SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a refractive eye surgery that is used to correct myopia (near-sightedness). It is a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK and PRK surgery and has become increasingly popular in recent years. In this procedure, a small incision is made in the cornea to extract a disc-shaped piece of tissue, which changes the shape of the cornea and corrects the patient’s refractive error.
Procedure of SMILE Eye Surgery
The procedure of SMILE Eye Surgery involves the following steps:
The entire SMILE procedure typically takes about 15 minutes per eye and is performed on an outpatient basis. Unlike LASIK and PRK, SMILE does not require the creation of a corneal flap, making it a good option for people with thin corneas or other corneal conditions.
Recovery Time After SMILE Eye Surgery
Recovery time after SMILE Eye Surgery is typically faster than after PRK and similar to recovery time after LASIK. Most patients experience a rapid reduction in pain and improved vision within a few days after the procedure, with full visual recovery typically occurring within one to two weeks.
Advantages of SMILE Eye Surgery include:
Is SMILE Eye Surgery Safe
Overall, SMILE Eye Surgery is a safe and effective option for correcting myopia, with many advantages over other refractive surgery options. The results of SMILE are typically stable over time, with a low risk of regression or regression-related problems, making it an attractive option for people seeking long-term vision correction.