SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure designed to treat refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.
A SMILE is an innovative laser vision correction technique that offers a bladeless, flapless, and minimally invasive solution to correct vision. This procedure is highly precise and uses femtosecond laser technology to achieve the desired correction.
Unlike LASIK or PRK, SMILE involves creating a small incision (2-3mm) in the cornea through which a thin, disc-shaped layer of corneal tissue (called a lenticule) is removed, correcting the refractive error.SMILE is particularly beneficial for those who might not be ideal candidates for LASIK due to dry eyes, thin corneas, or active lifestyles.
"At MEC in Delhi, we are one of the few eye care centres to provide SMILE (Lenticule Extraction) surgeryin our list of offerings. It is our constant endeavour to bring to youcutting-edge technology that ensures precision, safety, and quicker recovery times."
Minimally Invasive
The key advantage of SMILE is its minimally invasive nature. With just a small incision (2-4 mm), there is less disruption to the corneal nerves and structure compared to LASIK, which involves creating a 20 mm flap.
Faster Recovery and Healing
Due to the small incision, the corneal structure remains largely intact, allowing for faster recovery of biomechanical stability and quicker overall healing. Patients often experience fewer post-operative dry eye symptoms compared to LASIK.
SMILE procedure is marked by generally fast visual recovery. Most patients experience good functional vision shortly after surgery and normally, vision fully stabilizes within a week or two following surgery. It is so gentle that it is normally possible to go to work, drive, apply makeup or take a shower within days following surgery. SMILE delivers predominantly excellent visual results.
Flapless Procedure
SMILE eliminates the need for a corneal flap, which greatly reduces the risk of flap-related complications, such as flap dislocation, striae (wrinkles), or flap infections. Outer corneal layers are not damaged for the most part leaving a stronger stabler corneaThis makes SMILE an excellent choice for people involved in contact sports, physically demanding jobs, or activities with a risk of eye trauma. Being flapless there is lower incidence of dry eye syndrome and low risk of infection.
Reduced Risk of Dry Eyes and Greater Eligibility
Since SMILE involves a smaller incision and less disruption to the corneal nerves, patients are less likely to experience the dry eye symptoms that are sometimes associated with LASIK. Patients with a contact lens intolerance or dry eyes can benefit from the minimally invasive SMILE procedure.
Comfortable, Convenient and Stress-free Patient Experience
SMILE is an all-Femtosecond Laser procedure which is hallmarked in its precision. The entire procedure is performed on a single laser, thereby saving timewithout needing to relocate the patient between machines. The laser works silently (noiseless) and the procedure is odourless (contrasting with burning odour of excimer laser). Laser application time is very small (less than 30 seconds) while the procedure itself takes only a few minutes while also being virtually pain-free.
Precision with the Zeiss VisuMax
"The Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser used in SMILE provides unparalleled precision and safety, making SMILE one of the most advanced and effective refractive surgeries available today."
SMILE is a quick and painless procedure. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:
Step 1: Preparation
After administering numbing eye drops, the Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser is used to create a thin, disc-shaped lenticule within the cornea and a small 2-4 mm incision.
Step 2: Lenticule Removal
The surgeon then gently removes the lenticule through the small incision. This removal changes the shape of the cornea, correcting the refractive error.
Step 3: Recovery
Since there is no flap involved, recovery begins almost immediately. Patients can usually resume normal activities within a day or two.
Recovery after SMILE surgery is generally quick, with most patients achieving functional vision within 24-48 hours. Here’s what to expect:
- Minimal Discomfort: Since there is no flap created, most patients experience only mild discomfort, such as slight irritation or watering of the eye.
- Quick Visual Recovery: While functional vision typically returns within 1-2 days, the full stabilization of vision may take 1-2 weeks.
- Low Risk of Dry Eye: Due to the small incision, SMILE surgery preserves more corneal nerves, leading to a lower incidence of post-operative dry eye compared to LASIK.
Each laser vision correction procedure has its advantages, and the best choice depends on the patient’s unique anatomy and lifestyle needs. Here’s how SMILE compares with LASIK and PRK:
SMILE Surgery:
- Flapless: No corneal flap is created, reducing the risk of flap complications.
