Smile LASIK, or SMILE, is a less invasive alternative to traditional laser eye surgery. The procedure involves using a femtosecond laser to create a lenticule that changes the way light is refracted in the eye. The benefits of Smile are minimally invasive and minimal recovery time. However, Smile can be more expensive than LASIK.
SMILE is a LASIK procedure
While LASIK is the most commonly used refractive surgery, the newer SMILE procedure is gaining ground. The two procedures are similar in the results they produce for patients who have nearsightedness. A recent study showed that 90 percent of patients who underwent SMILE surgery reported having uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better.
The SMILE procedure involves making a small incision on the surface of the eye. This incision is less than 4mm, so the process is quiet and virtually painless. A flap is created on the cornea that heals naturally within a few days. After the SMILE procedure, the cornea will heal itself and the patient will be able to see clearly again.
During the SMILE procedure, the patient is given a topical anesthetic that numbs the eyes. Afterwards, patients may feel a bit of pain and redness. Some patients also experience a gritty sensation in their eye. In addition to discomfort and redness, SMILE patients can experience minor complications such as corneal abrasions and small tears at the site of incision. However, these complications are not significant and will not have a lasting impact on the patient’s vision.
It uses a femtosecond laser to create a lenticule to alter the way light is refracted by the eye
The Smile LASIK procedure uses a femtosecond-laser to prepare the lenticule and alter the way light is refracted in the eye. This laser procedure is a one-step procedure that is minimally invasive. It uses pulses of near-infrared light (1053nm) that are incredibly fast. These pulses are aimed in the cornea, where they create a connecting tunnel that allows the surgeon to access the targeted tissue. Afterwards, the lenticule is gently removed and the cornea is reshaped, resulting in improved vision.
The SMILE procedure works on eyes that are myopic and have astigmatism. It can improve visual acuity for people with up to -10D spherical equivalent refraction. Patients with more than that level of astigmatism cannot undergo the SMILE procedure, but similar procedures are in development for those patients.
Unlike traditional LASIK surgery, SMILE is a safer procedure because there is less margin for error. It does not use an excimer laser and it doesn’t have auto-centration, which increases the chance of misplaced lenticules and worse vision. People who lead active lifestyles and participate in athletics may prefer this surgery over traditional LASIK.
It is a minimally invasive procedure
SMILE combines the benefits of LASIK and ASA and is a minimally invasive procedure. It uses a single femtosecond laser that works on the cornea, but there is no flap. This means less recovery time and fewer risks. Patients also have less chance of developing dry eye, a common complication of LASIK.
The ZEISS SMILE laser is extremely safe and only takes 30 seconds per eye. After surgery, patients can usually return to normal activities within one to two days. The recovery period is short, and most patients are able to drive themselves home. However, they must wait at least a week before swimming or engaging in strenuous activities, as they may experience water-borne infections.
SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure for correcting nearsightedness. Instead of creating a flap, the surgeon creates a layer of tissue similar to a contact lens and removes it through a small incision. This layer changes the cornea’s shape, which immediately improves eyesight.
It is more expensive than LASIK
Although SMILE and LASIK are very similar, the two procedures have some key differences. LASIK is a proven technology that has been around for years, while SMILE is new and is still evolving. SMILE requires a more thorough examination of your eyes. This includes mapping the surface of your cornea, which will help the ophthalmologist program the laser and achieve the desired result.
The SMILE procedure involves using a femtosecond laser with a high pulse rate to reshape the cornea. This technology enables surgeons to perform the procedure more precisely and quickly than LASIK. In addition, the procedure is less invasive and requires a smaller incision.
While SMILE is more expensive than LASIK, it is still relatively safe. During the first few years, SMILE was more expensive than LASIK, but recent price drops have made SMILE a more affordable option. It costs about $1,800 to $3,600 per eye. However, the cost of SMILE depends on the surgeon’s experience, location, and other factors.