What is SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery is an innovative and minimally invasive laser procedure used to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. While LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) has been the most well-known laser eye surgery for years, SMILE is gaining popularity as a safer and more precise alternative for certain patients. In this article, we’ll explore what SMILE surgery is, how it works, its benefits, and what to expect during the procedure and recovery.

How Does SMILE Eye Surgery Work?

SMILE surgery is a relatively new technique in the world of refractive surgery and is performed using a femtosecond laser. Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a flap in the cornea to reshape it, SMILE works by removing a small piece of tissue (called a lenticule) from the middle layer of the cornea through a tiny incision. This lenticule is carefully SMILE extracted, which reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive error.

Here’s an overview of the SMILE procedure:

1. Pre-Surgery Evaluation: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough eye examination to determine their eligibility for SMILE surgery. This includes measuring the thickness of the cornea, assessing the refractive error, and checking overall eye health.
2. Numbing the Eye: Local anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye so that the patient remains comfortable during the procedure. Patients are awake during the surgery but will not feel pain.
3. Creating the Lenticule: Using the femtosecond laser, the surgeon creates a small, precise cut in the cornea, forming a lenticule (a thin, disc-shaped layer of tissue) within the cornea. The laser also creates a small incision on the surface of the cornea through which the lenticule will be removed.
4. Removing the Lenticule: The surgeon then gently removes the lenticule through the small incision. This alters the shape of the cornea and corrects the refractive error, improving the patient’s vision.
5. Healing: Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not require the creation of a corneal flap, which means there is less disruption to the cornea. As a result, patients experience a quicker and more straightforward healing process.

Benefits of SMILE Eye Surgery

SMILE offers several advantages over traditional LASIK surgery, making it an appealing option for certain patients:

1. Minimally Invasive: SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only a small incision (about 2-4 mm) in the cornea, compared to the larger flap created during LASIK. This smaller incision may reduce the risk of complications and promote a faster healing process.
2. Less Risk of Dry Eye: One of the most common side effects of LASIK is dry eye, which occurs when the surgery disrupts the nerves responsible for tear production. Since SMILE does not involve creating a flap or cutting nerves in the cornea, the risk of dry eye is significantly lower.
3. Better for Thin Corneas: SMILE is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or those who may not be suitable candidates for LASIK. Because there is no flap created, more of the corneal tissue is preserved, making it a safer option for patients with certain corneal conditions.
4. Quicker Recovery: Many patients experience a faster recovery time with SMILE than with LASIK. Since there is less disruption to the cornea, patients often experience less pain, fewer complications, and a more comfortable healing process.
5. Reduced Risk of Complications: SMILE’s smaller incision reduces the risk of complications such as flap dislocation or infection, which are possible with LASIK. The lack of a flap also eliminates the possibility of complications if the patient experiences trauma to the eye after surgery.
6. Improved Stability: Studies have shown that SMILE may provide more stable results over time, with fewer incidences of regression (when the vision returns to its previous state). This makes SMILE a potentially more durable solution for long-term vision correction.

What to Expect During the SMILE Procedure

The SMILE procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with each eye taking approximately 10 minutes. Most patients report feeling very little during the surgery, aside from some pressure on the eye. After the procedure, vision may be blurry initially, but it improves rapidly, with many patients experiencing significantly better vision within a few hours.

Following the surgery, patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days. While pain is minimal, some patients may experience slight discomfort, such as a gritty or dry sensation in the eyes. These symptoms generally resolve within a few days to a week.

Who is a Good Candidate for SMILE Surgery?

SMILE surgery is suitable for many individuals, especially those who have mild to moderate nearsightedness or astigmatism. However, not everyone is a good candidate. Patients with severe vision problems, thin corneas, or other eye health issues may not be ideal candidates for SMILE. The best way to determine if SMILE is right for you is to undergo a comprehensive eye exam with an experienced surgeon who specializes in refractive surgery.

SMILE eye surgery is an advanced and highly effective option for those seeking laser vision correction. With its minimally invasive nature, faster recovery time, and lower risk of complications compared to traditional LASIK, SMILE offers several benefits that may make it an appealing choice for many patients. If you’re considering vision correction surgery, it’s important to discuss your options with a qualified eye surgeon who can help you determine whether SMILE is the right choice for you. With the right care and expertise, SMILE can provide lasting improvements to your vision, freeing you from the dependence on glasses or contact lenses.