SMILE Lasik Surgery Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in SMILE Lasik Surgery
Our healthcare providers utilize SMILE LASIK surgery to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, providing clear vision and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and guidance throughout the SMILE LASIK surgery process, ensuring optimal outcomes and improved vision for our patients.

Understanding SMILE Lasik Surgery
What is SMILE Lasik Surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) LASIK surgery is a minimally invasive refractive procedure used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Unlike traditional LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap, SMILE utilizes a femtosecond laser to create a small, precise incision in the cornea to access and remove a small piece of tissue (lenticule), thereby reshaping the cornea and correcting the refractive error. This advanced technique offers several potential benefits, including faster recovery, reduced risk of dry eye, and greater corneal stability. SMILE LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis and typically results in improved vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
How is SMILE Lasik Surgery different from traditional Lasik?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) are both refractive surgeries aimed at correcting vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism, but they differ primarily in their surgical techniques. In LASIK, a corneal flap is created using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser, which is then lifted to allow for reshaping of the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The flap is then repositioned, where it adheres naturally. In contrast, SMILE involves creating a small incision in the cornea to access and remove a small piece of tissue (lenticule) using a femtosecond laser, without creating a corneal flap. This technique aims to preserve more corneal tissue and may offer potential advantages such as faster recovery, reduced risk of dry eye, and greater corneal stability compared to LASIK. Each procedure has its own benefits and considerations, and the choice between SMILE and LASIK depends on factors such as corneal thickness, refractive error, and surgeon recommendation.
What happens before this procedure?
Before undergoing SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery, several preparatory steps typically occur. First, the patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to assess their overall eye health, measure visual acuity, and determine the extent of the refractive error. This examination helps the eye surgeon determine the suitability of SMILE surgery for the patient. If SMILE is deemed appropriate, further tests, such as corneal topography and pachymetry, may be performed to evaluate corneal shape and thickness. The patient receives detailed instructions on preoperative preparations, including discontinuation of contact lens wear for a specified period before surgery and any necessary adjustments to medications. Additionally, the patient has a discussion with the surgeon to address any questions or concerns about the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. By completing these preparatory steps, patients can feel confident and well-prepared for their SMILE surgery, ensuring a smoother treatment experience and better postoperative results.
What happens during these surgeries?
During a SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery, the following steps typically occur:
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Anesthesia: The eye is numbed using topical anesthesia (eye drops) to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure.
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Lenticule Creation: A femtosecond laser is used to create a small incision in the cornea and to sculpt a precise lenticule within the corneal tissue. This lenticule contains the portion of tissue that needs to be removed to correct the refractive error.
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Lenticule Extraction: After the lenticule is created, a small instrument is inserted through the incision to carefully separate and extract the lenticule from the surrounding corneal tissue. This reshapes the cornea and corrects the refractive error.
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Corneal Reshaping: The removal of the lenticule reshapes the cornea, altering its curvature to improve its focusing ability and correct the patient’s vision.
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Closure: Once the lenticule is removed, the small incision in the cornea typically heals on its own without the need for sutures.
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Postoperative Care: After the surgery, the patient may be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. The patient receives instructions on postoperative care, including avoiding rubbing the eyes, wearing eye protection, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
What happens after SMILE Lasik Surgery?
After SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery, patients enter a postoperative care phase to promote healing and ensure optimal visual outcomes. Patients may experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision immediately after surgery, which typically improves within the first few days. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, and patients are advised to avoid rubbing their eyes and to wear eye protection as instructed. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing progress, assess visual acuity, and address any concerns or complications that may arise. Most patients can expect a gradual improvement in vision over the coming weeks as the eyes heal, with the majority achieving stable vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Adhering to postoperative care instructions diligently is crucial for optimizing visual outcomes and ensuring a smooth recovery after SMILE surgery.
What are the risks or complications of SMILE Lasik Surgery?
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Dry Eye Syndrome: Some patients may experience dry eye symptoms following SMILE surgery, including irritation, burning, and fluctuating vision. This typically resolves over time but may persist in some individuals.
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Undercorrection or Overcorrection: While SMILE aims to correct refractive errors, there is a possibility of undercorrection or overcorrection of vision, requiring additional treatment or enhancement procedures.
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Corneal Haze: In some cases, corneal haze or scarring may develop after SMILE surgery, affecting vision clarity. This is more common in patients with higher degrees of myopia and typically resolves with time or additional treatment.
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Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of postoperative infection (endophthalmitis) following SMILE surgery, which can lead to severe vision loss if not promptly treated with antibiotics.
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Epithelial Ingrowth: In rare instances, epithelial cells from the surface of the cornea may grow under the corneal flap created during SMILE surgery, leading to visual disturbances or discomfort that may require further intervention.
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Flap Complications: While SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap like traditional LASIK, there is still a risk of flap-related complications, such as incomplete flap creation or flap dislocation, which may require repositioning or additional surgery.
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Glare, Halos, or Starbursts: Some patients may experience visual disturbances such as glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, particularly at night. These symptoms usually improve over time but may persist in some cases.
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Regression: In rare cases, the initial correction achieved with SMILE surgery may regress over time, leading to a gradual return of refractive error and necessitating additional treatment.
Is SMILE Lasik Surgery worth it?
Whether SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery is worth it depends on various factors, including your individual eye health, refractive error, lifestyle, and expectations. SMILE surgery offers several potential benefits, including faster recovery, reduced risk of dry eye, and greater corneal stability compared to traditional LASIK. It can provide clear vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses for many patients. However, it’s essential to consider potential risks and complications, as well as the possibility of needing enhancements or experiencing temporary discomfort during the healing process. Consulting with an experienced eye surgeon can help you weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision about whether SMILE surgery is the right option for your vision correction needs.
How long does it take to recover from SMILE Lasik Surgery?
The recovery time after SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery varies from person to person, but most patients can expect a relatively quick and smooth recovery process. Immediately after surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, which typically improve within the first few days. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, and patients are advised to avoid rubbing their eyes and to wear eye protection as instructed. While vision may be blurry initially, it gradually improves over the coming weeks as the eyes heal. Most patients can resume normal activities, including driving and working, within a few days to a week after surgery. However, it’s essential to attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and ensure optimal visual outcomes. Adhering to postoperative care instructions diligently is crucial for promoting optimal healing and achieving the best possible visual results after SMILE surgery.
Frequently Asked Question on SMILE Lasik Surgery
SMILE LASIK surgery is a minimally invasive refractive procedure used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea using a femtosecond laser.
Most individuals with stable vision and healthy eyes may be candidates for SMILE LASIK surgery, but a comprehensive eye examination is needed to determine suitability.
SMILE LASIK surgery is typically not painful due to the use of topical anesthesia (eye drops) to numb the eye during the procedure.
SMILE LASIK surgery can be combined with other procedures such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or corneal collagen cross-linking to achieve optimal visual outcomes in certain cases.
SMILE LASIK surgery provides long-term vision correction for the majority of patients, with stable vision achieved over time.