SMILE: The Future of Laser Vision Correction
What is SMILE?
SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It's a new type of laser eye surgery. It fixes vision problems like:
- You can't see far away (near-sighted)
- Blurry vision
- Astigmatism (in some cases)
SMILE is different from LASIK. There is no flap. The laser works through a tiny opening.This makes it gentler on your eyes.
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How Does SMILE Work?
The surgery is simpler than LASIK:
Step 1: Create the Lenticule
A special laser works inside your eye. It creates a tiny disc of tissue. This disc is called a Lenticule. The laser does this through the surface. No flap is cut.
Step 2: Make a Small Opening
The doctor makes a tiny opening. This opening is only 2-4mm wide. Much smaller than a LASIK flap.
Step 3: Remove the Lenticule
The doctor gently removes the tiny disc through the opening. This changes the shape of your eye. Your vision is now corrected! The whole process takes about 10 minutes per eye.
Why Choose SMILE?
No Flap Created
This is the biggest difference from LASIK. No large flap is made. Just a tiny opening. This means fewer risks.
Stronger Eyes
Your eye stays stronger. More of the surface layer stays intact. This is better for athletes and active people.
Less Dryness
SMILE causes much less dry eye. The small opening means fewer nerves are cut. Your eyes make tears normally.
Fast Recovery
Most people see clearly in 1-2 days. You can get back to life quickly. Very little downtime.
Very Safe
SMILE has an excellent safety record. The no-flap design makes it very safe. Serious problems are extremely rare.
Great for Active Lifestyles
SMILE is perfect if you play sports. Perfect if you are very active. Your eyes are more stable after SMILE.
Gentle Procedure
The treatment is very gentle. Most people feel minimal discomfort. The laser works quietly inside your eye.
What to Expect After Surgery?
First Day
- Your eyes may feel slightly uncomfortable
- Vision will be hazy at first
- Rest your eyes
- Use your eye drops
- No screens for a few hours
First Week
- Vision improves each day
- Most people go back to work in 2-3 days
- Don't swim or do hard exercise
- Wear eye shields when you sleep
- Eyes feel comfortable
First Month
- Vision keeps getting better
- Go to all your check-ups
- Keep using eye drops as told
- Don't rub your eyes
- Can do most activities
3-6 Months
- Full healing is complete
- Final vision is stable
- Excellent vision for most people
- Resume all activities
Are You a Good Fit?
SMILE may work for you if:
- You are 22 years or older
- Your vision has been stable for one year
- You are near-sighted (up to -10.00)
- Your eyes are healthy
- You are not pregnant or nursing
- You want the latest technology
- You live an active lifestyle
How do I prepare?
Stop wearing contacts before your visit:
- Soft lenses: 1-2 weeks before
- Hard lenses: 3-4 weeks before
Arrange a ride home. Plan to rest on surgery day. Get artificial tears. Follow all prep instructions.
What dangers exist?
Like any surgery, there are small risks:
- Hazy vision for a few days (common, goes away)
- Dry eyes (but much less than LASIK)
- Excessive or insufficient correction
- Infection or Vision problems (very rare)
Your doctor will discuss all risks with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each eye requires roughly ten minutes for the laser portion. Come to our clinic for one to two hours. This includes prep time and after-care.
Vision improves over the first few days. Most people see well enough to drive by day 2 or 3. Full vision develops over 2-4 weeks. Some people see clearly the next day.
Indeed, SMILE is really secure. The FDA has given it approval. Millions of people worldwide have had it. The no-flap design makes it safer than LASIK for many people. Serious issues are very rare.
SMILE can fix mild astigmatism. For higher astigmatism, LASIK may be better. Which is best for your eyes will be determined by your doctor.
No, do not drive yourself home. You need someone to drive you. Most people can drive by day two or three. Wait until your vision is clear and your doctor gives the all-clear.
Light walking is fine right away. Wait one week before the gym. Running is OK after one week. Swimming should wait two weeks. Contact sports should wait one month. SMILE heals faster than LASIK for sports.
SMILE leaves your eyes stronger. The tiny opening heals very well. There is no flap to worry about. You can get hit in the eye and be fine. The flap in LASIK can move if hit hard. SMILE is much safer for contact sports.
No, SMILE is only available to people who have not had eye surgery. You could require a LASIK improvement if you have already had LASIK. Discuss your choices with your physician.
SMILE is approved by the FDA in the United States. It's also approved in Europe and many other countries. It has been performed safely since 2011. Millions of procedures have been done.
SMILE is only authorised for near-sightedness at this time. It can treat some astigmatism too. If you are farsighted, LASIK is a better choice. Your doctor will guide you.