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Beyond 20/20: How Laser Eye Surgery Boosts Quality of Life (SMILE vs. FS-LASIK)
Pieter Juanarta1, Susanti Natalya Sirait1,2, R Angga Kartiwa1,2
1Universitas Padjadjaran Facultas Kedokteran, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.
Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 10, 2026
Summary
Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) offers better quality of life improvements than femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK). SMILE patients reported fewer postoperative symptoms and dry eyes, enhancing overall well-being after refractive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Uncorrected refractive errors are a leading cause of global visual impairment.
- Refractive surgeries like FS-LASIK and SMILE correct these errors.
- Surgical success depends on efficacy, stability, predictability, safety, and patient-reported outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare improvements in patient quality of life after SMILE and FS-LASIK procedures.
- To evaluate subjective patient experiences following two common refractive surgeries.
Main Methods:
- An analytical observational study with a prospective design.
- Fifty-seven patients (33 FS-LASIK, 24 SMILE) completed the NEI-RQL 42 questionnaire.
- IDRA ocular surface analyzer examinations were performed.
Main Results:
- The SMILE group reported higher quality of life scores, particularly regarding symptoms.
- Patients undergoing SMILE experienced better overall questionnaire score improvements.
- Greater refractive error was noted in the FS-LASIK group.
Conclusions:
- SMILE demonstrated superior improvement in patient quality of life compared to FS-LASIK.
- SMILE may lead to lower rates of postoperative symptoms and dry eyes.
- Patient-reported outcomes are crucial for assessing refractive surgery success.
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