LASIK offers a faster visual recovery, with most patients returning to 20/15 to 20/20 on the first day after surgery. In comparison, SMILE surgery patients are typically 20/25 to 20/30 on the first day, with gradual improvement over the following weeks. Some SMILE patients may face a prolonged recovery period. The difference in recovery time is significant for patients looking to return to their daily routines as quickly as possible.