Smile Eye Surgery in Delhi

What is SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE is a short word for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. SMILE eye surgery is a procedure that involves reshaping the cornea by removing a small lens from the central corneal layer. The process uses a femtosecond laser and extracts the lenticule through four small incisions on the corneal surface. This procedure aims to correct the refractive or focusing errors in your vision. The types of refractive errors are; astigmatism (blurred vision at all distances), hypermetropia, myopia, and presbyopia (inability to focus your eyes close up). The SMILE eye surgery is similar to LASIK and may have some merits over LASIK for some patients. SMILE eye surgery has some pretty good outcomes and is a beneficial surgery for vision correction.

What does SMILE Eye Surgery do exactly?

The SMILE eye surgery changes the curvature of your cornea, restoring refraction to normal and giving you sharp vision again. This surgery will reduce the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. You may regain your vision fully with this procedure. SMILE eye surgery is now available in Delhi.

How much does SMILE Eye Surgery cost in Delhi?

The cost of SMILE Eye Surgery varies from one surgeon to the other due to the practice location, follow-up exams and enhancements included, and the surgeon’s experience. The price range for SMILE Eye Surgery in Delhi is around INR 1,30,000.

Is SMILE Eye Surgery painful?

Anesthetic eye drops will be put in your eyes before the surgery to numb the eyes. You will feel a slight heaviness in your eyes but with zero pain during the procedure, which you will be awake all through.

Is this a permanent eye treatment?

Through numerous research and studies, this is now a permanent eye treatment for your refractive errors.

Is SMILE Eye Surgery right for you?

If you suffer from any refractive error, as mentioned above, then you might be the right candidate for SMILE Eye Surgery. If you are the right candidate, you will undergo a comprehensive eye exam and a consultation with a refractive surgeon. To get the SMILE Eye surgery in Delhi then, you must be available in Delhi first. Then from there, you may begin to prepare for the SMILE surgery. However, there are some additional requirements for one to undergo SMILE Eye Surgery, such as:

• Your eyes and cornea should be in a healthy state.
• Your astigmatism should be less than three diopters.
• Your eye prescription should not have changed in the past twelve months.
• It would be best if you were at least 22 years old.
• Your myopia should be between -1 to -10.
• It would be helpful if you had realistic expectations about what SMILE can and cannot do for you.
• The above requirements will increase the likelihood of a safe and successful procedure.

Who should not undergo SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE Eye Surgery in Delhi is still a very new procedure, so the experience with it is minimal. The process is safe for only astigmatism and myopia. However, this procedure is not appropriate for everyone because some health conditions can make you not the perfect candidate for surgery. Some of the conditions that may hinder you from the surgery include pregnancy or breastfeeding, uncontrolled diabetes, scars on the cornea, earlier eye surgery or disease, irregular astigmatism, cataracts in one or both eyes, excessive scarring or keloid formation, and thin corneas.

What are the risks of SMILE Eye Surgery?

Like any other type of surgery, SMILE surgery also comes with risks that one should know. Some of the risks are; there could be inflammation or infection within the treated area, debris where the corneal disc was extracted from, seeing halos around lights and glare, especially at night, and retreatment, which must be done with surface PRK.

Keep in mind that this procedure is not a must-have for everyone in Delhi because some people are happy with wearing glasses or contact lenses. You can weigh the risks and rewards of his procedure with your ophthalmologist.

How many days off do I need from work to have this surgery?

You need to rest for twenty-four hours post-procedure and also the day the eye surgery is done. After the surgery, a maximum of two to three days of rest indoors is required for your eyes.

How is the SMILE Eye Surgery procedure?

An ophthalmologist will perform a complete eye examination to ensure that you do not have any eye problems, especially on the cornea, check for any eye disorders that may affect or worsen after the SMILE surgery, check your pupil size, and also your vision will be tested to make sure it has not changed in the past one year.  

SMILE surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you will not need to stay at the hospital overnight. Before the process begins, local anesthesia is put into your eyes to make them numb. This procedure is computer-guided, and it usually takes about twenty minutes, and both your eyes are treated.

A femtosecond laser is used to cut a small lens-shaped disc in the cornea, and the disc is extracted through a small incision that is about three millimeters wide. This process reshapes the cornea to exactly reverse the refractive error of the eyes.

