SMILE
femtosecond laser treatment for
myopia
astigmatism
What is SMILE ?
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
SMILE is running on a femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea. This femtosecond laser is an extremely short-pulsed, near infrared laser often also used to create a LASIK flap. The laser’s high peak intensity over a very short pulse duration (within a few femtoseconds of time) allows it to create micro-precision single holes (bubbles) that forms together cuts or planes in the corneal tissue without affecting the surrounding tissue.
It takes less than 30 seconds for the laser to create a small lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue (called the lenticule) inside the cornea. The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a small incision outer part of the eye. This reshapes the cornea and corrects the refractive error.
Frequently Asked Questions about SMILE
What is the benefits of SMILE?
- With an incision 2 mm on the eye surface, SMILE supports a minimally invasive procedure.
- The outer layer of the cornea doesn’t have to be removed.
- Corneal nerves stimulating the tear glands are less affected and are still able to help keep the eye lubricated. Side effects, such as dry eye syndrome, are rare after SMILE.
- Maintaining the corneal stability is supported, because the entire upper layers of the cornea are virtually unaffected.
What can be treated with SMILE?
Myopia (nearsightedness) & Astigmatism for now.
Hyperopia (farsightedness) will be treatable very soon.
Which is better LASIK or SMILE?
The lack of flap creation in SMILE has some benefits, such as less risk of dry eye or flap complications. However, patients may have a slightly longer trajectory to full visual recovery after SMILE vs. LASIK.
Ultimately, both SMILE and LASIK are safe procedures.
What is the best age to get SMILE eye surgery?
The FDA has approved LASIK eye surgery for those 18 years and older, but most surgeon will encourage patients to wait until 21 years of age.
Recovery of SMILE surgery
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
Initial Recovery from Surgery:
For SMILE patients, vision will be blurry right after surgery and they will not be able to see clearly. However, the blur should improve in 2 – 3 days for most patients, and vision should be clear enough to be able to go back to work.
Full Visual Recovery:
Full visual recovery, where your vision has totally stabilised and your eyes are consistently seeing very clearly, takes 1 – 2 months (patients with high myopia may take up to 3 months).
SMILE Could Be Your Answer
Great vision without glasses, in just minutes