What is Smile Lasik surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) LASIK surgery is a cutting-edge refractive eye surgery technique that offers an alternative to traditional LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) procedures. It is designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. SMILE LASIK is known for its minimally invasive approach and potential benefits in terms of visual recovery and post-operative comfort.
Indications of Smile Lasik Surgery Procedure
SMILE LASIK Surgery is primarily indicated for the correction of certain refractive errors, specifically nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea to improve the way light enters the eye and is focused on the retina.
Here are the main indications for considering SMILE LASIK surgery:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects can be seen clearly. SMILE LASIK can effectively reduce or eliminate myopia by reshaping the cornea to better focus light onto the retina, thus improving distance vision.
- Astigmatism: Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is unevenly curved, causing blurred or distorted vision both at near and far distances. SMILE LASIK can correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to create a more symmetrical curvature, leading to clearer vision.
- Stable Refractive Prescription: Candidates for SMILE LASIK should have a stable refractive prescription, meaning their vision prescription has not significantly changed in the past year or as determined by an eye care professional. Stable vision ensures that the correction achieved through the surgery remains effective over time.
- Adequate Corneal Thickness: The cornea's thickness is an important factor in determining eligibility for SMILE LASIK. There needs to be enough corneal tissue available to create the lenticule and perform the reshaping without compromising the structural integrity of the cornea.
- Minimum Age: SMILE LASIK is generally performed on individuals who are at least 18 years old. This age requirement is based on the stability of the refractive prescription, as younger individuals may experience changes in their prescription as their eyes continue to develop.
- Good Overall Eye Health: Candidates should have healthy eyes, free from any conditions that could affect the healing process or the outcome of the surgery. A comprehensive eye exam will assess the health of your eyes and help determine if you're a suitable candidate.
- Realistic Expectations: It is important for individuals considering SMILE LASIK to have reasonable expectations regarding the results of the procedure.While SMILE LASIK can significantly reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, it might not provide perfect vision in all situations. Some individuals may still need glasses for certain tasks or under specific conditions.
- Aversion to Contact Lenses or Glasses: Some individuals prefer not to rely on glasses or contact lenses for their visual correction. SMILE LASIK can provide an alternative by correcting refractive errors directly on the cornea.
Steps Involved in Smile Lasik Surgery Procedure
Here's a step-by-step overview of what happens during the SMILE LASIK surgery procedure:
- Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, you will undergo a thorough eye examination to determine your suitability for SMILE LASIK. The ophthalmologist will measure your refractive error, assess your corneal thickness and shape, and evaluate the overall health of your eyes.
- Anesthetic Eye Drops: On the day of the surgery, you will be given anesthetic eye drops to numb the surface of your eye. These drops will help ensure that you don't feel any discomfort during the procedure.
- Creation of the Lenticule: A small, accurate disc-shaped lenticule will be made by the surgeon inside the inner layers of the cornea using a femtosecond laser. The area of corneal tissue that needs to be altered to correct your refractive defect is located in this lenticule.
- Small Incision: After creating the lenticule, the surgeon will make a small incision on the surface of the cornea. This incision is typically only a few millimeters in length.
- Lenticule Removal: Through the small incision, the surgeon carefully removes the lenticule from the cornea's inner layers. This reshapes the cornea, allowing for improved vision.
- Corneal Reshaping: By removing the lenticule, the surgeon effectively changes the curvature of the cornea, which is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. This correction addresses the refractive error, whether it's myopia or astigmatism.
- Incision Self-Sealing: The small incision made on the cornea is designed to be self-sealing. This means that stitches are typically not required to close the incision. The corneal layers will naturally adhere back together as the eye heals.
- Recovery: After the procedure, you'll be given instructions on how to care for your eyes during the recovery period. You might experience some discomfort, mild irritation, or sensitivity to light for the first day or two. Most patients report improvement in their vision within the first few days, although it might take a few weeks for your vision to fully stabilize.
- Follow Up Visits: You will need to have multiple follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to track your healing progress and evaluate the success of the procedure. These visits are crucial to ensuring that your eyes are healing well and that your vision is improving as expected.
Who will Treat for Smile Lasik Surgery Procedure
SMILE LASIK Surgery is typically performed by Ophthalmologists who specialize in refractive surgery. These are medical doctors with specialized training and expertise in diagnosing and treating eye conditions, including performing laser vision correction procedures like SMILE LASIK.
Here's a breakdown of the key professionals involved in treating SMILE LASIK surgery:
- Refractive Surgeon (Ophthalmologist): The refractive surgeon is the primary medical professional who performs the SMILE LASIK surgery. They are trained ophthalmologists with additional expertise in refractive procedures. They assess your eye health, determine your eligibility for the surgery, perform the procedure, and provide post-operative care.
- Ophthalmic Technicians: These are trained technicians who assist the surgeon throughout the surgery. They might help with patient preparation, administer eye drops, and ensure that the surgical equipment is functioning properly.
- Surgical Team: In a surgical setting, there may be a team of medical professionals, including nurses, anesthesiologists, and other support staff, to ensure the surgery is conducted safely and effectively.
- Preoperative and Post-operative Care Team: This team includes professionals who handle initial evaluations, preoperative testing, and post-operative follow-up care. They monitor your progress, provide guidance for your recovery, and address any concerns you may have.
Preparing for Smile Lasik Surgery Surgery
Preparing for SMILE LASIK (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction LASIK) surgery involves several steps to ensure that you have a successful procedure and a smooth recovery.
Here's a guide on how to prepare for your SMILE LASIK surgery:
- Consultation and Evaluation:
- Schedule a consultation with a qualified refractive surgeon who specializes in SMILE LASIK.
