What is SMILE Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgical procedures are becoming more and more popular because of their success rate and fast recovery. SMILE eye surgery is one such latest laser surgical procedure that has gained much popularity in recent times.

SMILE eye surgery

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction surgery or SMILE eye surgery is the latest form of laser refractive surgery, which is performed using a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule in the cornea of the eye.

The lenticule is then extracted through a small incision which is made using the laser. This extraction of lenticule helps to change the shape of the cornea, which further helps achieve the desired refractive changes in the eye.

SMILE is a relatively new surgical procedure and is found to help treat conditions like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. 

If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will probably suggest you switch to glasses before the surgery. This switch is made at least 3 months before the planned surgery. The vision metrics should be consistent for a year before the surgery. 

SMILE eye surgeries for astigmatism and nearsightedness are the most commonly performed procedures, and they help correct both these conditions and improve your vision. It is a relatively safe procedure, and the post-surgery healing is quick since the procedure is less invasive.

Benefits of SMILE Eye Surgery

This surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. The incision made is up to 3 mm, which is even smaller than the one made during a LASIK surgery. The healing time is faster, and you can get back to your daily activities sooner. Also, a smaller incision means fewer corneal nerves are disturbed; thus, the stability of the cornea is maintained. 

All these factors make SMILE eye surgery a great option for working and active individuals.
Also, as compared to LASIK, SMILE eye surgery does not involve making a corneal flap. Hence, the complications that may come with it are avoided. 

What to Expect After SMILE Eye Surgery?

Your doctor will advise you to rest and perform certain activities only with caution for a few days after the surgery. Complications after SMILE eye surgery are rare, but you should still be aware of them and discuss the possible risks with your doctor before you go for the procedure. Some of the complications seen are overcorrected or undercorrected vision. These can, however, be corrected by additional surgery or by using glasses. Other common complications involve inflammation and/or infection, which usually go away on their own. 

What to Expect After SMILE Eye Surgery?

Your doctor will advise you to rest and perform certain activities only with caution for a few days after the surgery. Complications after SMILE eye surgery are rare, but you should still be aware of them and discuss the possible risks with your doctor before you go for the procedure. Some of the complications seen are overcorrected or undercorrected vision. These can, however, be corrected by additional surgery or by using glasses. Other common complications involve inflammation and/or infection, which usually go away on their own. 

Are you the Right Candidate for SMILE Eye 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.

If your refractive errors are unstable or you have any pre-conditions like cataract, glaucoma, and diabetes, keratoconus, unfortunately, you are not considered to be a suitable candidate for the surgery.

Why Choose Centre for Sight?

At Centre for Sight, you will meet a well-qualified and verified team of doctors and healthcare professionals who aim at providing you with the best specialised and professional eye care. The team at Centre for Sight clinics and hospitals will assist you throughout the procedure and ensure you the best treatment possible. 

Article:What is SMILE Eye Surgery: Procedure & Benefits Explained | Centre for Sight
Author: CFS Editorial Team   |   Aug 14 2021 | UPDATED 02:20 IST

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.