Short answer
Two lasers, one LASIK. Femtosecond photodisrupts tissue to create a flap or SMILE lenticule; excimer ablates stromal collagen to change focusing power. Neither replaces the other in standard LASIK — sequence is femto then excimer.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Femtosecond (e.g. VISUMAX 800) | Excimer (e.g. MEL 90, AMARIS, EX500) |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength role | Intrastromal cuts / lenticule | Surface stromal removal |
| SMILE | Creates and extracts lenticule | Not used |
| LASIK | Flap creation | Corneal reshaping |
| PRK | Not used | Direct surface ablation |
| Patient feel | Suction during femto | Laser click during ablation |
Understanding the split stops confusion when reading technology pages. Hub: eye surgery technology.
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