SMILE laser, or small incision lenticule extraction, is a newer type of laser refractive surgery.
Understanding SMILE Surgery
SMILE surgery is an advanced laser procedure that aims to correct vision problems. It is used to treat:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
- Astigmatism: An irregularly shaped cornea that causes blurred vision.
This procedure works by using a laser to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. This helps light focus properly on the retina, improving vision.
How SMILE Works
Unlike older laser surgery methods, SMILE involves a smaller incision, typically less than 4mm.
- A laser is used to create a small, disc-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea.
- This lenticule is then extracted through the tiny incision.
- By removing the lenticule, the shape of the cornea is changed, thus correcting the refractive error.
Key Advantages of SMILE
SMILE has several advantages:
- Minimally Invasive: The smaller incision results in less disruption to the corneal surface compared to other laser procedures.
- Reduced Dry Eye: Because there's less corneal surface disruption, there is a lower risk of developing dry eye after surgery.
- Quick Recovery: Many patients experience faster visual recovery compared to other laser methods.
Key Difference between SMILE and other Laser Eye surgeries
- LASIK: LASIK creates a flap in the cornea that is lifted to allow the excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue and is a relatively more invasive procedure.
- PRK: PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea completely and is a surface treatment. SMILE does not involve creating a flap or removing a surface layer of the cornea.
Summary Table
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK | PRK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incision Size | Small (less than 4mm) | Larger flap | None (outer layer removed) |
| Corneal Flap | None | Created | None |
| Treatment | Lenticule extraction | Excimer laser reshaping under a flap | Excimer laser reshaping of the cornea's surface |
| Dry Eye Risk | Lower | Moderate | Moderate |
| Recovery Time | Faster | Moderate | Moderate |
In conclusion, SMILE laser is a cutting-edge refractive surgery that offers a less invasive approach to vision correction, using a small incision and lenticule extraction to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism, as indicated by the reference provided.
