Short answer
They are different laser types — not rivals. VISUMAX (femtosecond) creates SMILE lenticules or LASIK flaps; AMARIS (excimer) reshapes exposed corneal stroma. A full LASIK uses both; SMILE uses femtosecond only.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | VISUMAX femtosecond | SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS excimer |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Flap / lenticule creation | Tissue ablation / reshaping |
| SMILE Pro | Yes — primary platform | Not used in SMILE |
| LASIK | Creates flap | Ablates stroma under flap |
| PRK | Not used | Ablates surface after epithelial removal |
| Tracking | Centring during femto | 7D tracking during ablation |
Patients ask 'which is better' — the honest answer is they perform sequential steps. Surgeon assigns both in LASIK, or VISUMAX alone in SMILE. Compare excimer alternatives: MEL 90 · WaveLight EX500.
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