Benefits of Vision Correction With SMILE Laser Eye Surgery

Everyone knows about LASIK, but its popularity does not make it the right treatment for everyone. Dr. Wu offers a wide range of vision correction surgeries, many of which may work for you if LASIK is not your best option. SMILE eye surgery, often considered a more advanced version of LASIK, can help people achieve clear vision who are not LASIK candidates due to dry eye or risk of eye trauma.

What is SMILE laser eye surgery?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive form of laser eye surgery that corrects your vision by changing the shape of your cornea. The cornea is the clear layer at the front of your eye that helps to focus light. SMILE uses a precise laser to create a disc-shaped cut (lenticule) in order to correct your eye prescription (treat refractive errors like nearsightedness and astigmatism).

How does SMILE work?

All forms of laser eye surgery work by reshaping your cornea so light focuses properly. The primary difference between SMILE, LASIK, and PRK is how Dr. Wu accesses the middle layer of the cornea (stroma) in order to correct your prescription. During LASIK, a superficial flap containing corneal epithelium (the outermost layer) plus stromal is cut and then lifted back so the laser can remove a small amount of stroma for vision correction, and then the flap is put back in place. During SMILE, the advanced laser makes 2 passes inside the stroma to create a thin disc of stromal tissue, which is removed through a tiny 3 mm incision. This small incision has a lower risk of complications than the larger LASIK flap (19mm incision). PRK does not utilize a flap or a lenticule. Instead, during PRK, the outermost layer of skin (the corneal epithelium) is removed with a blade; then, the laser can remove a precise amount of stroma for vision correction. The corneal epithelium grows back over the course of 3-5 days.

Benefits of Vision Correction With SMILE Eye Surgery

While many people learn about SMILE after being told they are not ideal candidates for LASIK, there are reasons to choose this procedure on its own merits. Benefits of SMILE eye surgery include:

Less Risk of Dry Eye

Because LASIK disturbs more of the corneal surface, it can worsen dry eye symptoms. People with dry eye problems are often better candidates for SMILE, which is less likely to cause or worsen dry eye symptoms.

Ideal for Contact Sports Players

The flap created during LASIK leaves an area of the cornea that is more vulnerable to disruption. People who play contact sports can benefit from the smaller incision used in SMILE, which leaves them with a more stable cornea.

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We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Schedule consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.

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Rapid Recovery

Aside from some minor discomfort, SMILE recovery is quick and easy. Most people resume their usual activities within one day, although Dr. Wu may instruct you to wait longer for activities like swimming or applying eye makeup.

Clear Vision

Most people no longer need glasses or contacts after a SMILE procedure, although your results depend on many factors. 20/20 (normal) vision or better is achievable for most individuals, and results can last for many years.

Am I a good candidate for SMILE?

Along with the criteria above, good candidates for SMILE laser eye surgery generally have healthy eyes and realistic expectations. Candidates must have a prescription in the range that SMILE can treat, which does not include farsightedness. Only a consultation can allow Dr. Wu to assess your health, lifestyle, and many other factors that affect the success of your procedure.