Ophthalmologist warns LASIK, SMILE and TransPRK are not right for every patient

Dr. José Francisco Valdez López in Mexico City is urging people with myopia or astigmatism to get a full eye exam before choosing laser vision surgery. He says the safest procedure depends on the cornea, tear film, retina and other medical factors, not on the most popular technique.

Why it matters: - A laser vision procedure can change how well a patient sees for years, so the wrong choice can create avoidable risk. - The decision affects people who want to stop wearing glasses or contact lenses for work, sports or convenience. - A proper screening can flag issues such as keratoconus, dry eye, unstable prescription or retinal problems before surgery.

What happened: - Dr. José Francisco Valdez López, an ophthalmologist and retina specialist in Mexico City, called on patients with myopia or astigmatism to complete a full medical evaluation before choosing refractive laser surgery. - The warning covers LASIK, SMILE, TransPRK, PRK, FemtoLASIK and procedures marketed as No Touch or Zero Touch. - The message is part of an educational effort from Visión Digna, an eye health clinic in Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City.

The details: - The surgical goal is to correct vision defects such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia by reshaping the cornea. - Candidate screening should include prescription stability, corneal thickness, corneal curvature, signs of keratoconus, tear film quality, intraocular pressure and retinal health. - At Visión Digna, pre-surgery workups can include corneal topography, pachymetry, dry-eye evaluation, a full eye exam and retinal review when needed. - LASIK is one of the best-known laser vision correction techniques and can offer fast visual recovery in selected patients. - SMILE is a small-incision refractive option used in certain cases of myopia and astigmatism. - TransPRK and surface techniques such as No Touch or Zero Touch may be considered when avoiding a corneal flap is preferred, but recovery differs and follow-up is still required. - Dr. Valdez López said the key question is whether the eye is a candidate and which technique offers the best safety profile for that patient. - In patients with moderate or high myopia, a history of retinal lesions, flashes, floaters or a family history of eye disease, retinal review becomes especially important. - Retinal screening before refractive surgery can identify findings that may need monitoring, preventive treatment or a more cautious surgical decision.

Between the lines: - The campaign pushes back against treating refractive surgery like a commodity or cosmetic upgrade. - The practical message is that technique choice should follow anatomy and risk, not marketing or popularity. - The emphasis on retina care is notable because many patients focus on the cornea and overlook posterior-eye risks.

What's next: - Visión Digna plans to continue its education campaign with topics including laser eye surgery, LASIK in CDMX, TransPRK, SMILE, No Touch, dry eye, keratoconus, high myopia, astigmatism, peripheral retina and candidacy criteria. - Dr. Valdez López will continue promoting an approach centered on early diagnosis, patient education and prevention of vision loss.

The bottom line: - The safest refractive surgery is the one matched to the patient’s eye, not the most familiar name on the menu.