Vision correction surgery satisfaction rates high for SMILE and ICL

Recent studies and clinical insights highlight high satisfaction rates for vision correction surgeries, specifically SMILE LASIK and Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) procedures. A study presented at the 2025 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) involving 324 patients showed a 97.4% satisfaction rate for SMILE procedures and 99% for ICL.

While both methods offer high efficacy, they present different side-effect profiles. ICL patients reported higher instances of glare and light sensitivity, whereas SMILE LASIK patients experienced more frequent and prolonged dry eye symptoms. Both groups reported that most discomforts improved naturally over time.

ICL is particularly noted as an alternative for patients with high myopia, astigmatism, or thin corneas, as it does not require corneal tissue removal. However, successful ICL requires precise preoperative examinations of the eye's internal structure, including anterior chamber depth and corneal endothelial cells, to ensure proper lens positioning and 'vaulting' between the lens and the natural crystalline lens.