SMILE

Our SMILE procedure corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism through a tiny, flapless incision, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional laser surgery. Short for small incision lenticule extraction, it reshapes the cornea from within.

A femtosecond laser creates a thin disc of tissue inside the cornea, which is then removed through an opening just a few millimeters wide. Because no flap is created, the cornea retains more of its natural strength.

Many patients experience less dryness and a quick return to normal activities. It’s an especially good fit for people with active lifestyles or those who aren’t ideal LASIK candidates.

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What is SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and is an eye surgery that corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism. Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when either the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. As a result, light doesn’t focus correctly on the retina, and the patient struggles to see faraway objects clearly.

Myopia is the most common vision impairment in people under 40. It forces countless people to rely on glasses or contact lenses to navigate everyday life, which can limit their activities. Eye surgery frees many patients from the inconvenience of depending on corrective lenses, allowing them to live fully and see clearly.

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Am I a good candidate for SMILE eye surgery?

This newer approach is less invasive than LASIK and PRK, using a smaller corneal incision with no flap. That can make it a better fit for athletes and active people who might risk dislodging a flap. It may also suit those with dry eyes, since it carries a lower risk of causing dryness.

Ideal candidates are over 22, have healthy eyes, and have stable vision with up to -10.00 diopters of nearsightedness. Because it corrects only myopia and myopic astigmatism, it isn’t an option for farsighted patients, who may be better suited for LASIK or PRK. The best way to determine your candidacy is to consult an experienced surgeon like Dr. Jennifer Wu. Along with examining your eyes, she’ll personally discuss your lifestyle, goals, and medical history to find the option that best meets your needs.

How does SMILE surgery work?

In many ways, this approach is even simpler and quicker than LASIK because it uses one laser instead of two. LASIK relies on a femtosecond laser to create a corneal flap and a separate excimer laser to reshape the tissue underneath, while this technique requires no flap at all.

First, we apply numbing drops so you won’t feel any discomfort. Dr. Wu then uses a femtosecond laser to create a small disc of corneal tissue, called a lenticule, which is removed to reshape the cornea. The entire process takes just a few minutes per eye.

Dr. Wu and her team are the first in California to offer this treatment using the ZEISS VisuMax 800 laser, helping you achieve the best possible results.

How long is SMILE recovery?

A friend or family member can drive you home afterward, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Most people return to work and regular activities the next day. Because this approach is less invasive and disturbs fewer corneal nerves, recovery is generally faster and easier than with other laser vision correction options, and the risk of dry eye is lower than with LASIK.

Many patients notice clearer vision right away, though it may take a few days or weeks to reach their best results. Discomfort and side effects are minimal, but be sure to follow Dr. Wu’s aftercare instructions. You’ll need to use prescribed drops, skip eye makeup, and keep water out of your eyes for at least a few days.

How long does SMILE last?

Most people enjoy 20/20 vision or better after treatment and no longer need glasses or contacts. You may also find it easier to take part in recreational activities without the hassle of corrective eyewear.

The results are long-lasting because the cornea is permanently reshaped to correct myopia, so you can expect clearer sight for several years. However, laser correction can’t stop the eyes from aging, and natural changes eventually lead to presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, which may require reading glasses for close-up tasks. Later in life, some people choose refractive lens exchange (RLE) to address this and maintain sharp, youthful vision.

Our Advanced Technology for SMILE

When considering vision correction, finding the right procedure is only part of the decision–the other part is finding the right eye surgeon. Dr. Wu uses only the latest technology and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for her patients. By using advanced technology and prioritizing detailed assessments of each patient’s eyes, she can offer effective vision correction for even the most complex cases.

Dr. Wu believes in finding a suitable plan for every patient. She often takes on challenging cases that other eye surgeons have declined, helping these patients achieve lasting vision correction even after they’d been told they were ineligible for laser eye surgery. Additionally, she helps many people reach an optimal outcome if a previous procedure elsewhere did not yield satisfactory results.

Discover a Minimally Invasive Option With Our SMILE Procedure

Our SMILE procedure offers clear vision with a gentle, flapless approach. We’ll determine whether it’s right for your eyes and lifestyle. Schedule your evaluation with One Eyecare LASIK today.

Fill out the form or call us at 949.208.9090 to schedule an eye exam and consultation. Dr. Jennifer Wu is dedicated to providing you with personalized care and the most advanced treatment options.

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