How to prepare for the day of the SMILE surgery?

Please communicate with the person who will drive you home after the surgery to keep them updated. Dress warm and comfortable as the treatment area will be cold. Do not wear any cologne, perfume, hairspray, or aftershave on this day. Do not apply any foundation or eye makeup on surgery day, and also ensure to have removed all the eye makeup the night before. Keep time on this day, and feel free to bring your phone to only listen to music as you pass the time. Please note that while you are waiting or your procedure to begin, you shall not be able to read or work on your phone or laptop.

What happens during the SMILE procedure?

The SMILE procedure takes around twenty minutes. Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. Your eyelids will be kept open to avoid blinking with an eyelid holder. A suction ring lifts and flattens the cornea, which helps to keep the eye from moving; then, the laser then it is programmed with specific measurements for your eye. The laser begins to sculpt a disc-shaped like a piece of cornea below the surface of your eye. One complete laser treatment takes about thirty seconds. It then makes a small incision in your cornea that now gives your eye surgeon access to the disc that the laser had formed earlier. The disc-shaped piece of the cornea is removed through the incision, and this process reshapes your cornea.

What happens after the SMILE procedure?

The first thing to keep in mind is that although this is an outpatient procedure, you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery. This is because, after the SMILE Eye Surgery, your vision may be blurry, but as you heal over the next few days to weeks, your vision will improve gradually. After the surgery, you should relax and take a nap for the rest of the day.

During this time, you may experience a gritty or sandy feeling in the eye and sensitivity to light. Your eye surgeon will prescribe to you some eye drop medicine that you should ensure to use as instructed. Although it’s not mandatory, you may take 1000mg of Vitamin C supplements seven days pre- and post-operation to assist in the healing process. After about two to three days, you can now resume doing your normal activities, and you should also remember to avoid getting any water in your eyes for a few days until you are fully healed.

Are there follow-up visits?

After the SMILE Eye Surgery, the next exam will be the following day. All your follow-up visits will be with your ophthalmologist or an associate doctor. Your ophthalmologist will perform a complete examination with dilation three months post-operation.

What are some of the complications with SMILE Eye Surgery?

During the SMILE surgery, complications that arise have been infrequently reported, thus supporting the reported predictability and safety of the procedure. Studies have found small tears at the incision, abrasions, and perforated caps in just a few cases, but none of these patients had late visual symptoms. There is a loss of suction that may happen during the femtosecond laser portion, and it seems a complex topic to define care that applies to most cases. A similar study also showed that the surgeon reapplied in the same setting in most cases where the suction loss occurred. In most eye surgery cases, there is an occurrence of post-operative dry eye, but SMILE surgery compared to LASIK.

What are some of the SMILE Eye Surgery benefits?

Research shows that SMILE Eye Surgery might be able to correct very high amounts of nearsightedness than LASIK, with less risk of needing an enhancement procedure to attain a perfect correction.

During SMILE Eye Surgery, a small incision is made, and this may enable the cornea to maintain more of its strength and resistance to any traumatic injuries that are prone to occur after the procedure as compared to LASIK surgery.

95% of all people who have undergone the SMILE Eye Surgery but one had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or 88% had visual acuity of 20/20 or even much better.

Some studies have also shown that with SMILE Eye Surgery, there may be less risk of dry eye symptoms after the surgery. This is because SMILE Surgery does not require a sizeable corneal flap, thus affecting fewer corneal nerves.

When will you see SMILE surgery results?

The vision recovery from SMILE Eye Surgery is almost instant. A day after the surgery, most patients report seeing 6/6, 20/20, or even better. However, your vision will continue to improve within the first week and a month or so after the surgery.

What are some of the side effects of SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE Eye Surgery carries the risk of overcorrection or under-correction, meaning you may have to continue using contact lenses or wearing glasses. During the procedure, you may be prone to corneal abrasions or small tears at the incision site, thus carrying a risk. The good thing is that these complications are minor and will not affect your vision in the long term.

During SMILE Eye Surgery, the patient is under local anesthesia that numbs your eyes, and when the anesthesia wears off, you are likely to feel some discomfort, tearing, or eye redness. It is also expected that a patient may experience a gritty sensation or pain that may last up to six to twelve hours.

