Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

SMILE is a common procedure that is beneficial in treating patients with myopia. In some cases, this can be associated with mild astigmatism. SMILE stands for small incision lenticule extraction.

This laser eye procedure first got approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016. However, it was available in other countries for about 10 years before this. This means it has undergone medical research for a long period, proving its effectiveness. It is important to find out if you are a good candidate for SMILE prior to scheduling the procedure with a complimentary virtual consultation.

Understanding Myopia

SMILE is a simple and quick procedure used in treating myopia (nearsightedness). Myopia is one of the most common refractive errors that cause blurry distance vision. If you have myopia and do not want to use contact lenses or glasses, SMILE could be a viable solution for you.

Myopia is a condition brought on by refractive errors with your cornea and lens. These are responsible for refracting light through the pupil to your retina. The refracted light sends the signals to the brain via the optic nerve. If you have myopia, the SMILE procedure treats the refractive error by removing a contact lens-shaped material called the lenticule.

Are You a Viable Candidate for SMILE

Having the right information is important for any health issue. Here are a few pointers to know if you meet the criteria for the SMILE procedure:

Astigmatism Levels

The levels of myopia and astigmatism affect your eligibility. Since the procedure is relatively new in the U.S., patients that qualify for this treatment have a range of -1 to -8 diopters of myopia. Also, you should have a maximum of -0.5 D of astigmatism. You should also have a total prescription of both myopia and astigmatism that is ideally not above -10 diopters. In addition to this, you must have a stable prescription that hasn’t changed for a minimum of 12 months.

Your Ocular Health

Although the refractive aspects and the cornea are important factors to consider, your eye doctor in Paramus, NJ will also check your ocular health. A good candidate should not have any unusual vision problems such as glaucoma or cataracts.

Other Factors

Although many people benefit from SMILE, unfortunately, you might not make a good candidate if:

  • You are nursing or pregnant.
  • You have farsightedness in the form of presbyopia or hyperopia.
  • You have a changing refractive error that goes above -0.5 diopters per year.
  • You have a health condition that affects your rate of healing.
  • Your corneas are thin.
  • You have keratoconus.
  • You have keloid formation or too much scarring.
  •  You had laser eye surgery in the past.

As in many procedures, there are risks of complications. However, SMILE has an excellent track record on safety.

To get more information on which procedure best suits you or if you are a candidate for SMILE LASIK, call Manhattan LASIK Center at (212) 759-9617 to speak to a SMILE specialist in Paramus, NJ.