SMILE, LASIK or ICL in Shanghai: which vision procedure fits your eyes?

Start with the problem you want to solve

Explain why glasses or contact lenses are difficult for you: work, sport, comfort or another specific reason. Record your recent prescriptions and any change in vision. Myopia and astigmatism can occur together, but refractive surgery is not compulsory treatment for either. Glasses or contact lenses remain alternatives. The first question is whether surgery offers a worthwhile trade-off for your needs, not which advertised technology sounds most advanced. Also ask whether an occupational rule affects your options before making a financial commitment. For the assessment, bring dated prescriptions, contact-lens history, dry-eye treatment and previous eye surgery records, plus your needs for night driving, screen work or sport. eastmedgo can organise these records, help match a suitable Shanghai refractive team and coordinate agreed language and visit logistics.

Sources and references: [2] [3] [4]

Distinguish the corneal procedures

LASIK reshapes the cornea with a laser and involves creating a flap. SMILE is another corneal refractive approach, discussed in Fudan's specialist training materials as small-incision lenticule extraction. The names alone do not reveal which is appropriate for your cornea or prescription. Ask the surgeon what tissue is changed, which measurements determine suitability and why one option is recommended over another. Avoid translating a shorter laser-treatment time into a promise of safer surgery, better night vision or quicker readiness for every activity.

Sources and references: [2] [5]

Clarify what is meant by a lens implant

A phakic intraocular lens is placed inside the eye while the natural lens remains. This is different from replacing the natural lens, as in cataract surgery or a lens-exchange procedure. Ask which operation is actually proposed and how it compares with corneal treatment and continued optical correction. A phakic implant is intended to remain in the eye. Although it can be surgically removed, the FDA cautions that return to the previous vision or eye condition cannot be guaranteed. Calling an implant removable does not make surgery consequence-free.

Sources and references: [4]

Let the examination determine eligibility

Important questions include whether the prescription is stable, whether the cornea is suitable and whether dry eye or another eye condition changes the balance. Discuss prior eye surgery, medicines and health conditions that might affect healing, as well as contact sports or work requirements. Do not stop treatment independently to qualify for a procedure. A recommendation to treat an eye-surface problem first, obtain more information or remain with glasses can be a useful outcome. Ask your Shanghai eye team to apply these assessment points to your measurements and the procedure it proposes.

Sources and references: [3]

Discuss visual quality, not only the eye chart

Tell the surgeon if night driving, dim-light work or prolonged screen use matters to you. Glare, halos, blurred vision and dry-eye-type symptoms can occur after refractive procedures. More serious complications, including permanent loss of vision, are possible, and their relevance differs by operation and individual eye. Ask which risks are especially important for you, how residual prescription would be managed and whether further treatment might be needed. A good distance-vision result does not by itself answer every question about comfort or daily visual performance.

Sources and references: [1] [3]

Fudan Eye & ENT expertise for a personal refractive decision

Fudan University’s Eye & ENT Hospital announced a professional SMILE course in 2018 covering patient selection, astigmatism, dry eye and complications. A Shanghai government report in 2025 described the hospital performing SMILE Pro surgery. These dated reports document past teaching and procedural activity; they do not establish a current training schedule, appointment availability or your likely result. A specialist assessment still needs to compare SMILE, LASIK, an implantable lens and continued optical correction using your eye measurements and visual goals. Explore Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University and Myopia and astigmatism evaluation before the visit.

Sources and references: [5] [6] [3] [4]

Compare equivalent written estimates

A useful written estimate states the chosen procedure and whether it covers one eye or both. Request itemised assessment and tests, the procedure and any proposed implanted lens, applicable anaesthesia or facility charges, medicines and scheduled reviews. It should state which items are included or excluded, how long follow-up is covered and what is payable if assessment rules out surgery. Confirm how repeat tests, unplanned care or any later correction would be charged; do not assume they are included or that another procedure will be offered. Add accommodation for reviews, local follow-up after returning home and time away from work to the recovery budget. Show travel and coordination separately so that totals from different providers cover the same scope.

Sources and references: [1]

Arrange follow-up before fixing the return journey

Compare quotes on the same basis: one eye or two, tests, procedure or implanted lens, medicines and follow-up. Before a return flight, get individual instructions for driving, eye drops, review timing and symptoms requiring urgent eye care. A short operation does not replace recovery and follow-up. eastmedgo can help organize the written eye-care plan and local handover. Share your prescriptions and eye-surface history with eastmedgo to compare SMILE, LASIK, ICL and continued glasses on your own measurements.

Sources and references: [1]

Common questions