SMILE Pro may be a better option for you compared to Wavelight Plus InnovEyes. It offers advanced features that could suit your specific vision correction needs more effectively.
If you’re considering laser vision correction to achieve clear, glasses-free vision, you’ve likely come across two popular options: WaveLight Plus InnovEyes and SMILE Pro. Both are cutting-edge technologies designed to correct refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism. However, while they share the same goal, these procedures take fundamentally different approaches. Choosing the right procedure for you depends on understanding these differences and how they align with your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
This blog dives into the core distinctions between WaveLight Plus InnovEyes and SMILE Pro, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed decision.
What Are WaveLight Plus InnovEyes and SMILE Pro?
Before looking at specifics, let’s introduce both technologies:
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes, developed by Alcon, is a next-generation laser vision correction system and is an advanced version of Contoura Vision. It incorporates advanced artificial intelligence (AI), 3D mapping, automated calculations, and ray-tracing technology to deliver highly customised treatments tailored to the unique contours of each eye. However, it remains a flap-based procedure, which requires creating a corneal flap—a feature akin to earlier LASIK and Contoura Vision methods.
SMILE Pro, created by Carl Zeiss, is a fully robotic laser eye surgery that uses the VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser and is an advanced version of SMILE. Unlike WaveLight InnovEyes, SMILE Pro is flapless and minimally invasive. Instead of creating a corneal flap, it involves making a tiny incision to extract a lens-shaped corneal tissue (lenticule), making it gentler on the eye while offering faster recovery times.
Now, let’s break down the key differences.
| Criteria | WaveLight Plus InnovEyes | SMILE Pro |
| Procedure Type | Flap-based approach with a laser creating a flap on the cornea and reshaping it with an excimer laser | Flapless procedure where a small lenticule is created inside the cornea and removed through a tiny incision using a femtosecond laser |
| Laser Technology Used | EX500 Excimer Laser | VisuMax 800 Femtosecond laser |
| Treatment Time | Fast (10-15 seconds per eye) | Faster (10 seconds per eye) |
| Incision Size and Corneal Tissue Removal | Larger incision and more tissue removed, impacting corneal stability | Smaller incision and less tissue removed, preserving corneal structure integrity |
| Recovery Time | Longer due to flap creation and potential complications | Faster with no flap involved and minimal trauma to the eye |
| Dry Eye Risk | Higher risk due to flap disruption of corneal nerves | Lower risk due to preservation of corneal nerves |
| Suitability for Active Individuals | Prone to dislodgment with high-impact activities due to flap creation | Safer option for active individuals with no risk of flap complications |
1. Procedure Type and Technique
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes
The WaveLight system employs a flap-based approach. During the procedure, a laser creates a thin flap on the cornea. The flap is then lifted to allow the excimer laser to reshape the cornea based on the patient’s individual refractive errors. Its foundation lies in enhanced software upgrades like Eyevatar (a 3D digital twin of your eye), making it highly customisable. However, the flap-based nature of the procedure poses some drawbacks, such as a higher risk of flap-related complications and longer recovery.
SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro doesn’t involve a corneal flap. Instead, the VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule inside the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision. The lack of a flap reduces the risk of complications, minimises disruption to the corneal structure, and offers a faster recovery process with less discomfort. This technique is considered one of the most advanced methods in laser vision correction.
Verdict: SMILE Pro’s minimally invasive approach is preferable for those concerned about flap-related risks.
2. Laser Technology Used
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes
This system uses the WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser, which is highly customisable thanks to advanced ray-tracing technology. This laser is a software upgrade to this existing laser system, enabling more advanced analysis and detailed treatment planning through digital 3D mapping of the eye. It delivers:
- Fast laser time (10-15 seconds per eye).
- Combined sphere and cylinder correction with high-order aberrations in the ray-tracing Wavelight-Plus customized treatment.
- Advanced epithelial remodelling data for precise tissue removal and biomechanical shift predictions.
- Automatic adjustments for nomogram deviations in the final ablation profile.
