For those looking to bid farewell to glasses or contacts, SMILE eye surgery stands as an innovative solution promising swift recovery and lasting vision correction.
But the thought of undergoing any kind of eye procedure can be daunting, especially when it comes to the question of time.
In this comprehensive article, we dissect the duration of SMILE surgery, examining the process from the moment you step into the operating room to the day you look outside with newfound clarity. Whether you’re on the fence about going under the laser or ready to book your appointment, this guide is crafted for you.
Understanding SMILE Eye Surgery
Before we jump into the time involved in a SMILE procedure, it’s essential to understand what it is.
SMILE, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, SMILE requires only a single laser and no corneal flaps, which contributes to its quick recovery time.
The method involves creating a lenticule within the cornea with the help of a femtosecond laser. The surgeon then accesses and removes this lenticule, restructuring the corneal tissue to correct the refractive error. By preserving most of the cornea’s structural integrity, SMILE aims to combine the safety of traditional procedures with reduced invasiveness.
Preparing for SMILE Surgery
The duration of your SMILE surgery experience begins well before the actual procedure. Typically, candidates for SMILE undergo extensive pre-operative evaluations, including comprehensive eye examinations. These tests are crucial in determining an individual’s candidacy by ensuring that their eye health and refractive error fit within certain parameters.
During this phase, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss details with your surgeon, ask questions, and prepare for the day of surgery. This may include abstaining from wearing contact lenses for a specified period to achieve corneal stabilisation.
The Day of Your SMILE Surgery
The big day has arrived. When you arrive at the eye centre, a series of final checks and preparations are made. Remember, you should have someone available to drive you home, as you won’t be able to operate a vehicle after the surgery.
The actual SMILE procedure is remarkably quick. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes, with the laser itself being active for only a fraction of that time (22 seconds per eye).
The surgeon will offer you local anaesthesia through eye drops, so you’ll be awake and alert during the procedure but won’t feel any pain.
Once in the operating room, you’ll be comfortably positioned, your eye area will be cleaned, and a device to keep your eyelids open may be used. Throughout the laser process, you may experience minimal discomfort, such as pressure and some lights.
The Immediate Aftermath
Post-surgery, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your vision. However, it may still be quite blurry. The initial recovery is focused on resting your eyes and allowing your corneas to heal.
For a few hours after the procedure, you should avoid rubbing your eyes and follow any instructions given by your surgeon. This may include using eye drops to prevent infection and keep your eyes moist. The recovery room experience is relatively swift.
Day One to Week One
Within the first 24 hours, your vision may fluctuate, and you’ll likely experience a degree of haziness. During this time, it’s crucial to take any prescribed medications, adhere to the recommended schedule of using eye drops, and avoid any strenuous physical activities that could put pressure on your eyes.
Over the next few days, your vision should improve, with the expectation that you can return to normal activities within 3 to 4 days. However, the official approval to return to full activities — including exercise and swimming — may be granted at your follow-up visit, which typically occurs within the week following your surgery.
The complete recovery period for SMILE surgery, including complete stabilisation, is about one month, but you are expected to resume most of your activities within a week. During this time, you’ll have a series of two to three follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that your eyes are healing as expected. These appointments are relatively quick, generally lasting around 10 to 15 minutes each.
Managing Expectations Post-SMILE
Managing expectations is crucial in any medical procedure, particularly one that addresses a sensory function like vision. With SMILE surgery, the outcomes often meet or exceed the desired corrections, but individual healing responses can vary.
- The Initial Week
It’s common to experience fluctuating vision and some mild side effects, such as halos or glare, during the first week. The recovery is generally well-tolerated and doesn’t often necessitate more than over-the-counter pain management. Any persisting discomfort or unusual vision changes should be discussed with your surgeon. - First Month
By the end of the first month, most SMILE patients report a high degree of satisfaction with their vision. You may still experience dry eye symptoms, a normal post-operative side effect, which can be managed with the ongoing use of lubricating eye drops. - Long-Term
The true benefit of SMILE surgery becomes apparent in its long-term success. The corrected vision remains stable, and many patients enjoy freedom from glasses and contacts. The optimal vision correction from SMILE becomes noticeable around a few weeks after surgery and continues to improve over the next month.
SMILE Surgery Duration in Comparison
To place the SMILE surgery duration in context, it’s insightful to compare it to alternative procedures like PRK and LASIK. PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy, involves the removal of the outer layer of the cornea before reshaping the tissue beneath, whereas LASIK creates a flap that is lifted and repositioned.
PRK and advanced LASIK can be completed in a similar timespan to SMILE. However, traditional LASIK generally takes around 30 minutes for both eyes. Both have a recovery period that can be longer and more uncomfortable than SMILE.
SMILE: The Quick Fix for Vision
In the grand scheme of your life, the duration of SMILE surgery is but a small moment in time. Yes, minutes matter, especially when they bring you closer to a life without the encumbrance of corrective lenses. The process is meticulously designed to promote efficiency and accuracy, ensuring that the minutes spent in the operating room yield a lifetime of better vision.
Remember that while this article endeavours to provide a detailed overview of the time involved in SMILE surgery, every individual’s experience is unique. The best source of information regarding your specific treatment time and recovery will come from your surgeon. Trust the process, lean on their expertise, and prepare for a swift passage into a clearer world.
SMILE surgery isn’t just about the duration of the procedure; it’s about a lifetime of enjoying every moment in perfect vision.
