SMILE Eye Surgery

SMILE eye surgery is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure for myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Using advanced femtosecond laser technology, it reshapes the cornea for clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.

Centre For Sight pioneered SMILE surgery in India in 2008, led by Dr. Rupal Shah, the “Mother of SMILE Surgery.” As a flapless, minimally invasive procedure, SMILE offers faster healing, greater corneal stability, and a lower risk of dry eyes than traditional LASIK.

What is the SMILE Surgery Procedure?

The SMILE procedure consists of the following steps:

Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia in the form of eye drops is applied to the eye to make the process comfortable for the patient.
Eyelid holder: To prevent eyes from blinking, an eyelid holder is gently placed on the eye.
Femtosecond Laser: A femtosecond laser creates a lenticule – a disc-shaped piece of tissue – within the cornea. The lenticule shape is created to match the extent of the refractive error.
Incision: The surgeon then creates a small incision in the cornea to remove the lenticule.
Extraction: The lenticule is removed through the incision, reshaping the cornea and correcting the refractive error.

Who Should Consider SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE laser eye surgery is suitable for individuals who:

Want to get rid of glasses or contact lenses
Have thinner corneas and are not eligible for traditional LASIK.
Prefer a minimally invasive procedure with potentially faster recovery and reduced risk of dry eye compared to other laser eye surgeries.

Looking for an alternative to wearing glasses and contact lenses?

Eligibility for SMILE Eye Surgery

To be eligible for the SMILE procedure, you must meet certain criteria:

Age: You should be at least 18 years old.
Stable vision: Your eye power prescription should have been stable for the last six months.
Refractive error: SMILE is typically suitable for individuals with nearsightedness (myopia) up to -10.00D and astigmatism up to -5.00D.
Healthy eyes: You should have healthy eyes, free from any pre-existing eye conditions or diseases.

If you or someone you know is looking for a vision solution, it is essential to undergo a comprehensive eye examination with an ophthalmologist to determine your eligibility for SMILE.

Benefits of SMILE Eye Surgery

There are several benefits to choosing the SMILE laser vision correction procedure, such as:

Minimally invasive: SMILE eye surgery requires a small incision in the cornea, resulting in faster recovery and less discomfort than other procedures.
Quick procedure: The entire SMILE laser vision correction procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes per eye.
Predictable outcomes: The SMILE procedure has been proven to provide accurate and predictable visual outcomes, with many patients achieving 20/20 vision.
Less risk of dry eyes: Unlike LASIK, SMILE preserves more corneal nerves, leading to a lower risk of dry eye symptoms post-surgery.

Side Effects of SMILE Surgery

Although SMILE is generally safe, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. These are:

Dry Eyes: While less common than with LASIK, some patients may experience dry eyes post-surgery.
Over or Under-correction: In rare cases, additional treatment may be required if the desired visual outcome is not achieved.
Infection Risk: Although rare, there is a slight chance of infection following the procedure.

Before the procedure, your ophthalmologist at Centre for Sight will discuss these potential risks. This will ensure that you make an informed decision.

Precautions After SMILE Eye Surgery

Any complications after the surgery can be taken care of or even avoided by taking some precautions. Let’s look at some of these precautions.

First 24 Hours: Resting your eyes is essential during the first 24 hours.
Week 1: Avoid strenuous physical activity, swimming, and rubbing your eyes for a week after the surgery. Use prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
First Month: Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor healing. You may resume your daily activities but protect your eyes from excessive sunlight and wind by wearing protective eyewear.
Long-Term Care: Continue using lubricating eye drops if advised, and attend any recommended follow-up appointments for optimal recovery.

Now that you’ve got a good idea about the benefits, risks, and precautions to take after SMILE laser eye surgery, let’s look at the differences between SMILE and LASIK.

SMILE Surgery vs LASIK

Both SMILE and LASIK are effective procedures for vision correction, but they have some key differences:

SMILE is less invasive as it doesn’t require a corneal flap, reducing the risk of flap-related complications.
SMILE preserves more corneal nerves, resulting in a lower risk of post-operative dry eye than LASIK.
SMILE generally allows for faster recovery due to its minimally invasive nature.
SMILE involves a smaller incision, making it a better choice for individuals with thin corneas.

While both procedures have high success rates, the choice between SMILE and LASIK should be made based on your specific needs and the recommendations of your ophthalmologist.

Cost of SMILE Eye Surgery in India

The cost of SMILE eye surgery can vary based on several factors, including the clinic’s location, the surgeon’s experience, and any additional services provided. At Centre for Sight, the price starts from ₹1,30,000, with flexible EMI options available for patients. During your consultation, a detailed cost breakdown will be provided so that you are fully informed of the pricing structure.

Why Choose Centre for Sight for SMILE?

