These days, laser eye surgeries are gaining popularity all over the world. People seem to have developed trust in this procedure to regain their lost vision. The reason is due to its high success rate and fast recovery. One such surgery that doctors recommend on a global scale is ‘SMILE’. It is safe, affordable, and offers excellent results.
Introduction
SMILE stands for ‘Small Incision Lenticular Extraction”. Among the different laser refractive surgeries conducted, SMILE is a newly introduced one. This surgery uses a femtosecond laser. The latter helps develop small lenticulars in the cornea region of the eye. Then, the laser creates a small incision to extract the lenticule. It is to change the cornea’s shape and offer desired changes to the eye.
What does it treat?
SMILE helps treat hyperopia, astigmatism, and myopia. Before the surgery, patients are to switch to glasses from contact lenses. It is suggested, before three months. Vision metrics are to be consistent for a year before availing the surgery. It treats astigmatism and nearsightedness. It helps rectify vision and is painless as it is less invasive.
Benefits
Being a less invasive and minimal surgery, the incision created is only up to 3mm, which is much smaller when compared to other surgeries. Hence, healing is also quick, allowing patients to return to ‘normal’ lives soon. A small incision means less disturbances to corneal nerves. It also ensures proficient maintenance of the cornea stability.
No complications
Doctors advise patients to perform tasks carefully during the initial days following the surgery. Complications generally do not occur after the surgery. Still, discuss with your surgeon on the potential risks. Undertake some essential measures before the surgery. In case some complications arise, it can be overcorrected or under corrected vision. Rectification is possible by wearing glasses or undergoing additional surgeries.
Other complications
Patients might suffer from other complications like inflammations or infections. Thus, people with working, active schedules are the perfect choice for such surgeries. SMILE surgery does not require the creation of a corneal flap, unlike the LASIK procedure. Such reasons describe the kind of success that SMILE enjoys. Hence, millions all over the world prefer to undergo this procedure.
Quick recovery
It is another valid reason for the growing popularity of this procedure. Patients who have undergone this surgery can resume their day-to-day lives. It is because they have to deal with smaller incisions that heal quickly. When compared to other surgeries, they heal much faster. Physical tissue recovery is quick as no cut or flap is made. Hence, healing is possible by the following day.
Undertake all activities
Following the first week of your surgery, you can start your daily activities at the earliest, like swimming, outdoor sports, etc. However, for the initial 15 days following the procedure, do not engage in hectic or energetic activities. Overall, it is a safe procedure that offers immense benefits. The central concept of SMILE is to ensure existing surgeries like LASIK become more secure and stable long-term for all patients.
SMILE over other surgeries
SMILE uses effective and predictable techniques. Patients derive sensibility and a sense of safety, thus making the procedure superior, unlike other surgeries. A flap is not required. Hence, no complications arise. Such factors are something not availed from other surgeries. It is what has contributed to its success. The cornea becomes more stable bio-metrically since the incision created on the cornea is 80% smaller than LASIK.
Restricting other issues
You can avail smile laser eye surgery in Delhi at the top hospital. Chances of cornea thinning, ectasia, and dry eye are minimal. It cures conditions like Hypermetropia, Astigmatism, Myopia, and Presbyopia. No need to worry about nerve cutting, dry eye, complications, or weak cornea during the surgery, since it is flapless.
Who is eligible for SMILE surgery?
You should be 18+ years of age to undergo SMILE. The maximum age is 40 years. Those prescribed for LASIK can opt for SMILE if desired. It is necessary to consult your doctor and get his permission first. Generally, people opt for SMILE over other types. The reason is that it is painless, flapless, and comes with fewer complications. Besides ensuring long-term stability, flap displacement risk is also not there.
Success rate
To date, no patient has been prescribed retreatment. Hence, SMILE has a greater success rate than other surgeries. The chances of patients availing of the LASIK procedure for retreatment is around 0.4-0.8 percent. It is despite LASIK being practiced for almost two decades now. Comparatively, SMILE is new.
No complaints
After the SMILE procedure, patients do not experience eye-related infections, thus making it safe. They also did not face other issues like night vision or dry eyes. It is a comfortable process, prompting many patients to opt for it over LASIK. Femtosecond laser makes the procedure comfortable. Patients’ eyes experience a shallow suction effect during the surgery. But LASIK requires creating flaps.
Does it offer long-term results?
Experienced doctors at the top eye hospitals ensure that patients are provided with the best possible treatment. While treating patients, they ensure that they have stable prescriptions. Every person desires to have long-lasting results from the procedure. Doctors ensure that laser surgery offers permanent results without any unwanted complications.
Why only patients with stable prescriptions are prescribed to undergo SMILE?
Changing, progressive eye prescription results in vision changes. It is for this reason, that youngsters are not prescribed this treatment in their teens. Short-sighted teens generally become progressively much more short-sighted. Moreover, their prescription tends to change with time. Hence, people of age 20/21 with changing prescriptions are not advised to undergo this procedure.
Permanent results
People with stable prescriptions are offered this surgery. SMILE surgical effects on short-sighted people, with or without astigmatism, will be permanent. As people reach their middle age, it becomes important for them to use reading glasses. With the progression of middle age, reading glasses might improve. However, after the SMILE procedure, you can stop worrying about using reading glasses.
Excellent option
SMILE is undoubtedly a wonderful procedure and offers permanent results. But as you age, your eyes will change. It means you might be required to use reading glasses for better vision. Overall, the procedure enjoys significant success all over the world.