Trust
Sources we cite.
Every numeric claim across this site comes from one of these primary or authoritative secondary sources. Inline citation on the pillar, full reference here.
Peer-reviewed primary studies
- Hagan W et al. Comparative outcomes of LASIK, PRK, and SMILE in US active-duty military, 2004–2019. PubMed 39641610.
- Shen Z et al. SMILE vs femtosecond LASIK for high myopia: meta-analysis (PLOS ONE 2021). PMC7870077.
- Guo H et al. Corneal biomechanical changes after refractive surgery: meta-analysis of 22 studies (BMC Ophthalmology 2019). PMC6676534.
- Comprehensive review of LASIK, SMILE, and ICL outcomes including dry eye and complications (2024). PMC11110473.
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE) outcomes in 1,280 presbyopic patients aged 45–65. PMC5584899.
- RLE indications, retinal detachment risk, and IOL options (review). PMC7856935.
- Diffractive multifocal IOL after RLE: dysphotopsia incidence. PMC4258327.
- Extended-monovision RLE (monofocal dominant plus EDOF non-dominant): spectacle independence. PMC12386700.
- Dry eye after SMILE vs LASIK: confocal microscopy of corneal nerve regeneration. PMC5161410, PMC5406644.
Authoritative guidelines
- StatPearls. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE). NCBI Bookshelf NBK549896.
- US FDA. ZEISS VisuMax Patient Information Booklet (SMILE approval). P150040C.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Refractive Errors and Refractive Surgery Preferred Practice Pattern (2025 update).
- UK NICE Interventional Procedures Guidance 164. Photorefractive surgery for refractive errors.
- US FDA. LASIK device approvals, current labeling.
- EVO Visian ICL: FDA approval letters for V4 and V4c models.
Secondary clinical-trade references
- Review of Ophthalmology. Matching patients with LASIK, SMILE or PRK.
- ESCRS EuroTimes. Setting limits for PRK and LASIK.
- CRSToday. SMILE: exploring the clinical guidelines.
- CRSToday Europe. Refractive lens exchange in the presbyopic gray zone (2026).
- Public Citizen. LASIK eye surgery: know the risks.