Why do eye patients prefer SMILE to LASIK surgery?

Most complications that happen during LASIK are due to flap, and in SMILE surgery, there are no flap or flap-related complications. Some data shows that the corneal flap never heals. SMILE is painless, and it also gives high stability in the long term, with very few chances of coming back to see an ophthalmologist.

How does SMILE surgery compare to LASIK in terms of effectiveness and safety?

SMILE surgery, an acronym for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, and LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, are both effective and safe procedures for vision correction. However, they differ in some significant aspects.

SMILE surgery, especially popular in Delhi, involves the creation of a small incision in the cornea to remove a tiny piece of eye tissue, thereby reshaping the cornea and improving vision. This method is minimally invasive and decreases the chances of dry eye post-operation. Patients undergoing SMILE eye surgery also experience quicker recovery times.

On the other hand, LASIK involves creating a larger flap in the cornea to access and reshape the underlying tissue. While LASIK has been around for a longer period and has a proven track record, it’s slightly more invasive than SMILE and may lead to dry eyes post-operation.

In terms of effectiveness, both procedures yield similar results, with the majority of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. Safety-wise, both SMILE and LASIK procedures have low complication rates. However, the less invasive nature of the SMILE surgery provides a slight advantage in terms of safety and recovery times.

So, if you’re considering vision correction surgery in Delhi, SMILE surgery is a robust, effective, and safe option to consider. As with any medical procedure, it’s essential to consult with a qualified professional to discuss the most suitable option for your specific needs.

Can SMILE surgery correct both nearsightedness and astigmatism?

SMILE surgery can correct both nearsightedness and astigmatism effectively. This procedure is ideal for individuals who have a refractive error, where the eye doesn’t bend light correctly, resulting in blurred vision. Nearsightedness, or myopia, is one such error where the objects far away appear blurry. Similarly, astigmatism is a condition where your eye fails to focus light evenly on the retina, causing distorted or blurred vision at all distances.

The SMILE procedure corrects these anomalies by reshaping the cornea, enabling it to focus light properly onto the retina. In the case of nearsightedness, the cornea is flattened, while for astigmatism, the cornea is made more spherical, thereby reducing or eliminating the refractive errors.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of SMILE surgery can vary based on the degree of nearsightedness or astigmatism, among other factors. Therefore, a comprehensive eye examination by a qualified professional is crucial to determine the suitability of SMILE surgery for your specific case. In Delhi, many competent and experienced surgeons are available for such assessments and can provide reliable advice regarding your vision correction options.

What is the success rate of SMILE surgery in achieving 20/20 vision?

SMILE surgery has demonstrated a high success rate in achieving 20/20 vision. Clinical studies indicate that approximately 88% to 98% of patients reach a vision of 20/20 or better post-surgery. Additionally, nearly all patients (above 99%) attain a visual acuity of 20/40, which is the legal requirement for driving in most places without corrective lenses. These impressive statistics underscore the effectiveness of SMILE eye surgery for vision correction. However, it’s crucial to remember that individual results can vary based on several factors, including the degree of refractive error, the health of your eyes, and the exactness of the surgery. Therefore, to get a clear understanding of your chances of achieving 20/20 vision, a consultation with a professional eye surgeon, especially in a hub for SMILE surgery like Delhi, is highly recommended.

Are there any specific eligibility criteria or restrictions for undergoing SMILE surgery?

Yes, there are specific criteria an individual must meet to be considered eligible for SMILE surgery. Firstly, the candidate should be at least 18 years old, as younger individuals might still have changing vision. Secondly, the person’s vision prescription should have been stable for at least a year before surgery. A constantly changing prescription might indicate that the eye is still changing, which can affect the results of the surgery.

Thirdly, the individual’s corneal thickness plays a significant role. The cornea should be thick enough to allow for the creation of a lenticular and a small incision. Therefore, people with extremely thin corneas might be advised against SMILE surgery. Additionally, individuals with certain eye diseases, autoimmune disorders, or those who are pregnant or nursing may not be suitable candidates for this surgery.

