SMILE, or small incision lenticule extraction, is a newer type of laser eye surgery that is used to correct nearsightedness, also known as myopia.
How SMILE works
- Preparation: Before the procedure, the eye surgeon will use a numbing drop to make sure you’re comfortable. They will also place a speculum to keep your eyelids open during the surgery.
- Creating a lenticule: The surgeon will use a femtosecond laser to create a small, disc-shaped piece of tissue called a lenticule within the cornea. The lenticule contains the part of the cornea that needs to be removed to correct your vision.
- Removing the lenticule: The surgeon will make a small incision in the cornea and remove the lenticule through it. This reshapes the cornea to correct your vision.
- Recovery: After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and blurry vision, but it usually improves within a few days. It may take a week or two for your vision to stabilize and for you to be able to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.
A good candidate for SMILE
SMILE is a great option for people who have nearsightedness, especially if they have thin corneas. Unlike LASIK or PRK, SMILE only requires a small incision, which means there’s less disruption to the cornea and faster recovery times. It also has a lower risk of complications compared to other laser eye surgeries. SMILE is a safe and effective way to correct vision problems, and many patients report a high level of satisfaction with the procedure.
If you’re considering SMILE, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our eye physicians to determine if it’s the right choice for you. They can evaluate your eyes and medical history and help you decide which type of laser eye surgery is best for your needs.
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