Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center
LASIK is the most well-known procedure for correcting vision, but it’s not right for everyone. If you have a high degree of refractive error or dry eyes, LASIK might not be the best procedure to help you achieve your vision goals.
If you’re looking for an alternative to LASIK, you may want to consider SMILE! Keep reading to learn what you need to know about SMILE eye surgery and recovery.
What is SMILE?
SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is an innovative, minimally invasive laser procedure that can correct the vision of those with myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.
SMILE can be a good option for patients with higher degrees of refractive error, thinner corneas, and dry eye syndrome. It can be an excellent option for patients who are not good candidates for other procedures, like LASIK, to permanently correct their vision and end their dependence on corrective eyewear.
Who is a Good Candidate for SMILE?
To be considered a good candidate for SMILE, you should be at least 18 with a stable eye prescription for more than a year, have no more than -10 diopters of myopia and no more than 3 diopters of astigmatism, and have healthy eyes and corneas.
Individuals with unstable eye prescriptions, existing eye conditions, certain chronic health conditions, and women who are pregnant or nursing are not usually candidates and should consult their ophthalmologist before considering the procedure.
What Happens During a SMILE Procedure?
During a SMILE procedure, an eye surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a small incision on the epithelium, the surface of the cornea. Femtosecond lasers are a type of ultrafast laser that allows surgeons to make very precise incisions with less impact on
surrounding tissue.
The incision accesses the middle layer of the cornea, the stroma. The femtosecond laser removes a small disk of corneal tissue called a lenticule to
reshape the cornea and correct vision. Once the surgeon removes the lenticule, the procedure is complete.
The incision on the epithelium requires no ocular bandage and will heal naturally on its own. SMILE typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes to treat both eyes. The femtosecond laser takes less than 30 seconds to create the incision, form, and remove the lenticule.
What is Recovery from SMILE Like?
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery from SMILE is quick, with few side effects and a low risk of complications. Patients can usually resume their regular routines the day after the procedure.
In most cases, eye doctors recommend that patients recovering from SMILE take it easy for a few days after the procedure to allow time for the corneas to heal. Patients should avoid getting water in their eyes, even when showering, until the eyes fully heal.
The side effects of SMILE are typically mild and temporary. They can include fluctuating vision, halo or glare, eye dryness, and light sensitivity.
Many patients experience immediate improvement in their vision after SMILE. Vision usually continues to improve over the next few weeks, with maximum results in approximately three months.
When Can I Exercise After SMILE Surgery?
After correcting your vision with SMILE, you might be anxious to get back on the road or into the gym, but you should wait until your eye surgeon has cleared you to resume strenuous exercise. You should keep your exercise light and low-impact for two to three days after the procedure.
How is SMILE Recovery Different From LASIK?
While recovery from SMILE is similar to LASIK in many ways, there are some significant differences, including less risk of dry eye and faster recovery times. This is mainly because of the difference in how each procedure accesses the stroma.
In a LASIK procedure, a corneal flap is made on the epithelium. The corneal flap requires a larger incision and disturbs more of the corneal nerves that are responsible for tear production.
As a result, it can take longer for the eye to heal and increase the risk of chronic dry eye. Additionally, LASIK patients are at higher risk of complications like corneal flap displacement and keratoconus, in which the cornea starts to thin and bulge outward.
In comparison, the small incision created in a minimally invasive SMILE procedure usually heals more quickly. Because it disturbs less corneal tissue, the risk of dry eye is also reduced.
How Long Do the Results of SMILE Last?
The results of SMILE are long-lasting for most people. However, the longevity of these results can vary based on factors such as a patient’s age, the severity of their refractive error, and the stability of their vision prescription.
The results of any vision correction procedure can change as a person ages. Many people develop presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, as they grow older and may require reading glasses for clear near vision, even if they have corrected their vision.
Although SMILE can provide you with years of visual freedom, it cannot prevent the development of other eye conditions such as age-related presbyopia, which might cause vision changes.
If LASIK is not right for you, talk to your ophthalmologist about SMILE. This minimally invasive procedure, which offers quick recovery times and impressive results, can help you finally attain visual freedom from corrective eyewear.
Do you want to learn more about SMILE or determine if you might be a candidate? Schedule an appointment at Manhattan LASIK in Westchester, NY, today!
