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What is Smile Eye Surgery?

Understanding About

Smile Eye Surgery

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a laser refractive surgery technique used to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism. Unlike LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and FLEx (Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction), SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, it makes a small peripheral corneal incision through which a refractive lenticule is extracted. 

This technique aims to improve corneal biomechanical stability by minimizing disruption to the peripheral collagen networks in the anterior stroma. Additionally, SMILE is thought to reduce injury to the subbasal nerve plexus and avoid flap-related complications. 

Since its introduction in 2008, SMILE has gained popularity among ocular surgeons and has the potential to become a standard procedure for correcting visual refractive errors.

Smile Eye surgery at Maxivision eye care hospital

Types of SMILE

Different Types of

SMILE

SMILE FAQS

SMILE

FAQS

Need to rest for 24 hours post procedure, and the day the laser is performed, you must stay indoors. Then, depending on individual requirement and occupation, a maximum of 2 to 3 days rest is needed for your eyes.
Yes. You will be awake during the entire procedure. However, we use anesthetic eye drops and you will feel numbness or little heaviness in your eyes with NO pain sensation during the procedure.
Yes, this is a permanent treatment at present, though research is working in making ReLEx reversible if required, it is still in studies.
Yes, laser procedure is usually done for both eyes at the same time, as we do not ‘enter’ the eye, but just work on the surface; also as both eyes have to recover visually in a binocular way.
15-20 minutes for both the eyes.

In most cases, you won’t need glasses. According to FDA reviews, 98.5% of patients experienced significant vision improvement, and 93% achieved near-perfect vision after SMILE Eye Surgery. However, this procedure doesn’t prevent age-related vision changes like presbyopia or cataracts, which may require glasses in the future. It does, however, provide excellent long-term correction for existing vision problems.

No, blindness is not a risk with SMILE Eye Surgery. This procedure has an exceptional safety record, with its minimally invasive technique significantly reducing complications. The incision made during SMILE is 80% smaller than that of LASIK, minimizing the likelihood of corneal thinning and post-surgery dry eye symptoms.

SMILE Eye Surgery is a painless procedure. Anesthetic drops are applied to numb your eyes before surgery, and a speculum and suction device ensure that your eye stays steady, so blinking is not an issue. The entire process takes only about 15 minutes, and patients often describe it as stress-free and comfortable.

The cost of SMILE Eye Surgery in India typically varies depending on individual factors such as the patient’s refractive error and the clinic chosen. On average, the procedure costs around INR 1,30,000 at reputed centers.

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Comparison of

SMILE Eye Surgery

LASIK, Contoura Vision

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a laser refractive surgery technique used to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism. Unlike LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and FLEx (Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction), SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, it makes a small peripheral corneal incision through which a refractive lenticule is extracted. 

This technique aims to improve corneal biomechanical stability by minimizing disruption to the peripheral collagen networks in the anterior stroma. Additionally, SMILE is thought to reduce injury to the subbasal nerve plexus and avoid flap-related complications. 

Since its introduction in 2008, SMILE has gained popularity among ocular surgeons and has the potential to become a standard procedure for correcting visual refractive errors.

Smile Eye surgery at Maxivision eye care hospital

SMILE Eye Surgery (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

How it Works: A femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule (a thin layer of tissue) within the cornea, which is removed through a tiny incision.

Key Advantages:

  • Corneal Strength: Since the incision is 80% smaller than LASIK, more of the cornea is preserved, maintaining its structural integrity.
  • Minimal Discomfort: SMILE Eye Surgery is flapless and less invasive, reducing post-surgery dryness and discomfort.
  • Quick Recovery: Patients can return to daily activities faster, with excellent visual improvement within days.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

How it Works: A corneal flap is created, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct vision.

Key Advantages:

  • Effective for a broader range of refractive errors, including hyperopia (farsightedness).
  • Decades of research and data support its safety and efficacy.

Limitations:

  • Involves creating a flap, which can increase the risk of complications like flap dislocation.
  • Higher chances of dry eye due to severed corneal nerves.

Contoura Vision (Topography-Guided LASIK)

How it Works: Builds upon LASIK by using corneal topography maps to guide laser reshaping, ensuring precise correction of irregularities.

Key Advantages:

  • Improves visual quality, reducing glare and night vision issues.
  • Ideal for patients with irregular corneal shapes.

Limitations:

  • Still involves flap creation, making it more invasive than SMILE Laser Eye Surgery.
Smile Eye surgery at Maxivision eye care hospital

SMILE Laser Eye Surgery excels in maintaining corneal integrity and minimizing complications like dry eyes, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking a minimally invasive procedure. Additionally, it’s faster recovery time and reduced discomfort give it an edge over other options.

Patients choosing SMILE Eye Surgery benefit from a smooth recovery process, but following proper post-operative care is critical to achieving the best results.

Timeline of Visual Improvement

  • Day 1: Immediate improvement in vision is noticeable, though some blurriness may persist.
  • Week 1: Vision continues to stabilize, and most patients resume non-strenuous activities.
  • 1 Month: By this time, the majority of patients have optimal vision without discomfort.

Do’s

  • Use the prescribed eye drops to manage dryness and prevent infections.
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from UV exposure.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Don’ts

  • Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially in the first few weeks.
  • Refrain from swimming, using hot tubs, or engaging in activities that expose your eyes to water for at least two weeks.
  • Postpone heavy exercise or contact sports for a month to prevent accidental trauma.