This procedure utilizes a femtosecond laser to create a small, lenticule-shaped flap within the cornea. This lenticule is then extracted through a tiny incision. The amount of corneal tissue removed is typically less than 25 microns.
- LASIK: This procedure involves creating a larger flap on the surface of the cornea. The flap is then lifted, and the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using an excimer laser. The amount of corneal tissue removed can vary depending on the degree of vision correction needed, but it's generally more than SMILE.
Factors influencing the amount of corneal tissue removed:
- Prescription: The higher the prescription, the more corneal tissue needs to be removed.
- Corneal thickness: A thinner cornea requires less tissue removal.
- Individual anatomy: The shape and size of the cornea can influence the amount of tissue removed.
Remember: The amount of corneal tissue removed during SMILE is carefully calculated by the surgeon to ensure the best possible vision correction while maintaining corneal structural integrity.
