SMILE Pro
With the development of SMILE, a minimally invasive procedure has become available. It has quickly established itself as a gentle treatment option.
A small disc of tissue (lenticule) is created inside the cornea with the laser and removed through
a small incision. Minimally invasive means there is minimal corneal tissue intervention. Many of the upper layers of the cornea are unaffected. This offers the potential for preserved biomechanical stability of the eye and fast healing.
SMILE is also a keyhole procedure, meaning that there are no flap-related complications and side effects. As a result, corneal sensitivity, for the most part, is quickly recovered.
Visual recovery, in general, is fast. Patients can normally return to work, take a shower or apply makeup shortly after surgery. Driving and sports activities are possible within a few days.
What is SMILE Pro and how does it work?
- SMILE (SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a less invasive keyhole version of the conventional forms of laser eye surgery, LASIK and PRK.
- Because it is less invasive, SMILE employs the same laser that is used in LASIK to create the flap
- In SMILE Pro only one laser is used for the entire procedure.
- SMILE Pro is a flapless procedure
- In SMILE Pro the surgeon creates a keyhole pocket incision approximately 2mm wide in the periphery of the cornea and then removes a lens shaped disc or lenticule from the central cornea.
- SMILE Pro is completely painless.
- SMILE Pro is a bladeless procedure.
- SMILE Pro is more comfortable for patients as they do not hear, smell or see the laser
- Visual recovery, in general, is fast. Patients can normally return to work, take a shower or apply makeup shortly after surgery. Driving and sports activities are possible within a few days.
- SMILE Pro can be used in some cases to treat higher prescriptions than LASIK
- SMILE Pro is particularly more advantageous for patients with dry eye symptoms.
- Within a few hours, the surface layer (epithelium) begins to grow over the 2mm incision edge to seal the tunnel.
- As in LASIK and PRK, the tissue removed creates a shape change within the cornea and this leads to focusing of the vision.
SMILE Pro laser eye surgery at a glance
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Minimal invasive and gentle with only a small incision
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No flap necessary, thus reducing the risk of infection and incidence of dry eyes
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Supporting a comfortable and stress-free patient experience
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Generally fast visual recovery within a few days
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Predominantly excellent visual outcomes with high predictability
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Interesting treatment option also for athletes engaging in contact sports, flight crews, military and rescue personnel
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Odorless and noiseless, laser works silently
Advantages of SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro has all the advantages of LASIK but with added benefits.
We will always recommend SMILE Pro surgery if patients are suitable to have either SMILE, LASIK or PRK.
The reason being is that our outcomes with SMILE Pro is extremely accurate and consistent.
Much less dry eye is induced by SMILE Pro and the need for future enhancements are significantly reduced.
What are the added advantages of SMILE Pro laser eye surgery?
- Flapless
SMILE Pro is a keyhole laser surgery procedure that eliminates the need to create a LASIK flap and therefore completely eliminates all flap-related risks. - Minimally invasive
Only a small 2 mm incision is created with SMILE Pro and a minimal amount of corneal tissue is affected during the procedure. The superficial layers of the cornea are left completely intact. This contributes to a much stronger and stable cornea compared to LASIK. - One-step procedure
SMILE Pro only uses one laser for the entire technique, meaning we do not need to move the patient to a second laser. Fewer steps means that the SMILE Pro is potentially safer and more comfortable for the patient. This also reduces the incidence of technique-related complications. - Fast recovery
Due to its minimally invasive nature and keyhole incision, the physical recovery after a SMILE Pro operation is very quick and in all the whole procedure takes less than 10 minutes to complete. - Lower risk of post-operative dry eye
When compared to the LASIK procedure, SMILE Pro carries a much lower incidence of dry eye complications. This is due to the fact that the lenticule is removed from deeper corneal tissue thus affecting fewer corneal nerves during the SMILE Pro procedure.
SMILE Pro Steps
Step 1: Lenticule creation
The surgeon create a small disc of corneal tissue (lenticule) and a small incision inside the intact cornea with the Visumax 800 Femtosecond laser.
The lenticule is created in less than 10 seconds.
Crystal Eye and Laser Centre uses the Visumax 800 femtosecond laser which is the world’s most advanced and accurate laser eye surgery machine.
Step 2: Lenticule removal
The surgeon removes the lenticule expertly through the keyhole incision.
This step takes less than a minute and is completely painless
Step 3: Spectacle error is corrected
Removing the lenticule flattens the shape of the cornea, treating myopia and astigmatism
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering SMILE Pro surgery, you probably have many questions.
Some of the most frequent ones are addressed here.
This information is not intended to replace consultation with your eye surgeon.
Who is eligible for SMILE laser eye surgery?
SMILE laser eye surgery is used to correct near-sightedness, astigmatism, or both. As with other Laser Vision Correction methods, you will first need to undergo a detailed eye examination to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. Many factors play a role, including the nature and degree of the refractive error, the curvature and thickness of the cornea. Your profession and hobbies are also important.
How long does the procedure take?
The entire procedure takes about 8 minutes for both eyes to be complete. The laser correction itself takes only 10 seconds.
There is no flap with PRK either. How does it differ from SMILE?
With PRK, the top layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed manually. The exposed deeper layers of the cornea are then ablated using an excimer laser. Disadvantages of PRK include pain and a long healing process. Stabilization of visual acuity also takes relatively long. PRK is not recommended for the treatment of severe near-sightedness. SMILE laser eye surgery also requires no flap. The recovery period and experience is similar to LASIK.
How do I prepare?
If you wear contact lenses, most surgeons recommend switching to glasses a few weeks before surgery. You are advised not to apply makeup, lotions or perfume the day you have surgery. Also, it is suggested that you arrange to have someone bring you home afterward.
Does it hurt?
The procedure is virtually painless. Anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye.
What happens after surgery?
Following surgery, you will need to go home and rest. A protective bandage or eye shield is placed over the eye to avoid rubbing it. Eye drops and possibly other medication are typically prescribed to prevent infection and aid in the healing process. It is customary to have a post-op examination the next day. Further examinations are usually scheduled for the following weeks or months.
When can I return to my normal activities?
Every healing process is different. In most cases, visual acuity is very good one or two days after the operation, and stabilizes within one week. Normally, you will be able to drive, work and participate in sports without glasses or contact lenses just a few days following treatment.
Is it safe?
Complications following SMILE surgery are very rare, but cannot be completely ruled out. Your eye doctor will discuss these with you.
What does it cost?
The cost of SMILE laser eye surgery at Crystal Eye and Laser Centre is $7200. Most insurance companies do not cover the procedure costs but certain health insurers cover the whole cost or part of the cost on certain plans.
Own Your Vision in 3 Easy Steps
1. Reach Out
It's super easy. Drop us a line by phone, email, or via the contact form and let's set up a time to get together.
2. Let's Meet
Let's get together so we can learn more about each other. Once we learn about your personality, lifestyle and hobbies we will come up with an individual treatment plan tailored to you and your needs.
3. Enjoy Crystal Clear Vision!
Before you know it you'll be enjoying a life free from the hassle of glasses or contact lenses!