2018 saw the FDA’s approval of Smile laser eye surgery, which has since shown to provide several benefits beyond only vision correction. The most cutting-edge laser eye surgery for refractive correction is currently called SMILE. Over 10 million individuals have had refractive laser surgery since 1999 to treat their eyesight issues. However, different procedures have different advantages when it comes to vision correction surgery. What advantages does SMILE eye surgery with lasers have over competing procedures, then?
Now that you are familiar with SMILE and the way it operates, let’s examine its advantages and how it varies from other forms of surgery for the eyes.
- 1. More individuals are selected for this kind of treatment since SMILE is a less intrusive type of surgery for the eyes than LASIK and LASEK, which means that users are eligible for treatment. For patients who have been advised they cannot undergo other forms of surgery, this is a significant benefit.
- 2. There is no danger of flap issues with the SMILE technique, which is one of the key distinctions between it and other procedures like LASIK. The eye is safer and more pleasant following the treatment because there is no chance of issues like the flap collapsing or migrating.
- 3. SMILE is a very rapid operation, just like other laser eye surgeries procedures. Typically, the entire therapy lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
- 4. Fast recovery – Since no flap is generated around the cornea during SMILE eye surgery, patients should anticipate a quicker recovery and less discomfort than they would with procedures like LASIK. Contrary to LASEK surgery, bandage lenses are normally not needed, though in some circumstances your surgeon could advise you to put them as a precaution for the night.
- 5. Rapid improvement – According to trials conducted in the UK, Germany, France, and Denmark, vision greatly enhances by 80% during the first few hours and reaches its maximum improvements within a few weeks after SMILE eye surgery. In contrast, LASEK can take several days whereas LASIK normally produces results in about 24 hours.
- 6. No dry eyes – Because there is no flap to repair after SMILE surgery, you are considerably less likely to develop dry eyes than you would after LASIK surgery.
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Patients Experience Fewer Side Effects after SMILE Laser Eye Surgery
The fact that SMILE surgery for the eyes patients report less side effects than those who undergo other types of treatment is arguably the best advantage. Lubricating eye drops are a frequent treatment for the side effect of dry eye syndrome that often results from vision correction surgery. Due to the tiny incision required for SMILE surgery, patients experience less adverse side effects like dry eyes or discomfort thereafter.
Your eyes are numbed during the SMILE procedure via topical (local) anaesthetic. You may have some soreness when the medication’s effects wear off. Redness and tearing are frequent. A gritty sensation and soreness that lasts for six to twelve hours are also possible.
Overcorrection and undercorrection are possible with SMILE. You might need to keep using contact lenses or glasses when this occurs. Although the operation is normally safe, you can experience tiny tears or corneal abrasions where the incision was made. These issues are mild and have no long-term effects on eyesight.
Who can Benefit from SMILE Treatment?
Compared to other procedures like LASIK and LASEK, SMILE laser vision correction is appropriate for a larger spectrum of patients. SMILE may be an excellent option if you’ve been advised you aren’t a candidate for another kind of laser eye surgery.
For instance, you may discover that you are not a candidate for LASEK or LASIK therapy, yet SMILE eye surgery may still be a choice if any of the relevant to you:
- 1. Your cornea is thinner than average.
- 2. You are unable to wear contact lenses.
- 3. Your dry eyes range from mild to moderate.
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It goes without saying that you must schedule a consultation with a competent ophthalmic surgeon at Optegra in order to find out for sure if this is the best course of action for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need SMILE LASIK?
People with thin corneas should not choose for LASIK. Even those with thin corneas who are nearsighted can still benefit from SMILE. There is no differences in recovery rates between LASIK and SMILE after one month following the procedure, however LASIK has a greater recuperation from health consequences at a six different follow-up point.
How long does it take for SMILE LASIK to Heal?
The healing period following SMILE laser surgery is quick and gets you back to normal activity quickly. Within a week, you can resume your regular activities and return to work. Within a week following your surgery, you ought to feel completely better.
Upon SMILE, may I use My Phone?
Prior to your post-procedure eye exam, it is advised to refrain from using any technology, including your computer, phone, and even the television. Light sensitivity may persist for 24 hours following the procedure, hence it is suggested against working any heavy appliances or operating a vehicle.
When after SMILE may I take a Shower?
The day following their SMILE operation, patients can take showers and baths with lukewarm (not hot) water. When taking a shower, keep your eyes away from soap, shampoo, and other irritants. Hot tubs and swimming pools: Following surgery, your eyes are especially vulnerable to the chemicals used in hot tubs and swimming pools.
If I have SMILE Surgery, may I wipe my Eyes?
Unlike with LASIK, where we advise a three-week recovery period. If you’ve had any kind of laser eye surgery, we recommend against touching your eyes. However, you actually couldn’t hurt yourself if you mistakenly rubbed your eye a few days after SMILE surgery. This is due to the absence of a flap that could be disturbed.
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