Latest Evolution of LASIK Technology Shows Superior Results in New Study

Latest Evolution of LASIK Technology Shows Superior Results in New Study

Ray-tracing guided procedure outperformed newer SMILE Pro technique in head-to-head comparison

ORLANDO, Fla. - The field of refractive surgery has seen steady advancement over three decades, with each generation of technology promising improved outcomes. The latest advancement that appears to be pushing LASIK ahead in terms of precision and visual results uses a virtual 3D model of an individual's eye to deliver a more personalized treatment. A new study presented today at the 129^th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology shows that this advanced form of LASIK eye surgery, known as wavelight plus, achieved better visual outcomes than another leading laser vision correction technique, SMILE Pro, offering fresh insights into the ongoing evolution of laser vision correction.

The study enrolled 60 patients who underwent wavelight plus LASIK in one eye and SMILE Pro in the other, an approach that allows for a more direct assessment of how each method performs under virtually identical biological conditions.

LASIK creates a thin flap in the cornea before reshaping the tissue underneath with a laser. In contrast, SMILE Pro requires no flap, a feature that proponents say offers better structural integrity and fewer dry eye symptoms.

But the wavelight plus system brings something new to traditional LASIK: a highly personalized treatment plan based on more than 100,000 data points from each patient's eye. Using a combination of measurements, the technology creates a three-dimensional "digital twin" of the eye, allowing surgeons to customize corrections with unprecedented precision.

Three months after surgery, the differences between the patients' eyes were substantial.

Nearly all patients - 98 percent - achieved 20/12.5 vision or better with wavelight plus, compared to 82 percent with SMILE Pro. Additionally, every eye treated with wavelight plus was within a quarter-diopter of the target prescription, while SMILE Pro achieved this level of precision in about three-quarters of cases.

Perhaps most striking, more than 80 percent of eyes treated with wavelight plus gained an additional line of vision beyond their baseline, compared with fewer than one-third of eyes receiving SMILE Pro.

"The wavelight plus results are particularly encouraging for the future of the field," said lead researcher, A. John Kanellopoulos, MD, clinical professor of Ophthalmology at NYU medical school. "We found that ray-tracing LASIK not only effectively corrected refractive error, but also improved visual performance at higher percentages than SMILE Pro."

Beyond visual acuity, the wavelight plus system also produced lower levels of higher-order aberrations-optical imperfections that can affect night vision and contrast sensitivity-and demonstrated better correction of astigmatism.

Dr. Kanellopoulos said the findings suggest that patients seeking the sharpest possible vision may find better outcomes with ray-tracing guided LASIK systems, particularly for complex prescriptions or when correcting astigmatism. However, individual circumstances vary, and consultation with an ophthalmologist specializing in refractive surgery remains essential for determining the best approach for each patient.

Dr. Kanellopoulos also notes that larger studies involving multiple centers and surgeons are necessary to further validate these findings. As the technology becomes more widely available, real-world clinical experience will also help clarify whether these results hold across diverse patient populations and practice settings.

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart^® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.