What SMILE is and who it is for
Clear vision matters for almost everything we do: work, daily activities and quality of life. Not everyone has good natural vision, and refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are very common.
Many people wear glasses or contact lenses, and some find them a real inconvenience and would rather see well without them. Minimally invasive surgery has become common across many medical fields, including refractive surgery.
Small incision lenticule extraction, or SMILE, is a later generation of laser vision correction that followed PRK and LASIK. It is a minimally invasive, flapless procedure. Because no flap is created, the outer layer of the cornea stays largely intact, and the incidence of dry eye and some other post-surgical effects is reported to be lower than with flap-based procedures. Visual recovery is normally quick.
Whether laser vision correction is right for you depends on several factors, and your eye doctor will help you find the option that suits your vision needs.
How the eye focuses
Each eye is individual, and the quality of our vision is largely determined by the size and shape of the eye. In a healthy eye, light rays are focused directly on the retina to form a sharp image, which travels along the optic nerve to the brain. When the dimensions of the eye are not matched, light is not focused correctly, producing a refractive error: nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism (an irregular curvature of the cornea). Refractive errors affect people of all ages.
The procedure
With the laser, a small disc of tissue (a lenticule) is created inside the cornea and then removed through a small incision. Minimally invasive means minimal disturbance to corneal tissue: many of the upper layers of the cornea are untouched, which offers the potential for preserved biomechanical stability and quick healing.
SMILE is a keyhole procedure, so the complications and side effects associated with a corneal flap are avoided, and corneal sensation is usually recovered quickly.
What to expect on the day
At Spanish Eye Clinic, SMILE is an outpatient procedure that typically takes around 30 minutes in total. Your eye is numbed with drops and you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax.
During the procedure you look at a light while the laser creates the lenticule inside the cornea. The lenticule is then removed through the small incision. You may feel some pressure and discomfort, but the procedure is generally not painful.
Afterwards you are given eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Some discomfort, light sensitivity and blurred vision are common for a few days. Our doctors give you specific instructions for aftercare, including how to care for your eyes and when you can return to normal activities.
Key facts
- A minimally invasive, flapless laser vision correction procedure
- Requires only a small incision, which helps reduce the risk of infection and the incidence of dry eye
- With no flap, corneal sensation generally recovers quickly
- Visual recovery is usually quick: many patients return to work, shower and apply make-up shortly after surgery, and drive or play sport within a few days
- The procedure is odourless and quiet
- Also an option of interest for people in contact sports, flight crews, and military and rescue personnel
Is SMILE right for me?
Whether SMILE is a suitable option depends on the degree of your refractive error, the thickness and shape of your cornea and the overall health of your eyes. Your eye doctor performs a comprehensive eye examination to determine whether you are a good candidate.
Results and recovery
Visual recovery after SMILE is generally quick, and most patients notice improved vision within a few days. You may need to wear a protective shield over the eye for a few days, and you should avoid rubbing your eyes or strenuous activity for several weeks.
SMILE has been shown to be predictable in its results, and most patients achieve good vision after surgery. It has a reported low incidence of side effects such as dry eye and is generally well tolerated.
Risks and limitations
SMILE is not suitable for every prescription or every cornea. Eye drops are prescribed after surgery to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, and discomfort, light sensitivity and blurred vision are expected for a few days. Results vary from person to person. Your surgeon will discuss the risks that apply to you before you decide.
To learn more about SMILE and whether it suits your eyes, contact Spanish Eye Clinic in Dubai to arrange a consultation with one of our eye doctors.