SMILE Vision Correction Surgery
SMILE: Laser Vision Correction in New York City
What is SMILE?
SMILE, FDA-approved in 2018, is a relatively new procedure that involves cutting a “pocket” in the cornea and removing a small piece of cornea (called a “lenticle”). This innovative technique allows the cornea to collapse onto itself, resulting in corneal flattening and vision correction. SMILE utilizes laser technology to precisely create the corneal pocket.
Comparison Table: SMILE vs. LASEK
| SMILE | LASEK | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Involves cutting a “pocket” in the cornea and removing a small piece of cornea (lenticle) | Utilizes laser technology to vaporize microscopic amounts of cornea on the surface |
| Corneal Nerves | Cuts fewer corneal nerves compared to LASIK or other cutting procedures | No corneal nerves are cut; best option for patients with dry eyes |
| Recovery Time | Longer recovery time compared to traditional cutting procedures | Longer recovery time compared to traditional cutting procedures |
| Treatable Conditions | Reliable for low myopia (-5.00 or less) and small amounts of astigmatism (-1.50 or less); cannot treat hyperopia or farsightedness | Suitable for a wide range of eye conditions, including myopia and small amounts of astigmatism |
| Cost | Typically costs a bit more per eye compared to LASIK due to being a more modern procedure | Generally, costs are comparable to SMILE |
Advantages of LASEK
While SMILE offers some advantages, LASEK provides distinct benefits that make it a compelling choice for many patients. By opting for LASEK, you can experience the following advantages:
- Reduced Corneal Nerve Impact: Unlike LASIK, i-LASIK, “bladeless” LASIK, or femtosecond LASIK, LASEK involves minimal cutting of corneal nerves. This results in a lower chance of experiencing dry eyes following the procedure. However, it’s important to note that PRK, LASEK, and epi-LASEK do not cut any corneal nerves at all. Therefore, if you already have dry eyes, avoiding nerve cutting entirely may be the best option.
- Versatile Treatment: LASEK is suitable for a wide range of eye conditions, including high and extreme myopia (up to -19.00), astigmatism, hyperopia and other specific cases.
Is the hype around SMILE justified?
Regrettably, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding SMILE just because it’s a new procedure. Some people assume that new means better. However, it’s important to know that SMILE is not suitable for everyone. That’s why we offer a Free Consultation to examine your eyes and determine the best laser vision correction procedure for you. We have a range of options, including SMILE, LASIK, LASEK, PRK, i-LASIK, non-cutting LASIK, bladeless LASIK, ICL, epi-LASIK, epi-LASEK, and more.
Consider this analogy: Imagine trying to figure out which heart valve is best for you by searching online and then looking for the cheapest surgeon to do the procedure. It wouldn’t be wise, right? Similarly, laser vision correction is a delicate surgery on your eyes. It’s crucial to trust professionals—eye surgeons who have specialized training in corneal transplantation and refractive surgery—to determine which procedure is right for your eyes.
We encourage you to book your Free Consultation with us. Our team of experienced MDs/PhDs will thoroughly assess your eyes, taking into account factors like safety, recovery time, dry eyes, prescription, and other specific needs. You can rely on our expertise to guide you towards the most suitable laser vision correction option for your vision and eye health.
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