Beyond 20/20: How Laser Eye Surgery Boosts Quality of Life (SMILE vs. FS-LASIK)

Uncorrected refractive errors are the main cause of visual impairment globally and can be corrected with refractive surgeries, such as femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). The success rate of the procedure is determined by its efficacy, stability, predictability, and safety. Although these parameters are important, they should be accompanied by the patient's subjective report to assess the success of the surgery. Research has shown that SMILE patients have a better quality of life owing to lower rates of postoperative symptoms and dry eyes. This study aimed to compare improvement in patient quality of life after the SMILE and FS-LASIK procedures.

This was an analytical observational study with a prospective design conducted at the PMN Cicendo Eye Hospital. Fifty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria: 33 and 24 patients underwent the FS-LASIK and SMILE procedures, respectively. Samples were collected using a purposive method at a LASIK center. Patients were asked to complete the NEI-RQL 42 questionnaire, and an IDRA ocular surface analyzer examination was carried out at the Aesthetic and Dry Eye Clinic.

Patient characteristics were dominated by male sex, secondary education levels, and students. Significant differences in characteristics were found with greater refractive error in the FS-LASIK group. A comparison of questionnaire score improvements revealed higher scores in the SMILE group, especially in terms of symptoms and average questionnaire scores.

There was a better improvement in quality of life in patients after the SMILE procedure than after the FS-LASIK procedure.