Smile Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

Imagine waking up every morning and seeing the world clearly, without the need for glasses or contact lenses. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery offers this life-changing possibility for many individuals seeking freedom from refractive errors.

Understanding SMILE Eye Surgery

SMILE is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure performed with a femtosecond laser. This advanced technology creates a lenticule, a disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue, within the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye. The surgeon then makes a small incision using the laser and removes the lenticule, reshaping the cornea and correcting vision imperfections.

Is SMILE Right for You? Conditions Treated by SMILE

SMILE is primarily used to treat myopia (nearsightedness) and sometimes astigmatism. If you currently rely on glasses or contacts to see clearly at a distance, SMILE could be an excellent option to achieve spectacle independence.

The Advantages of SMILE Eye Surgery

Several factors make SMILE an attractive option for vision correction:

Minimally invasive: Compared to LASIK, SMILE utilizes a smaller incision, potentially leading to faster healing and reduced discomfort.
Preserves corneal tissue: Unlike LASIK, which creates a corneal flap, SMILE preserves the structural integrity of the cornea, potentially reducing dry eye symptoms post-surgery.
Fast and precise: The entire SMILE procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes, offering a quick and highly precise vision correction solution.

Who Can Benefit from SMILE? Assessing Your Candidacy

Not everyone is a candidate for SMILE. Ideal candidates typically have:

Stable vision prescription for at least a year
Healthy corneas with sufficient thickness
Realistic expectations about the procedure and potential outcomes

SMILE vs. LASIK: Choosing the Right Vision Correction Procedure

Both SMILE and LASIK are effective laser vision correction procedures. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Feature	SMILE	LASIK
Flap creation	No	Yes, a thin flap is created in the cornea
Incision size	Smaller	Larger
Potential for dry eye	Lower	May be slightly higher
Recovery time	Faster	May take slightly longer

Preparing for Your SMILE Procedure:

A comprehensive preoperative consultation at Madurai Eye Center is crucial. Our ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye examination, including corneal mapping and topography, to determine your suitability for SMILE and discuss your expectations.

Step-by-Step: The SMILE Procedure Explained

During the procedure, performed on an outpatient basis:

Numbing eye drops are applied to anaesthetise the eye.
The femtosecond laser creates the lenticule within the corneal tissue.
The same laser creates a small access incision in the cornea.
The surgeon gently removes the lenticule through the incision.
The cornea naturally reshapes itself, correcting the vision imperfection.

The Duration of SMILE Surgery

The actual laser procedure itself typically takes less than 15 minutes. The entire process, including preparation and post-operative checks, may take up to an hour.

Recovery After SMILE: Going Home and Beyond

You can usually go home shortly after the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home as your vision may initially be blurry.

What to Expect After SMILE Surgery

Following SMILE, you may experience temporary discomfort, mild watering, and blurry vision. These usually subside within a few hours or days. Our ophthalmologist will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing.

The Advantages of SMILE Eye Surgery:

Here are some of the key benefits of SMILE:

Minimally invasive
Fast and precise procedure
Reduced risk of dry eye
Faster healing time
Excellent safety profile

Risks of SMILE Eye Surgery:

As with any surgery, SMILE carries a low risk of complications. These can include undercorrection or overcorrection of vision, infection, and temporary dry eye. A thorough consultation with your ophthalmologist at Madurai Eye Center will help you understand the specific risks and benefits of SMILE and determine if it’s the right option for you.

Taking the First Step Towards Clear Vision:

At Madurai Eye Center, Coimbatore, our team of experienced and highly skilled ophthalmologists is dedicated to providing you with the latest advancements in vision correction technology. If you’re considering SMILE eye surgery and are interested in learning more, schedule a consultation.