State-of-the-Art Technology: We use advanced femtosecond laser technology to ensure precision and optimal results for SMILE surgery.
Experienced Surgeons: Our team of ophthalmologists has extensive experience performing SMILE surgery, ensuring the highest level of patient care and expertise.
Comprehensive Care: From the initial consultation to post-surgical follow-up appointments, we prioritise patient well-being and comfort.
Patient-Centric Approach: At Centre for Sight, patients receive personalised care tailored to their specific vision needs and concerns.
Affordable Treatment Options: We offer competitive pricing with attractive EMI plans to make advanced eye care accessible to all.

Looking for a trusted eye specialist near you?

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does SMILE Eye Surgery Last?

SMILE surgery typically provides long-lasting vision correction, but individual results may vary. Also, after 45 yrs of age, people may require reading glasses.

Which Is Better: SMILE or LASIK?

The choice between SMILE and LASIK depends on factors like the patient’s eye condition and preferences; though SMILE is more advanced than LASIK.

Is SMILE laser eye surgery procedure very painful?

The whole surgery is done without causing any pain or discomfort to the eyes. The recovery time is also very fast, which allows you to adjust to the changes very quickly.

Are there any complications after SMILE eye surgery?

SMILE eye surgery was developed to minimise the complications that persist in previous surgical techniques. Nowadays, post-operation issues are almost zero, and the whole process is pain-free.

Do I need to prepare for my eye surgery?

There are no special preparations that a patient needs to do on his/her part. All preparations are suggested and done by the staff and doctors of the centre.

How accurate is SMILE eye surgery?

It is a very accurate and precise procedure. It does not affect the cornea cells or does any damage to the tissues. It is acknowledged to be better than Lasik in most cases.

How much time does SMILE surgery take?

The surgery takes about 15 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis. The patient can go back home the same day.

Will I be awake during the SMILE surgery?

Yes, a patient remains awake during the procedure. Surgeons use anaesthetic eye drops before the surgery. The patient feels numbness in the eyes with no pain sensation.

Are both the eyes treated during the same surgery?

Yes, SMILE is usually done for both the eyes.

Are there any diet restrictions after ReLEx SMILE surgery?

No, there are no diet restrictions post-ReLEx SMILE surgery.

Am I eligible for eye donation after SMILE eye surgery?

Yes.

Is SMILE Laser Eye Surgery Safe?

SMILE laser eye surgery is a 3rd generation laser vision correction technique and is generally considered safe, but, like any surgery, it too carries a few potential risks.

What Is SMILE Surgery for Eyes?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery is a laser vision correction technique that reshapes the cornea with a femtosecond laser. Being a flapless procedure, SMILE offers advantages like less dry eyes, no flap-based complications, making it a preferred option.

How quick is the recovery after SMILE laser edge surgery?

The recovery time is different for every patient, but on average, most people usually get back home the very same day after surgery. It is a quick and hassle-free recovery.

Is SMILE a laser surgery?

SMILE eye surgery is a blade-free one-laser vision correction surgery. This means that throughout the procedure, the laser is only used once.

Why is SMILE better than other laser surgeries?

SMILE laser eye surgery is better than other laser procedures like LASIK and PRK because it is flapless. With just one laser and no blades, it does not require corneal flaps and is relatively simple.

Am I eligible for SMILE laser eye surgery?

Patients suitable for the Lasik procedure can also undergo SMILE surgery. However, you have to consult the ophthalmologist first. Book your appointment at Centre for Sight for a detailed examination now.

When can I get back to my routine lifestyle post-surgery?

The patient is advised to take rest and stay indoors for at least 24 hours.

Is SMILE surgery a permanent treatment?

Yes, SMILE surgery gives accurate and highly predictable results.

What is ReLEx?

ReLex is an acronym for Refractive Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx). It is the most advanced laser vision correction procedure.

Why is washing eyes with water not recommended after post-procedure?

The regular water does not contain the same salt concentration as your tears. Instead of using water, your surgeon may prescribe you lubricating eye drops that maintain PH balance in your eyes. Regular water can also be a source of infection. Hence, in the post-operative phase, use only prescribed medications as recommended by your surgeon. You can get back to your usual routine as recommended by your surgeons (usually within a few days).

What is the full form of SMILE surgery?

The full form of SMILE surgery is Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.

Is SMILE really better than LASIK?

There is no right answer as to this question. The right question is – Which is better for you specifically? LASIK is the better option for farsightedness because SMILE can’t fix it. SMILE offers a flapless, less invasive and more stable correction for nearsightedness (myopia) when compared to LASIK. It reduces post-operative dry eyes and some studies have also indicate that cornea post SMILE surgery is biomechanically stronger compared to the cornea post LASIK.