- Minimally Invasive: SMILE requires only a small 2-4 mm incision, which means faster healing and less risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK.
- Better for Active Lifestyles: Ideal for patients with physically demanding jobs or active lifestyles, as there is no flap that could dislodge.
- Rapid Recovery: Quicker recovery of corneal biomechanics due to the small incision and minimal disruption of the corneal structure.
LASIK Surgery:
- Corneal Flap: LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea, which is lifted to allow laser reshaping of the underlying tissue.
- Faster Initial Recovery: LASIK provides rapid visual recovery, typically within 24–48 hours.
- More Suitable for High Refractive Errors: LASIK may be better suited for patients with higher degrees of refractive error.
PRK Surgery:
- No Flap: Like SMILE, PRK doesn't involve a flap. However, it requires removing the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium), which then regenerates.
- Longer Recovery: PRK has a longer healing time compared to SMILE and LASIK.
- Ideal for Thin Corneas: PRK is a good option for patients with thin or irregular corneas.
While SMILE remains the most widely accepted and utilized form of lenticule extraction, there are emerging technologies and variations, such as CIRCLE and CLEAR. However, SMILE has several advantages:
SMILE (Zeiss VisuMax):
- Most Established: SMILE is the most proven and widely performed lenticule extraction procedure, with a track record of success.
- Minimally Invasive: SMILE requires only a small incision, preserving corneal integrity and reducing the risk of complications.
- Precision: The Zeiss VisuMax laser provides highly accurate lenticule extraction, ensuring precise and safe results.
SILK & CLEAR & Smart Sight:
- Experimental: These are newer forms of lenticule extraction and are still under research and development. While they offer promise, they have yet to match SMILE in terms of established safety, outcomes, and widespread adoption
SMILE is suitable for many patients with refractive errors, but a thorough evaluation is required to determine eligibility.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Myopia up to -10.00 D and astigmatism up to 5.00 D.
- Age over 18 years.
- Stable prescription for at least 1 year.
- Good overall eye health, including adequate corneal thickness.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Hyperopia
- Thin or irregular corneas.
- Certain eye diseases, such as keratoconus.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
VisuMax Femtosecond Laser System – The Most Advanced FS Laser System
The VisuMax is a revolutionary femtosecond laser system by Zeiss, widely recognized for its precision and versatility in performing bladeless LASIK and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction).
Advantages
- Ultra-Precise Flap Creation: Capable of creating corneal flaps as thin as 80 microns, preserving corneal strength, especially in patients with thin corneas.
- SMILE Capability: Enables minimally invasive refractive correction with a small incision, resulting in faster recovery and fewer dry eye symptoms.
- Gentle Treatment: Operates with low suction, providing a comfortable experience during the procedure.
Oculus Pentacam – Gold Standard Tomography
The Oculus Pentacam is an advanced diagnostic device that provides comprehensive imaging of the cornea and anterior segment, crucial for pre-surgical evaluations and post-operative monitoring. The device is first of its kind to be capable of detailing posterior corneal surface amking it gold standard for decision making in laser refractive procedure.
Advantages
- Detailed Corneal Analysis: Measures corneal thickness, curvature, and elevation to detect abnormalities like keratoconus or irregular astigmatism.
- 3D Anterior Segment Imaging: Offers a complete view of the eye's front structures, aiding in customized treatment planning.
- Safety Screening: Helps identify patients who may not be suitable candidates for refractive surgery, ensuring safe and effective outcomes.
Why Mahajan Eye Centre?
Expertise and Experience
Our experienced surgeons have been performing SMILE surgeries for decades, ensuring high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Advanced Technology
Our investment in latest technology (Zeiss Visumax, Oculus Pentacam etc.) enables us to provide safer, precise, and efficient surgeries.
Personalized Care
We customize every aspect of your SMILE surgery, from pre-surgical measurements to selecting the IOL that best suits your lifestyle and vision needs.
Comprehensive Post-Op Care
Our team will guide you through a smooth recovery process, ensuring that any post-surgery issues are promptly addressed as needed.
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