Laser eye surgery has been a breakthrough in the world of refractive vision treatment. In fact, those who receive this surgery can sometimes totally ditch their distance glasses or contact solutions for good. Some refractive treatments can even have patients seeing 20/20 after the cornea procedure is complete. However, with new technology advancing rapidly, new products and processes have been developed to provide laser eye surgery with even greater effectiveness. One of those advancements we’ll be discussing today is called SMILE Laser Eye Surgery.
What is SMILE?
SMILE is one laser treatment for laser eye surgery. It includes a one-step process where the eye surgeon uses a computer-guided laser light to create a small incision in the cornea of the patient. This will be done in order to remove a small piece of corneal tissue, which is also called the lenticule. But don’t worry, your cornea and eye surface are completely safe. This medical process helps to reshape the cornea to correct vision problems. And just recently, SMILE has been FDA approved for myopia with astigmatism. Myopia stands for nearsightedness. This FDA approval is a breakthrough for the eyecare industry and many patients are reaping the benefits from SMILE surgery. SMILE is a medical treatment capable of correcting nearsightedness up to -10.00 diopters, and -3.00 diopters of astigmatism.
Compared to LASIK
When considering laser eye surgery, you have three options: SMILE, LASIK, or PRK. However, understanding the differences of these medical procedures can be confusing. But knowing these differences can help you understand the right procedure for you. LASIK is the laser eye procedure most people are familiar with. LASIK is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the surgery, a small flap of corneal tissue is created using a femtosecond laser. This flap is then lifted and folded back before a second excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue to correct your vision. Compared to SMILE surgery, LASIK patients may be more at risk for flap related complications after the surgery. If you have myopia and one of the most common eye conditions, astigmatism, then SMILE may be the best option for you.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a very common vision issue in the world today and more than three million people have this condition. The main symptom of astigmatism is blurry vision from an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. When the clear surface of your eye, called the cornea, or the lens, which is the clear element behind the iris, has an irregular shape, then blurry vision may be the result. The odd shape prevents light from entering the eye properly, which causes blurry or distorted vision, also known as refractive error. Many people with astigmatism wear glasses to correct their vision. With the help of our laser eye services, you can eliminate the need to wear glasses.
Symptoms of astigmatism:
- Correction issues
- Myopia
- Blurred vision from any distance
- Problems seeing at night
- Moderate to severe eye strain
- Squinting
- Headaches
How SMILE Works?
Compared to LASIK surgery, SMILE is far less invasive and the process is very quick. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, SMILE, is a procedure that uses the highly precise femtosecond laser, VisuMax. During the surgery, the ophthalmology surgeon will make a tiny arc-shaped incision on the cornea, which alters its shape and corrects the refractive error. Compared to LASIK, SMILE uses a single laser and the incision is much smaller. This results in quick recovery and much better corneal stability.
The Power of Zeiss
Zeiss is a technology company that has designed the VisuMax femtosecond laser that is used in SMILE surgery. Zeiss has a pretty impressive portfolio with solutions for industry, research, medicine, eyeglass lenses, and much more. If your visual abilities are lacking or if you’re experiencing moderate to severe discomfort, then the Zeiss laser is here to help. With SMILE, or small incision lenticule extraction, a lenticule and a tiny incision of only 60 to 90 degrees is made. This is done inside the intact cornea, which enables a smaller side-cut and small cap cut.
Benefits of SMILE Laser Eye Surgery
The FDA approval for SMILE for astigmatism is a very good sign and many patients will finally receive the treatment they need for this troubling condition. However, you may want to know all the benefits involved with this type of surgery. Take a look at the many benefits below:
Latest Advancement in Laser Vision Correction
Let’s face it, thinking about lasers and vision treatment can be a scary thought. But if you think about the professional doctors completing these medical procedures and the thousands of successful surgeries that have been conducted, you might have a little more peace of mind. And when it comes to SMILE, it is the latest advancement in laser treatment for your vision. If you receive this surgery, you know you’ll be working with the latest and most advanced procedure out there.
Safe
Another advantage of this treatment is that it is very safe. Patients have said the procedure is relatively comfortable and painless, and the level of safety is very high.
Minimally Invasive Laser Vision Correction
Another huge benefit of this treatment is that it is minimally invasive compared to other laser surgeries. Using only one laser and one very tiny incision, the procedure can be completed with ease.
No Flap Surgical Complications
With LASIK, patients sometimes run into some issues due to the flap that is created. But with SMILE, no flap is ever created so you can throw those flap-related issues out the window.
Quick Healing
Because of the less invasive, faster procedure, the recovery period is also very quick compared to other vision surgeries. The faster recovery is also thanks to the tiny incision made.
2.5 Million Procedures Performed Worldwide
Another reason to use the SMILE eye surgery astigmatism solution is that there have been millions of successful procedures completed around the world. Eye surgeons have perfected this surgery and doctors feel very experienced and confident while performing these procedures.
One Laser
SMILE is a very sought out procedure because there is only one laser in use. With SMILE, an excimer laser is also never used. An eye surgeon will instead use a femtosecond laser to cut a small incision, then use it to remove a piece of corneal tissue, called the lenticule.
Small Incision
Unlike LASIK where a large incision is made, the SMILE procedure only involves a very tiny incision. SMILE surgery only involves one single laser, called the femtosecond laser, which is used to cut a very tiny piece of the cornea.
Less Postoperative Dry Eye
While LASIK has been an extremely popular vision correction treatment, patients receiving LASIK may be more prone to postoperative dry eye. This dry eye can be very annoying and troublesome to deal with, and finding a cure may be extremely difficult. With the SMILE procedure, patients experience less dry eye issues and more comfort following the surgery.
Now FDA Approved for Astigmatism
SMILE surgery has been extremely effective at treating astigmatism for years, but it is just now gaining popularity since it is now FDA approved! In fact, SMILE surgery is now the most advanced FDA approved laser vision correction treatment to date!
Are You a Good Candidate?
Do you have myopia? Do you have eye strain time and time again? While small incision lenticule extraction SMILE surgery is right for many patients who experience vision and eye problems, it isn’t suitable for everyone. In order to determine if this refractive surgery is right for you and your astigmatism condition, it’s best to contact a SMILE surgical specialist. They can help examine your vision, eye surface, your corneal thickness, and other areas of your eyes and vision to determine if SMILE is the right procedure for your needs. Say goodbye to glasses with the help of SMILE surgery.
SMILE Refractive Surgery at Goel Vision
Do you have questions about SMILE vision correction surgery? Want to schedule a refractive eye surgery consultation? If so, then be sure to pick up the phone and contact Goel Vision today! Our lead doctor, Dr. Goel, is a board-certified ophthalmology expert that has been providing refractive surgery solutions for decades. In fact, he has been providing visual correction treatments since 1997! In that span, Dr. Goel has performed over 100.000 LASIK procedures. Dr. Goel is even a recipient of LASIK surgery himself, so he understands the amazing results and top-notch benefits of receiving vision correction surgery. Whether you’re interested in the SMILE procedure to treat astigmatism, or you have questions about astigmatism or any other vision condition, we are standing by ready to assist you. Dr. Goel is very experienced with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedure, so you can rest easy that you’ll always be in great hands and always be able to contact us.
Exclusive Offering
If you live in Maryland and you’re interested in SMILE surgery, then it’s time to call Goel Vision today! The eye and vision experts at Goel Vision always stay up-to-date on the latest technology in the industry, and taking care of our patients is always our top priority! Contact us today to have your vision fixed in no time.
