SMILE provides excellent distance correction, while PRESBYOND laser treatments target both distance and near vision using blended profiles. Choosing between them depends on age, presbyopia, and how important spectacle independence is to you.
Procedure and vision goals
SMILE reshapes the cornea internally through a tiny incision, aiming for clear distance focus. PRESBYOND uses customised excimer laser patterns to extend focus range, with one eye slightly favouring distance and the other near.
- SMILE is typically chosen for younger or pre-presbyopic patients
- PRESBYOND is tailored to people already needing reading glasses
- PRESBYOND can be performed with LASIK or LASEK platforms, not SMILE
- Assessment checks dominance, tolerance for blended vision, and corneal quality
Everyday experience
PRESBYOND may reduce reliance on reading glasses but introduces more complex optics. SMILE keeps optics simple with predictable distance clarity.
- PRESBYOND patients may notice halos or slight night-vision changes initially
- Some still prefer thin readers for very fine print or long tasks
- SMILE patients generally continue to use readers as presbyopia develops
- A thorough consultation will match the approach to your visual priorities