- The surgeon will evaluate your eye health, refractive error, and general candidacy for the treatment during the consultation. If you're a suitable candidate for SMILE LASIK, they will do a thorough eye examination.
- Medical History: Provide your complete medical history, including any existing eye conditions, previous surgeries, medications, allergies, and general health information.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, you'll probably have to stop wearing them for a certain amount of time prior to the procedure. It's crucial for your cornea to resume its original form before surgery since contact lenses can temporarily change the cornea's shape.
- Eye Health and Hygiene: Follow any instructions provided by your surgeon regarding maintaining proper eye hygiene before the surgery. This might involve avoiding makeup, creams, and lotions around the eyes.
- Arrangements for After the Surgery: Arrange for transportation to and from the surgical center on the day of the procedure. Your vision might be blurry immediately after the surgery, so it's best not to drive.
- Medications: If your surgeon prescribes any preoperative eye drops or medications, follow their instructions carefully.
- Fasting and Hydration: Depending on the anesthesia used during the procedure, your surgeon might recommend fasting for a specific period before the surgery. Stay hydrated but avoid excessive liquids right before the surgery.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, clean clothing on the day of the surgery. Avoid wearing makeup, perfume, or cologne.
- Preoperative Instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions. Follow these instructions closely, as they are tailored to your specific case.
- Questions and Concerns: If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure or the preoperative preparations, don't hesitate to ask your surgeon. Clear communication is essential.
- Mental and Emotional Preparation: Understand the procedure, potential outcomes, and any associated risks. Mentally prepare yourself for the surgery and the recovery process.
- Post-operative Arrangements: Plan for a few days of reduced activity after the surgery to allow your eyes to heal. Arrange for any time off work or responsibilities that may be affected by your recovery
Recovery after Smile Lasik Surgery Procedure
The recovery period after SMILE LASIK (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction LASIK) surgery is a crucial phase during which your eyes heal and your vision stabilizes.
Here's what you can generally expect during the recovery process:
Immediate Post-operative Period
- Rest: After the surgery, you'll be advised to rest for a short period before leaving the surgical center. It's important to have someone accompany you to drive you home.
- Eye Shields or Goggles: You may be given protective eye shields or goggles to wear for the first few days to prevent accidental rubbing or touching of your eyes.
- Discomfort and Irritation: It's common to experience some discomfort, mild irritation, and a gritty or foreign body sensation in your eyes for the first day or two. Your surgeon may prescribe lubricating eye drops to alleviate these symptoms.
First Few Days
- Limited Activities: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercises that could increase intraocular pressure during the initial days of recovery.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: It's important to resist the urge to rub or touch your eyes, as this can interfere with the healing process.
- Follow Medication Schedule: Use prescribed eye drops and medications as directed by your surgeon to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
First Week
- Vision Fluctuations: Your vision might fluctuate during the first few days after the surgery as your corneas heal. Some blurriness or haziness is normal.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
First Few Weeks
- Gradual Improvement: Most patients experience a gradual improvement in their vision during the first few weeks after the surgery.
- Dryness and Sensitivity to Light: You might experience temporary dry eye symptoms and sensitivity to light. Continue using lubricating eye drops as prescribed to alleviate dryness.
- Stabilization: Your vision will continue to stabilize over the next few weeks. Full stabilization might take up to a few months, during which minor adjustments in your prescription could occur.
Long-Term Recovery
- Activities and Restrictions: You can typically resume most of your normal activities, including driving, working, and exercising, once your surgeon gives you the green light. However, it's still advisable to avoid contact sports and activities that could put your eyes at risk of injury.
- Healing of Flap or Incision: The small incision or flap created during the surgery will heal over time. It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions regarding the use of eye shields, goggles, and avoiding rubbing your eyes.
- Avoid Harsh Environments: During the early recovery period, avoid environments with a lot of dust, wind, or smoke, as these factors can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- Follow-Up Visits: Continue attending follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Lifestyle Changes after Smile Lasik Surgery Procedure
After undergoing SMILE LASIK (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction LASIK) surgery, you'll need to make a few lifestyle changes and adjustments to ensure a successful recovery and maintain optimal eye health.
Here are some important lifestyle changes to consider:
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: It's crucial to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, especially in the immediate post-operative period. Rubbing your eyes can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Protect Your Eyes: Wear protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, when you're outdoors to shield your eyes from UV rays, wind, and dust. This is particularly important during the first few weeks of recovery.
- Follow Medication Schedule: Use prescribed eye drops and medications exactly as instructed by your surgeon. These drops help prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
- Avoid Harsh Environments: During the initial recovery period, avoid environments with excessive dust, smoke, wind, and other potential irritants that could affect your healing eyes.
- Stay Hydrated: Maintain good hydration to help prevent dry eyes, a common post-operative symptom. Drink an adequate amount of water daily.
- Limit Screen Time: In the early days of recovery, limit your screen time on computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Extended screen time can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
- Rest Your Eyes: Give your eyes adequate rest, especially during the first week after surgery. This helps in the healing process and can reduce strain.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercises, and activities that could increase intraocular pressure during the first week of recovery. Resuming regular activities gradually is what your surgeon recommends. Attend all planned follow-up sessions with your surgeon to track your recovery's progress and address any issues.
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Maintain good eye hygiene by avoiding makeup, lotions, and creams around your eyes during the recovery period.
- Consultation for Changes in Vision: If you notice any significant changes in your vision, discomfort, pain, or unusual symptoms, contact your surgeon promptly.
- Continue Healthy Habits: Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support eye health, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
- Follow Surgeon's Instructions: You will receive precise post-operative instructions that are catered to your situation from your surgeon. To achieve a speedy recovery and the best outcomes, carefully follow these directions.
- Avoid Swimming and Hot Tubs: Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water for a few weeks after surgery to minimize the risk of infection.
