Quick Answer
SMILE is best for dry eye prone patients and active lifestyles (flapless). Contoura Vision gives the best visual quality. Standard Bladeless LASIK is the best value. PRK is best for thin corneas. Cost: LASIK Rs 25,000-60,000, SMILE Rs 35,000-80,000, Contoura Rs 40,000-1,00,000 per eye.
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SMILE vs LASIK vs Contoura Vision — Complete Comparison for Indian Patients
Choosing the right laser eye surgery technology is as important as choosing the right surgeon. Here is an honest, detailed comparison.
The Four Main Technologies Available in India
Standard LASIK: Uses a microkeratome blade to create a corneal flap, then an excimer laser reshapes the cornea. Least expensive. Largely replaced by bladeless options at quality centres.
Bladeless LASIK (Femto LASIK): Uses a femtosecond laser to create the flap (more precise than blade) then excimer laser reshapes. Current standard of care at most centres.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): Flapless procedure. Femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule inside the cornea which is removed through a 4mm incision. No flap at all. Latest technology. Available on Zeiss VisuMax.
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Contoura Vision (Topography-Guided LASIK): Bladeless LASIK but guided by a detailed map of 22,000 corneal elevation points. Treats both the spectacle power AND corneal irregularities. Best visual outcomes. Available on WaveLight EX500.
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Detailed Comparison Table
Pain: All — none during procedure. Mild discomfort for 4-6 hours after.
Flap: LASIK — yes (blade or laser). SMILE — no flap. Contoura — yes (laser flap).
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Dry eyes after surgery: LASIK — moderate risk. SMILE — lowest risk (fewer corneal nerves cut). Contoura — moderate risk similar to LASIK.
Recovery: LASIK and Contoura — vision clear in 24 hours. SMILE — vision clear in 24-48 hours, slightly slower initial recovery.
Best for: LASIK — standard cases, best value. SMILE — dry eye prone, contact sports, active lifestyles, aviators. Contoura — best visual quality, astigmatism, patients wanting better than glasses vision.
Power range: All correct up to -10 to -12 myopia. SMILE currently limited to myopia and astigmatism only (not hyperopia).
Cost per eye in India: Bladeless LASIK Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000. SMILE Rs 35,000 to Rs 80,000. Contoura Vision Rs 40,000 to Rs 1,00,000.
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Dr. Rajesh Venkatesh (MS Ophthalmology, FRCS) — 18 years of experience — Narayana Nethralaya Bangalore, Bangalore. Call MySurgery at 8588967050 to book a consultation.
Who Should Choose SMILE?
SMILE is ideal if you have a history of dry eyes or use a lot of AC. You play contact sports (boxing, martial arts, cricket, swimming). You are in the defence or aviation sector. You want the most advanced flapless technology. Your power is in the myopia range (SMILE does not currently correct hyperopia).
Who Should Choose Contoura Vision?
Contoura is ideal if you want the absolute best quality of vision — better than your glasses in many cases. You have significant corneal irregularities. You are very demanding about visual quality (artists, photographers, designers). You have higher astigmatism.
Who Should Choose Standard Bladeless LASIK?
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Bladeless LASIK is ideal if you want excellent results at a lower cost than SMILE or Contoura. Your corneas are healthy with no dry eye issues. You are not in contact sports. Your power is within standard range.
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Can I Switch from SMILE to Enhancement with LASIK?
Yes. If you need an enhancement after SMILE, it can be done with PRK (surface ablation) since there is no flap. Most quality centres offer free enhancements within 1 year regardless of the original technology used.
Which Technology Does MySurgery Recommend?
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MySurgery does not endorse a specific technology — the right choice depends on your individual corneal profile, lifestyle, prescription, and budget. Our partner ophthalmologists will evaluate your eyes and recommend the most appropriate option for you specifically.
Call 8588967050 for a free LASIK consultation and pre-evaluation at our partner centre in your city.
Call MySurgery at 8588967050 or WhatsApp us for a free consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist in your city. Callback within 30 minutes.
Book Free Consultation: mysurgery.in/contact | WhatsApp: wa.me/918588967050
Dr. Rajesh Venkatesh
MS Ophthalmology, FRCS, 18 years experience, Narayana Nethralaya Bangalore Bangalore
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