If you’re looking into getting a refractive eye surgery, there are many options and alternatives that you can consider. There are different types of LASIK in Singapore. Every single one of them has its own benefits and drawbacks, and pros and cons. Which one do you think will suit you best? In this article we will do a comparison between LASIK, ReLEx® SMILE and ICL.
LASIK
Perhaps one of the most famous procedures in the world of laser vision correction procedures is LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK is a type of vision correction surgery that uses a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser. The femtosecond laser is used to create a cornea flap and the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. At the end of the procedure, the surgeon will reposition the cornea flap to its original place.
LASIK recovery takes around 1-3 days. After this period, LASIK patients can resume to most of their regular routines, except exercise. It will take about 1-3 months to go back to full and normal routines, especially if the routines include doing active sports and heavy physical activities. LASIK’s downtime is relatively faster compared to other Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) procedures.
ReLEx® SMILE
ReLEx® SMILE is currently the newest technology in the world of refractive eye surgeries. In a ReLEx® SMILE surgery, your eye surgeon will aim to make a lenticule by making a very small incision using a femtosecond laser. A lenticule is this corneal tissue that is shaped like a disc, and the size of this incision is around 2-4mm. The next step is to remove the lenticule and the surgery is complete. That’s it! The vision correction happens through the removal of this lenticule. Even though ReLEx® SMILE offers a short recovery time and a flapless solution, the downside is that ReLEx® SMILE is not really suitable to correct farsightedness. For now ReLEx® SMILE can be used to treat myopia and astigmatism. If you are interested to do ReLEx® SMILE surgery in Singapore,be sure to check out for reviews an testimonials to find the best clinic.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
ICL or Implantable Collamer Lens is not a laser vision correction surgery, but it can be used to treat refractive error as well. The main advantages of ICL is that it can correct a very high myopia, far more than a laser vision correction surgery can do.
However, ICL also carries many long-term risks, such as the implanted lens causing pressure and rubbing to the eyes that leads to glaucoma, and early cataracts. In extreme cases, such as getting hit during a sporting activity, the lens may move and cause further complications to the eye. Compared to the other procedures, ICL is usually the most expensive too.
Final thoughts
There is no specific formula to the best type of refractive eye surgery for certain professions, conditions, or group of people. Every procedure and every person are unique. So, don’t worry about following the trend! Go with what suits your personal situation best. Consult eye surgeons and ask around. Do some good amount of studies before doing one— especially when there are a few available types of LASIK in Singapore!
