In PRK and LASEK procedures, the top layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed manually. The exposed deeper layers of the cornea are then ablated using an excimer laser. The disadvantages: there is significantly greater pain after the operation, and the healing process and the stabilization of visual acuity take a relatively long time. PRK and LASEK are not recommended for the treatment of severe nearsightedness. The risk of scarring (haze) is significantly higher. Smile combines the benefits of PRK and LASEK (no flap incision) with those of LASIK and Femto-LASIK (minimum discomfort and rapid restoration of visual acuity) – but without any of their disadvantages.