It’s essential to have an in-depth consultation and eye examination with a qualified eye surgeon to determine whether SMILE surgery is suitable for your specific case. In Delhi, where the popularity of SMILE surgery is significantly growing, numerous reputable clinics offer these assessments and ensure prospective patients receive the best advice for their vision correction needs.

What is the difference between SMILE surgery and other types of refractive surgeries?

SMILE surgery is a type of refractive surgery that stands distinct from other procedures due to its minimally invasive nature and specific benefits. Unlike LASIK or PRK, which involve creating a larger flap in the cornea, SMILE involves making a small incision to remove a lenticule (a tiny piece of corneal tissue). By doing this, the cornea is reshaped to correct refractive errors. This key difference results in a lower risk of dry eyes, a common complaint after LASIK or PRK. Furthermore, the recovery time after SMILE surgery is generally quicker, allowing patients to return to their everyday activities more rapidly.

When it comes to effectiveness, SMILE surgery holds its own against other refractive surgeries. With a high success rate of patients achieving 20/20 vision, SMILE stands as a potent solution for correcting myopia and astigmatism. In areas like Delhi, where SMILE surgery is popular, you’ll find a wealth of experienced surgeons who are skilled in performing this procedure.

However, remember that suitability for SMILE, much like any surgical procedure, depends on individual factors. It’s crucial to consult with a trusted eye care professional to assess your eligibility and discuss the most suitable vision correction options for your specific needs.

How long does the entire SMILE surgery process take, including preparation and recovery?

The entire SMILE surgery process, including preparation and recovery, is relatively quick, taking about 10 to 15 minutes per eye for the procedure itself. However, the whole appointment can take about 2 hours, considering the necessary preparations and post-procedure checks. Before the surgery, your eyes will be numbed with anaesthetic drops, and any remaining discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

As for recovery, most patients notice an immediate improvement in vision after the surgery, but optimal results are generally achieved a few weeks post-operation. A typical recovery timeline includes a follow-up appointment with your surgeon the day after surgery, and then at regular intervals over the next six months. It’s important to adhere strictly to the prescribed post-operative care regime which would likely include antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops.

It’s worth noting that recovery times can vary based on individual health factors and the specificities of your procedure. Therefore, it’s recommended to discuss your timeline and what to expect during recovery with your eye surgeon, preferably one from a region highly skilled in SMILE surgery like Delhi.

What should I expect during the SMILE surgery procedure? Will I experience any pain or discomfort?

During the SMILE surgery, you can expect a relatively comfortable and quick procedure. First, numbing eye drops will be applied to ensure minimal discomfort. You will then be asked to focus on a light while the surgeon uses a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser to create a tiny incision in your cornea. During laser eye surgery, a small disc-shaped piece of tissue, known as a lenticule, is created within your cornea. Through a small incision, the surgeon removes this lenticule, resulting in cornea reshaping and vision correction. Experience improved vision through this effective procedure. The entire process is typically painless due to the anesthetic eye drops, although you might feel a slight pressure on your eye.

After the surgery, you may experience a mild sensation of grittiness in your eyes, or feel like something is in your eye. This is normal and should subside within a few hours to a few days. You should strictly follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon, including the use of prescribed eye drops and avoiding strenuous activities, to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to have some blurry vision or fluctuations in your vision during the first few days or even weeks after SMILE surgery.

We at Visual Aids Centre, are renowned for our expertise in SMILE surgery. We assure you that your SMILE surgery experience is as painless and efficient as possible.

Is SMILE surgery suitable for patients with dry eyes or other pre-existing eye conditions?

SMILE surgery, due to its less invasive nature, often proves to be a suitable option for patients with dry eyes, outperforming other procedures like LASIK in this regard. In SMILE surgery, only a small incision is made, and a smaller area of the corneal nerves is affected, reducing the chances of dry eyes post-surgery. However, if you have severe dry eyes or other pre-existing eye conditions, it’s essential to have an in-depth discussion with your eye surgeon. They will perform comprehensive eye assessments to evaluate your condition and determine whether SMILE surgery is the right choice for you. In Delhi, where SMILE eye surgery has gained substantial popularity, you’ll find numerous clinics, like Visual Aids Centre, that specialize in eye conditions and offer expert advice. Remember, the ultimate goal is to ensure the best possible vision outcomes for your particular situation. Always trust a certified and experienced surgeon to guide you in your vision correction journey.

