June 21, 2021 By admin

SMILE Laser Eye Surgery (3rd Generation)

Laser surgeries are relatively new to correct refractive errors. PRK and LASIK were the previous generation laser-guided operation technologies for reshaping the cornea. SMILE is the latest version of laser surgery with fewer side effects, done in selected eye clinics.

SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. Although SMILE was also developed 10 years back. It is less invasive than LASIK, but it only works for people with myopia and, sometimes, associated astigmatism. 

It is an innovative form of keyhole laser eye surgery. SMILE laser eye surgery is a unique treatment, using a state-of-the-art Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser. SMILE combines advantages of PRK and LASIK: it requires only a small incision, does not require a flap, and has a quick, LASIK-like recovery, with the additional benefit of no postoperative restrictions.

The accuracy level is very high in this type of surgery because it utilizes 3D mapping. These pulses form minute bubbles that have a 1/100th width of human hair and are used to outline the tissues that need to be removed because of deterioration. 

How SMILE can help in my Vision improvement?

Now, LASIK is not for everyone, there are some limitations with it. LASIK works by reshaping the corneal surface, so in case of thin cornea, SMILE can be the solution. The Femto-LASIK treatment was only recommended to patients with the refraction up to a maximum of -8 diopters. While SMILE surgery can be done up to -10 diopters.

When we think of returning back to work or play our favourite sport, SMILE has faster recovery when compared with LASIK. Till recent past, Patients use to avoid the surgery just because of idea of blade on the eye. When lasers were introduced, it was a revolution. But then there were Laser associated drawbacks, which are now eliminated up to a level by SMILE. 

What are the benefits of SMILE?

SMILE has a good safety profile as it induces less aberrations

• It is considered flapless, previously a side-cut of 20 mm had to be created, whereas in SMILE 4 mm is sufficient.
• As a side effect of Laser, Dry eyes is rarely seen with SMILE because upper corneal layer and nerve tracts of the cornea remain largely intact.
• Usually eye stability takes a lot of time after refractive surgery but in SMILE corneal stability is achieved much faster.
• It is highly precise, quick (under 10 min) and has less post operative complications.
• Due to the use of femtosecond cutting instead of ablation, refractive correction is not affected by ambient room conditions and corneal hydration and gives an excellent predictability, also for higher corrections.
• SMILE brings a lot of factors together which make the process easier to perform and more successful. The complete laser treatment and lenticule access and creation both take place in a single step.
• Night vision is improved with SMILE surgery when compared to LASIK, as Optical zones are lager in SMILE surgery.
• Inflammation is reduced to negligible as the total laser energy used is up to 10 times lesser than an excimer laser.
• SMILE with PRESBYOND technology can correct treat distance and near vision at the same time.
• When it comes to overall advantage, SMILE wins over LASIK over a big margin. The entire process is bladeless, flapless, painless, and stitch less. 

To ensure the best healing results, it is extremely important that the patient comes to the follow-up examinations and follows the advice and instructions received from us after the treatment. If you are looking for an appointment with one of our experts or to know more about our various Laser assisted corrective and treatment modalities, feel free to contact us at +91-9811260680 or visit our clinic at Pitampura, New Delhi.