What Is SMILE Lasik?

If you’ve grown tired of waking-up every morning reaching for your glasses or contact lens case, you’ve probably looked into Lasik. Created in the 1970’s and approved for use by the FDA in 1995, LASIK reshapes your cornea to correct for refractive errors such as nearsightedness or astigmatism. Over the last few decades, Lasik has been the staple in laser vision correction and often used synonymously with other corrective procedures.

However, the most recent advancements in technology and refinement in techniques, has given way to a new procedure called SMILE Lasik, the safest and most effective version of laser vision correction.

What Sets SMILE Apart?

For you to see clearly, without blurred vision or issues with focusing, the light rays that travel through your cornea and lens must hit the back of your eye just right. When light can hit your retina accurately, signals are sent to the brain so that you can see things as they are. If you have a refractive error, the light cannot bend as it should through your cornea, which causes distortion and blurriness and leads many dependent on glasses or contacts.

SMILE, also known as Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, uses a laser to change the shape of your cornea so that you can see accurately. What sets it apart from the other forms of laser vision correction is that it is bladeless, and no flap is created, making it less invasive. Instead, it corrects the way light is refracted within the eyes by creating a lenticule, which is a small disc-shaped area of tissue. When this lenticule is removed via a small incision, the shape of the cornea changes, allowing light to be refracted properly and enabling you to see clearly.

How Does SMILE Work? 3 Simple Steps.

The SMILE procedure is done by one laser, in three simple steps. This makes it far superior in safety, stability, and comfort for patients undergoing treatment. It only takes about 10-minutes per eye and works as follows.

1. The Lenticule is Created.

The lenticule is created using the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser, which takes about 20-seconds of laser time per eye. The lenticule is a thin, contact lens-shaped layer of tissue that gets created just underneath the surface of the eye.

2. The Lenticule is Removed.

A tiny 4 mm laser incision is created in the cornea, with minimal disruption, allowing the surgeon to remove the lenticule.

3. Your Vision is Corrected.

Once the lenticule is removed from just beneath the surface of the eye, the cornea is effectively reshaped. This changes the way light is focused within the eye, allowing you to see clearly.

What Are The Benefits of SMILE?

There are several benefits that make SMILE safer, more effective, and less demanding than other forms of laser vision correction.

1. SMILE is performed using the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser, which provides consistent, predictable results. This ensures that patients receive the best possible improvement in their vision.
2. The incision made in the cornea is 80% smaller than traditional LASIK. This reduces the risk of damaging the cornea significantly.
3. SMILE is bladeless and flapless, ensuring that patients avoid flap-related complications that has been reported with traditional LASIK.
4. Patients experience less discomfort during and after the procedure. There is no noise, smells, or pressure that can be sensed. Since the procedure is quicker than traditional Lasik and creates less disruption in the cornea, both the procedure and recovery is more comfortable.
5. SMILE is considered the most advanced form of laser vision correction available. It uses the latest technology, and was designed specifically with safety, ease-of-use, and patient comfort in mind.

Why Choose SMILE Lasik?

SMILE has quickly become the superior procedure since FDA approval in 2016. Many patients ask for it by name due to its reputation for comfort, quick recovery, and precise results. It is a no-flap procedure ensuring that the cornea stays strong, avoiding potential complications. To find out if SMILE is right for you, book your free consultation online or call us at 407-843-5665 for more information.