- Higher energy use, leading to more tissue removal and potential for post-operative inflammation.
SMILE Pro
The VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser utilised in SMILE Pro is the most modern tool of its kind. It offers:
- Faster laser time (10 seconds per eye).
- Precision through a high-performance laser scanning system and computer-assisted controls, such as OcuLign for cyclotorsion adjustment and CentraLign assistant system for easy centration.
- Minimal energy use, significantly reducing inflammation risk.
- Ergonomic features that ensure patient comfort.
Verdict: SMILE Pro’s VisuMax 800 laser boasts superior speed, precision, and safety compared to WaveLight’s excimer laser.
3. Incision Size and Corneal Tissue Removal
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes
Being flap-based, this procedure requires a larger incision to create the corneal flap. Furthermore, more corneal tissue is removed during the reshaping process, which could impact corneal strength and long-term stability.
SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro involves a much smaller incision and removes less corneal tissue overall. This retains more of the corneal structure’s biomechanical stability, lowering the risk of post-operative ectasia (a condition where the cornea weakens and bulges outward).
Verdict: SMILE Pro wins for being less invasive and safer in terms of preserving corneal integrity.
4. Recovery Time
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes
Recovery from WaveLight InnovEyes may take longer due to the flap-based nature of the surgery. Flap-related issues like dryness, discomfort, and potential dislodgment can delay full visual recovery.
SMILE Pro
With no flap involved, SMILE Pro boasts a significantly shorter recovery period—patients often resume daily activities within 24 hours. The smaller incision also means less trauma to the eye and less need for post-operative care.
Verdict: SMILE Pro offers a quicker recovery and a more comfortable healing experience.
5. Dry Eye Risk
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes
Since flap creation disrupts more corneal nerves, there’s a higher risk of dry eye syndrome following this procedure. Individuals who already experience dry eyes may find symptoms worsen post-operatively.
SMILE Pro
The minimally invasive nature of SMILE Pro preserves more corneal nerves, contributing to a lower incidence of dry eye symptoms. This advantage makes it a better option for those prone to dry eyes.
Verdict: SMILE Pro is better for addressing dry eye concerns.
6. Suitability for Active Individuals
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes
The flap created during WaveLight InnovEyes surgery is a concern for highly active individuals, as it can be prone to dislodgment with high-impact activities (e.g., contact sports or jobs requiring physical exertion).
SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro’s flapless approach makes it a safer bet for those leading active, high-intensity lifestyles. With no risk of flap complications, patients can return to sports and similar activities shortly after recovery.
Verdict: SMILE Pro is ideal for people with active or physically demanding lifestyles.
7. Additional Features and Advancements
Both systems bring unique advancements to laser vision correction:
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes:
- Ray-tracing technology and 3D mapping for precise, personalised treatments.
- Pioneers AI-driven improvements in traditional LASIK and Contoura Vision systems.
- Longer procedure times (10-15 seconds per eye) compared to SMILE Pro.
SMILE Pro:
- Fully robotic and designed for maximum precision.
- Reduced laser energy (up to 50x less than excimer lasers), leading to minimal inflammation.
- Smart features like OcuLign and CentraLign for enhanced accuracy.
Verdict: SMILE Pro’s fully robotic and highly automated system makes it the most advanced option currently available.
Which Is Better for You?
Your choice between WaveLight Plus InnovEyes and SMILE Pro depends on your specific needs:
- If you prefer the most advanced, minimally invasive, and flapless solution with quicker recovery and fewer risks, SMILE Pro is the clear winner.
- While WaveLight Plus InnovEyes offers impressive customisation and cutting-edge AI, its reliance on flap creation takes it a step back in terms of surgical advancements. This may not be ideal for those concerned about corneal stability, dry eyes, or flap complications.
Ultimately, consulting an experienced eye care professional is essential to determine which procedure aligns with your lifestyle and eye health requirements.
Invest in your vision, and choose the procedure that ensures not just clarity, but comfort and safety too.
