If you are thinking about getting LASIK eye surgery, you may want to know how much the Smile LASIK procedure costs. The procedure is less expensive than some alternatives, but you should be aware of potential risks. For one, SMILE requires less recovery time. In addition, it may overcorrect or undercorrect your vision. It may also be less expensive than LASIK, which is the most popular form of refractive surgery.
SMILE is a less invasive procedure
Compared to traditional LASIK surgery, Smile LASIK is a less-invasive alternative. It uses a laser to reshape the cornea, and the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, is gently removed. The remaining cornea is then reshaped by a cool excimer laser. This procedure is ideal for patients who have a thin or irregular cornea, are predisposed to chronic dry eye, or have high-risk occupations.
With SMILE, only a small opening is made in the cornea. The surgery is noiseless and odourless. A numbing eyedrop is given before the procedure, and the patient will be awake for only a few minutes. The laser is also much less invasive than LASIK, with the procedure lasting only 35 seconds. The surgeon will carefully remove the lenticule from the cornea using a specialized laser.
SMILE is less expensive
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, SMILE is a good choice for a number of reasons. Unlike traditional LASIK, the SMILE procedure does not create a hinging flap, and it uses a different type of laser to build up tissue within the cornea. After removing the middle layer, a surgeon uses stimulated light amplification to reshape the cornea. Because the cornea is less invasive, less laser exposure and invasion is achieved.
SMILE requires no stitches, and the procedure only takes between 10 and 15 minutes for each eye. The SMILE laser will be programmed with a map of your eye. The surgeon will then place a suction ring on the surface of the cornea, and fire the laser to sculpt the lenticule within the cornea. The resulting reshaped cornea will allow your surgeon to remove the lens and improve your vision.
SMILE may overcorrect or undercorrect your vision
If you’ve never undergone LASIK, Smile LASIK may seem like the perfect choice. However, the procedure is not without risk. Depending on your personal eye condition, Smile may overcorrect or undercorrect your vision. Some patients may experience an inflammation or infection, which usually resolves on its own without any treatment. During the postoperative period, lubricating eye drops may be prescribed. Patients should continue to follow up with their ophthalmologists in the weeks following the procedure.
Before undergoing SMILE, it’s important to understand how the procedure works. A standard script for education includes an illustrated hand drawing of the procedure. It is important to understand what the overall goal of the procedure is, how it works, and which level of correction is ideal. Patients should also ask about the risks of overcorrection and undercorrection. It’s important to understand all the risks and potential complications, and SMILE is designed to help you throughout your journey.
SMILE has a shorter recovery period
While both SMILE and LASIK have similar benefits, the procedures differ in how much disruption occurs to the eye. SMILE has a much shorter recovery time, which makes it a good choice for people with relatively minor vision problems. SMILE also requires only one incision, whereas LASIK requires two. The procedure also creates a smaller scar and the patient typically experiences less dry eye following SMILE, which is beneficial for those with sensitive eyes.
The first step in SMILE is a comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist, during which you can discuss any questions you may have and discuss your expectations. Your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye examination to ensure that no other vision problems exist. They will map the cornea to ensure the exact placement of laser incisions. After the reshaping is complete, you will need someone to drive you home. You will also be required to avoid activities that can cause particles to enter your eye.