What is SMILE Eye Surgery?
SMILE, or small incision lenticule extraction, eye surgery is a new development in laser eye surgery. With FDA approval in 2016 for myopia and 2018 for astigmatism, SMILE helps patients restore their vision with a 30-second laser treatment.
What is SMILE Eye Surgery?
SMILE eye surgery is an eye laser surgery to correct refractive errors. SMILE corrects myopia and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea, allowing light to focus accurately on the retina. The shape of the cornea affects the image on the retina, which causes blurry or unfocused vision.
After SMILE Eye Surgery, patients can expect a reduced or eliminated need for glasses or contacts. The lack of a flap on the cornea makes SMILE surgery popular among sports athletes or other active patients.
How Does SMILE Eye Surgery Work?
SMILE Eye Surgery is an outpatient procedure. The femtosecond laser targets the cornea’s middle layer, which focuses light on the retina. Your ophthalmologist numbs the eye with eye drops and places a holder on the eye to prevent blinking. Then, they set a suction ring to lift and flatten the cornea, preparing it for the laser.
In under 30 seconds, the femtosecond laser makes a 2-3 millimeter incision and a disc-shaped section of the cornea. Your Vold Vision ophthalmologist slides the disc through the incision to reshape the cornea.
Patients report feeling very little during their procedure, with no discomfort. The entire appointment typically lasts around 20 minutes. After your procedure, we recommend a close friend or family member drive you home.
How Do I Prepare for SMILE Eye Surgery?
Before your surgery, Vold Vision gives you a complete eye examination to check for eye disorders, test your vision, and measure the thickness and shape of your cornea. The measurements determine if you are a good candidate for SMILE eye surgery and allow the computer-guided laser to make the correct adjustments.
Request a Consultation
We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Request a consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.
How Long is Recovery from SMILE Eye Surgery?
After surgery, you may experience blurry vision, eye-watering, and some itchiness. We recommend someone drive you home and relax for the rest of the day. Over the next several days, you will experience gradual improvement.
Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two; however, we recommend avoiding getting water in your eyes for a few days. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have during your recovery.
Am I a Good Candidate for SMILE Eye Surgery?
If you are over 18 with a stable prescription for at least a year and participate in sports or similar activities, you may be a good candidate for SMILE eye surgery. During your appointment, Dr. Vold tests your eyes and your vision to determine the best laser eye surgery. Schedule a consultation today to know if you are a good candidate for SMILE eye surgery!
Take the Next Step
You’ll benefit not only from the latest technologies available but also from our compassionate, personal approach. You’re more than a patient at Vold Vision in Bentonville and Fayetteville. We strive to make you as comfortable as possible while evaluating the optimal treatment plan just for you. We invite Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, and Springdale residents to contact us today for a consultation at (479) 442-8653.
