It is not the usual thing to have different refractive laser procedures done on each eye as logistically it is more convenient to perform the same technique on both eyes. Also, the recovery, possible risks, complications and side effects are different for the different procedures. However, in certain situations, different procedures may be chosen for the different eyes:
1) If there are selection criteria that excludes one eye from having a particular technique such as insufficient cornea thickness or irregular features on the cornea scans for Lasik/ Smile, or inadequate chamber depth for ICL etc.
2) Research purposes. Some centers offer trials to compare the results of different lasers / techniques. If you are offered this, make sure you understand thoroughly what you are signing up for.
3) In the case of complication during original intended surgery, eg. flap creation issues during Lasik or suction loss during certain stages of Smile that make a repeat treatment using the same technique impossible. Possible remedies may then be with a different technique such as surface ablation or ICL
The choice of laser refractive technique depends on many things like the person’s lifestyle, eye anatomy and measurements etc. Yet even in the same person, the two eyes may not be alike. Hence even though in general it is more natural to have the same procedure in the two eyes, when this is not possible, the next best thing may be having different procedures in the two eyes.
And count that as luck too, coz there are actually people who don’t qualify for any refractive surgery whatsoever, not Lasik, Smile, surface ablation nor ICL, and will have to stick to glasses and / or contact lenses until such time when a lens extraction surgery is called for.
Best wishes and cheerio
Daphne Han
