SMILE is a type of surgery used to correct refractive errors. The four types of refractive error are myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness), astigmatism (blurred vision at all distances), and presbyopia (an inability to focus your eyes up close).
What is a use of SMILE surgery?
Surgical Therapy
Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a relatively new refractive procedure designed to treat a multitude of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
When should you get a SMILE surgery?
For example, if any of the following circumstances apply to you, then you may find you are unsuitable for LASEK or LASIK treatment, but SMILE eye surgery could still be an option: You have a thinner than average cornea. You have an intolerance to contact lenses. You have mild to moderate dry eyes.
What is removed in SMILE surgery?
The SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedure involves reshaping the cornea by removing a small lens (lenticule) from the central corneal layer. The process uses a femtosecond laser and extracts the lenticule through four small incisions on the corneal surface.
How long does SMILE surgery last?
For SMILE surgery only one laser is used and the laser duration is between 20-30 seconds. It then takes 60-90 seconds to remove the lenticule. While both LASIK and SMILE are fast procedures, LASIK does take longer to carry out than SMILE surgery.
Is SMILE surgery risky?
SMILE is a much safe and efficacious procedure compared to LASIK due to decreased risk of complications. Infectious keratitis is rare following this procedure and there are few reported cases in the literature.
Is SMILE better or LASIK?
Additionally, studies have shown that, compared to LASIK, SMILE provides potentially better biomechanical stability of the cornea. “Some very good work has shown that the anterior lamellar tissue in the cornea is the strongest,” Dr. Manche says. “SMILE spares the anterior corneal lamellar tissue.
What are the disadvantages of SMILE eye surgery?
Here is your complete list of SMILE laser eye surgery side effects.
- Night Vision Issues. Any laser surgery has a risk of side-effects regarding night vision.
- Debris. The extraction SMILE procedure involves removing tissue from the surface of the cornea.
- Infection.
- Inflammation.
- Clouded Vision.
- Double Vision.
Is SMILE cheaper than LASIK?
They are roughly the same cost, have similar healing times, have similar side effects, and correct refractive errors within about the same range. You may be a better candidate for SMILE than LASIK, however. Work with your eye doctor to decide which procedure works best for your eyes.
Who is not eligible for SMILE surgery?
To be a suitable candidate for SMILE eye surgery, you should be 22 years of age or older with a consistent eye prescription for the past one year. Your eligibility also depends on your overall and corneal health.
Can I use computer after SMILE surgery?
Prolonged Reading & Screen Time
Avoid heavy reading for a few days after ZEISS SMILE eye surgery to avoid eye strain. This especially includes reading on and looking at computer screens, smartphones, and other mobile devices. Unnecessary stress on your eyes can be uncomfortable and increase recovery time.
Is SMILE eye surgery painful?
1. Does it hurt? One big concern is that the procedure to boost your vision may be painful, especially seeing as you’re conscious throughout the entire process. While everyone does experience pain in a subjective way, it’s very common that patients describe SMILE procedures as virtually pain-free.
Can I work after SMILE surgery?
Most people can return to work the day after their SMILE surgery. SMILE recovery is not a barrier to returning to work within 24 hours for the majority of patients.
Can I rub my eyes after SMILE?
❖ It is important that you do not rub your eyes for the first day following your procedure. If your eyes tear or drops roll down your cheeks, just dab gently underneath the eye. ❖ Please avoid any eye makeup or creams, for 1 day following your procedure.
Do I need to wear sunglasses after SMILE surgery?
Avoid excess UV exposure
After SMILE eye surgery, Wang Vision Institute will instruct you to wear sunglasses during recovery. This is because your eyes will be extra sensitive during recovery. Excess sunlight can make you feel uncomfortable and even slow the healing process.
Can smile eye surgery be done twice?
Despite what some of the rumours and myths on the internet might say, laser eye surgery is permanent. Your ophthalmic surgeon uses a high precision laser to make a permanent alteration to your corneas, in a process that cannot be reversed.
At what age can you get SMILE eye surgery?
The FDA has approved LASIK eye surgery for those 18 years and older, but most providers will encourage patients to wait until their mid-20s after their prescription has stabilized. Read on for a break down of LASIK facts by age range.
Which eye surgery is best?
LASIK is the best known and most commonly performed. Many articles, including this one, will use the term “LASIK” to refer to all types of laser eye surgery.
Why is my vision blurry after SMILE surgery?
Patients who continue to experience blurred vision after Relex Smile should undergo a comprehensive assessment by their attending Doctor. The causes commonly include dry eyes or residual refractive error, and rarely disturbed epithelial surface from loose epithelium.
Does SMILE surgery create a flap?
The doctor will then remove a small incision in the cornea. Unlike LASIK, there is no flap creation. With SMILE, the patient’s prescription is imprinted inside the cornea.
Who is a candidate for SMILE LASIK?
Patients with nearsightedness are the best candidates for SMILE at this time. If you have farsightedness or certain kinds of astigmatism, you may benefit from other refractive procedures. Other common disqualifiers from SMILE in Birmingham, AL, include: Thin corneas.