SMILE Eye Surgery in Kingwood, TX
What is SMILE Eye Surgery?
SMILE, SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction, is the latest advancement in laser vision correction to be approved by the FDA. SMILE corrects myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism, which is the most common eye focusing issue. This minimally invasive procedure uses one laser to create a thin contact-lens-shape layer just beneath the surface of the eye and then a small opening through which that layer is removed, correcting your vision. SMILE leaves the surface of the cornea almost untouched allowing for a strong cornea, fast healing, quick recovery, and maximum comfort.
SMILE is certainly not a brand new procedure, in fact, this advanced technology has been around for over 10 years! First performed on a human eye in 2007 by Walter Sekundo with a VisuMax femtosecond laser from ZEISS, it became commercially available in 2011 in Europe with the launch of SMILE from ZEISS. Over 8 million SMILE procedures are performed worldwide!
What Is the Difference Between Smile and Lasik Surgery?
PRK
• Performed since the 1980s
• 3 to 4 days to recover 75% of vision
• 3 to 4 days of discomfort and/or tearing
• Fully stable vision in 3 months
• No risk of dislocation, tearing or loss of corneal flap
• Lesser incidence of dry eye compared to LASIK
LASIK
• Performed since the 1990s
• Recovers 75% of the vision the next day
• Fully stable vision in 3 months
• Tearing and discomfort typically subside after 24 hours
• Risk of dislocation, tearing or loss of corneal flap though rare
• Potential long term dry eye symptoms
• Treats myopia hyperopia and astigmatism
SMILE
• Performed since 2011
• Recovers 75% of the vision the next day
• Fully stable vision in 3 months
• Tearing and discomfort typically subside after 24 hours
• No risk of dislocation, tearing or loss of corneal flap
• Lesser incidence of dry eye compared to LASIK
• Treatment of hyperopia (far-sightedness) is not available
About the VisuMax from Zeiss
SMILE uses the advanced VisuMax from ZEISS. This ground-breaking laser system employs high-performance femtosecond laser technology and is characterized by its outstanding cutting precision, unsurpassed speed and gentle treatment technique. The VisuMax is the ideal platform for therapeutic and refractive applications of cutting-edge corneal surgery, including:
Flap – for precise flap cutting for Femto-LASIK
Keratoplasty – for a broad spectrum of corneal transplant procedures
Incision for ICR – intracorneal tunnel segments
ReLEx SMILE – minimally invasive laser vision correction
Schedule your free consultation today!
FAQ about SMILE Eye Surgery
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and many patients want to know which treatment is “better.” The fact is that both LASIK and SMILE are proven and consistent, so most patients will be very happy with either option. Generally speaking, SMILE is the less invasive laser vision correction option and has a small risk of post surgical infection or transient dry eye syndrome. LASIK offers an ever so slightly quicker post-procedure visual recovery time. Based on your eye structure and lifestyle goals, your surgeon can recommend the right treatment for you!
SMILE and LASIK use different laser technologies to recreate the clarity of your vision, the costs of the two options are different. These costs account for the skill and experience of your surgeon, the costs and fees of acquiring and using the laser technologies, and the costs of the support staff and surgical follow-up.
SMILE is a gentle vision correction solution. Patients consistently tell us it was very comfortable. Some patients do say they feel a tiny amount of pressure around their eye for a few seconds during the treatment, but are quick to clarify that it didn’t hurt at all!
Patients often return to most of their daily activities, including going back to work, the day after their SMILE treatment. While LASIK patients are asked to avoid wearing makeup for one to two days after their LASIK procedure, SMILE patients can begin wearing makeup the next day. Patients can generally resume all daily activities four to seven days after their treatment.
Since SMILE was launched in 2011, it has been continuously growing with more than 2,000 doctors performing the treatment around the world. Furthermore, SMILE was officially approved by the FDA in 2016. More than 8,000,000 eyes have benefited from focused vision thanks to SMILE.
To offer SMILE, clinics have to invest into expensive new laser technology, VisuMax. Currently, about 20% of all laser centers around the world have made this investment. JustusVision with HEA is one of the eight in Texas that offer SMILE.
Yes. SMILE supports the proven and minimal-invasive laser vision correction procedure that has created better vision for thousands of patients. As with any surgical treatment, there are possible risks and side effects. After a thorough eye exam and consultation, your surgeon will discuss your options with you and help you make the right decision for your vision.
SMILE is the fastest-growing laser vision correction option in the world. Worldwide, more than 8 million eyes have been treated with SMILE by more than 2,000 surgeons.
Yes. The FDA approved SMILE for the United States in September 2016 after rigorous trials and testing showed it to be a consistent, effective way to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses and contacts.
Yes and no. Your SMILE treatment is permanent, but as with every part of your body, your eyes will continue to age and your vision will be affected as you get older. SMILE cannot prevent cataracts and presbyopia, but most SMILE patients enjoy many years of focused vision without glasses and contacts.
Of course, it is approved for astigmatism correction of up (or down) to -5 dpt.
Most patients who receive SMILE tell us that they use their glasses and contacts very little, or not at all! The goal of SMILE is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses. Based on the anatomy of your eye, your surgeon will be able to tell you more about the results you can expect from SMILE.
