What is SMILE?                                       

 

The latest generation in the evolution of Laser Vision Correction isSMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) – offers patients with near-sightedness or astigmatism, thin corneas or extremely dry eyes who might not qualify for LASIK or PRK to access the benefits of laser eye surgery. SMILE is minimally invasive with little recovery time.

The SMILE procedure, unlike LASIK and PRK, does not create a flap in the cornea. Instead, SMILE creates a thin lenticule (precise lens-shaped disc) inside the cornea using the Carl Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser – meaning there is little disturbance of the cornea and corneal nerves. And then it is removed via a small keyhole incision. Whereas, LASIK procedure, which creates a corneal flap, SMILE eliminates the possibility of flap-related complications.

Recovery with LASIK and SMILE is similar; most patients are able to resume their normal activities the day after surgery. Advantages to SMILE is that it minimizes the likelihood of dry eye after surgery and the small incision might be the reason better resistant to eye trauma. PRK does involve a slightly lengthier recovery than the other two procedures; patients are able to resume all normal activities approximately one day to one week after surgery.

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