If you’ve been dreaming of a life without glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery is the way forward. But with advanced options like SMILE Pro and LASIK, many patients wonder which is better. Understanding the difference between SMILE and LASIK helps you make an informed decision for your vision health.
At Thind Eye Hospital, Jalandhar, under the leadership of Dr. Jaswant Singh Thind, one of India’s most experienced refractive surgeons, both procedures are performed using world-class laser technology. Whether you’re considering SMILE Pro or LASIK, the hospital ensures precision, safety, and lasting clarity for every patient.

What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most popular and time-tested laser eye surgery for correcting refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
How LASIK Works:
- A thin flap is created on the cornea using a femtosecond laser.
- The underlying corneal tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser.
- The flap is repositioned, allowing the cornea to correct light focus on the retina.
LASIK is quick, safe, and delivers excellent results; most patients achieve 20/20 vision within 24 hours.
What is SMILE Pro Surgery?
SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Pro) is a next-generation vision correction procedure that offers similar results to LASIK but with a gentler, flapless approach.
How SMILE Pro Works:
- A femtosecond laser creates a small disc (lenticule) within the cornea.
- The lenticule is removed through a 2 mm incision, no flap, no blade.
- The cornea reshapes itself naturally for vision correction.
SMILE Pro is a highly advanced and minimally invasive laser procedure ideal for people with active lifestyles or thin corneas.
SMILE Pro vs LASIK: A Detailed Comparison
Parameter | SMILE Pro Surgery | LASIK Surgery |
Technique | Flapless laser procedure | Flap-based laser correction |
Incision Size | ~2 mm | ~20 mm flap |
Dry Eye Risk | Very low | Moderate |
Recovery Time | 24–48 hours | 24–48 hours |
Pain/Discomfort | Minimal | Mild |
Ideal For | Active individuals, thin corneas | Most vision correction patients |
Technology Used | Femtosecond laser only | Femtosecond + excimer laser |
Visual Outcome | 20/20 or better | 20/20 or better |
Corneal Strength | Maintained (no flap) | Slightly reduced due to the flap |
Availability in Jalandhar | Thind Eye Hospital | Thind Eye Hospital |
Both procedures deliver excellent vision outcomes. However, the SMILE Pro vs LASIK decision depends on your eye condition, corneal shape, lifestyle, and preferences.
Key Difference Between SMILE and LASIK
- Flap Creation:
- LASIK involves creating a corneal flap.
- SMILE Pro is flapless, making it safer for those with thin corneas or dry eyes.
- SMILE Pro is flapless, making it safer for those with thin corneas or dry eyes.
- Flap Creation:
- Comfort & Healing:
- SMILE Pro patients often experience faster healing and less discomfort.
- LASIK recovery is equally quick, but initial dryness may occur.
- LASIK recovery is equally quick, but initial dryness may occur.
- Comfort & Healing:
- Corneal Stability:
- SMILE Pro preserves corneal biomechanics due to its smaller incision.
- LASIK slightly reduces corneal strength because of flap creation.
- LASIK slightly reduces corneal strength because of flap creation.
- Corneal Stability:
- Post-Surgery Safety:
- SMILE Pro is preferred for athletes and those exposed to physical impact or dusty environments.
- LASIK remains ideal for general refractive correction needs.
- LASIK remains ideal for general refractive correction needs.
- Post-Surgery Safety:
- Technology:
- SMILE Pro uses one femtosecond laser for the entire process.
- LASIK uses both femtosecond and excimer lasers.
- LASIK uses both femtosecond and excimer lasers.
- Technology:
Which is Better: LASIK or SMILE Pro?
Both are excellent, but your suitability depends on specific factors.
Choose LASIK if:
- You have a stable prescription and a healthy cornea.
- You prefer a time-tested, globally trusted laser correction method.
- You prefer a time-tested, globally trusted laser correction method.
Choose SMILE Pro if:
- You want a flapless, minimally invasive treatment.
- You have mild to moderate myopia or thin corneas.
- You lead an active or outdoor lifestyle.
- You lead an active or outdoor lifestyle.
At Thind Eye Hospital, our team conducts a comprehensive pre-surgery evaluation to recommend the best vision correction option in Jalandhar for your eyes.
Why Thind Eye Hospital is the Leader in Laser Vision Correction
- First in North India to introduce LASIK (1998).
- Among the first in India to adopt blade-free LASIK (2007) and SMILE technology.
- Home to Dr. Jaswant Singh Thind, one of India’s most experienced LASIK and SMILE surgeons.
- NABH-accredited, multi-super specialty hospital with world-class technology.
- Equipped with Schwind Amaris 750S and Zeiss VisuMax lasers for unmatched precision.
- Thousands of successful LASIK and SMILE surgeries performed for patients from Punjab, India, and overseas.
For additional reading on laser vision safety and technology, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
The Future of Vision Correction in Jalandhar
SMILE Pro represents the latest evolution in refractive surgery, safer, faster, and more comfortable. While LASIK remains a gold standard globally, SMILE Pro is emerging as the future of advanced vision correction in Jalandhar and across India.
At Thind Eye Hospital, you get access to both, so your surgeon can tailor the treatment best suited for your eyes.
Conclusion
The SMILE Pro vs LASIK debate isn’t about which is universally better; it’s about which is better for you. Both deliver life-changing results when performed by experienced surgeons using modern technology.
At Thind Eye Hospital, Jalandhar’s trusted name in eye care, patients benefit from decades of experience, international-grade facilities, and the expertise of Dr. Jaswant Singh Thind, a pioneer in both LASIK and SMILE Pro surgeries.
If you’re ready to experience freedom from glasses, book your eye evaluation today and discover which laser treatment will give you the clearest vision possible.
FAQs on SMILE Pro vs LASIK
The main difference lies in the surgical technique: LASIK involves creating a flap on the cornea, while SMILE Pro is flapless with a tiny 2 mm incision.
Both are safe when performed by skilled surgeons. However, SMILE Pro is considered slightly safer for people with thin corneas or active lifestyles due to its flapless nature.
Both achieve 20/20 vision or better in most cases. The choice depends on your individual eye anatomy and lifestyle preferences.
Yes. Thind Eye Hospital offers SMILE Pro surgery in Jalandhar, using the latest Zeiss VisuMax laser under the guidance of Dr. Jaswant Singh Thind.
SMILE Pro is slightly costlier due to newer technology, but both are highly cost-effective considering their long-term benefits and safety.
A detailed pre-surgery evaluation at Thind Eye Hospital will determine whether LASIK or SMILE suits your eyes best. The team ensures customized care for every patient.