What is the long-term outlook for vision stability after SMILE surgery?

The long-term outlook for vision stability after SMILE surgery is generally very positive. Numerous studies have found that SMILE surgery delivers consistent, stable results for vision correction over the long term. In most cases, individuals who undergo SMILE surgery achieve 20/20 vision or better and maintain these results over time. The procedure has been shown to effectively correct myopia and astigmatism, and the results are often stable even several years post-surgery. However, it’s essential to remember that individual experiences can vary, and factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of your refractive error can impact long-term outcomes. Regular follow-up appointments with your eye surgeon, especially during the first six months after surgery, are crucial in monitoring your progress and maintaining optimal eye health. In regions like Delhi, renowned for its expertise in SMILE eye surgery, you can find highly qualified professionals who will guide you through every step of your journey to better vision.

Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after undergoing SMILE surgery?

Post-SMILE surgery, there are several lifestyle changes and precautions that are important to consider for optimal recovery and long-term vision health. For the initial days following the procedure, avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent dislodging the corneal flap. You should also avoid strenuous physical activities, especially those that may expose your eyes to dust or water, such as swimming or contact sports, for at least a month.

To minimize eye strain, you should take frequent breaks when using digital devices. Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays becomes even more crucial after the surgery. Regular eye check-ups should be a part of your post-surgery routine to monitor the healing process.

The diet also plays a significant role in eye health. Incorporating foods rich in vitamins A, C, E and omega-3 fatty acids can aid in faster recovery and maintaining good eye health.

In Delhi, SMILE eye surgery clinics, such as the Visual Aids Centre, offer personalized advice on lifestyle changes and precautions to their patients based on their individual needs and lifestyle. They guide you through each step of the post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery and lasting vision improvement.

How soon can I resume normal activities like driving or using a computer after SMILE surgery?

The timeline for resuming normal activities after SMILE surgery varies for each patient, largely depending on the individual healing process. Typically, you may return to driving and using digital devices like computers, smartphones or tablets within a few days after the surgery. However, it is crucial to listen to your body and avoid any activity that causes discomfort or strain to your eyes. Be mindful to take regular breaks while using digital devices to prevent eye strain. If your job involves prolonged screen time, it might be wise to take a few days off post-surgery. It is always advisable to consult with your eye surgeon before resuming these activities. In Delhi, clinics specializing in SMILE eye surgery, like Visual Aids Centre, ensure a comprehensive follow-up routine and provide personalized guidance to their patients, helping them return to their normal routine without compromising their eye health.

Can I undergo SMILE surgery if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant shortly?

While SMILE surgery has proven to be a safe and effective procedure for vision correction, it is generally not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant shortly. Pregnancy can cause hormonal changes that might affect the shape and thickness of your cornea, altering your refractive error and potentially impacting the outcome of the surgery. Furthermore, medications used during the procedure could potentially have an impact on the developing fetus. Typically, surgeons advise waiting until several menstrual cycles have passed post-pregnancy before considering SMILE surgery. However, these are general guidelines and it is always best to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about your specific situation. At Visual Aids Centre in Delhi, renowned for SMILE eye surgery, experienced professionals provide comprehensive consultation taking into account your individual health history and lifestyle factors. They will guide you through the process, ensuring that you make an informed decision about your vision correction journey.

How experienced is the surgical team in performing SMILE procedures, and can you provide patient testimonials or case studies?

Our surgical team at Visual Aids Centre in Delhi is highly experienced in performing SMILE eye surgeries, having successfully treated thousands of patients over the years. We pride ourselves on our expertise and dedication to delivering high-quality care. We maintain a patient-focused approach, ensuring personalized attention and guidance throughout the entire vision correction process. Our surgeons regularly attend professional development programs to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field. We have numerous patient testimonials and case studies that reflect our commitment to excellence. These testimonials provide insights into the experiences of our patients, their journey through the surgery, and the transformative impact it has had on their lives. We believe that these stories serve as a testament to our proficiency and the quality of care we provide. Always remember, when considering SMILE surgery in Delhi, it’s important to choose a Visual Aids Centre with a proven track record of success.