SMILE Pro eye surgery, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a minimally invasive procedure for vision correction. It utilizes a femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue within the cornea which is then removed through a small incision.
The removal of this tissue changes the shape of the cornea, improving its ability to focus light on the retina and thus improving vision. The whole process is known for its precision, safety, and quick recovery period.
What is the process of Smile Pro eye surgery?
The process of Smile Pro eye surgery involves several key steps:
Pre-surgery Examination
Before the surgery, an in-depth eye examination is conducted to assess your eye health and to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for SMILE Pro. This includes corneal thickness measurement, retina checkup, and prescription check.
Preparation
On the day of surgery, your eyes will be thoroughly cleaned. You will be administered with anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes, ensuring you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Marking the Eye
The surgeon will use a speculum to hold your eyes open. The eye undergoing the surgery will be marked to guide the femtosecond laser.
Creation of Lenticule and Incision
The femtosecond laser is used to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea and a small incision in the cornea, which usually takes less than 30 seconds. Unlike traditional procedures, SMILE Pro doesn’t involve creating a large corneal flap, reducing the risk of complications.
Removal of Lenticule
The surgeon then removes the lenticule through the small incision using minute forceps. This alters the shape of the cornea, helping it focus light more accurately onto the retina.
Post-Surgery
Immediately following the procedure, you might feel a slight irritation in your eye. A protective shield will be placed over your eye to prevent rubbing or pressure.
Check-up
A follow-up visit is scheduled for the next day to monitor the healing process. It’s crucial to follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding eye drops and avoid certain activities to prevent infection or damage.
Recovery
The recovery period is relatively quick with most patients experiencing improved vision within a few days. However, total vision stabilization might take a few weeks.
Regular Eye Check-ups
Regular eye check-ups post-surgery are recommended to ensure the health and clarity of vision are maintained.
It’s important to understand that while SMILE Pro is an advanced eye surgery, it may not be suitable for everyone. Consultation with a qualified surgeon will determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure.
Is the SMILE PRO eye surgery effective?
SMILE Pro eye surgery has proven to be a highly effective method for correcting certain types of vision impairment, particularly myopia (nearsightedness). The procedure boasts a high success rate, with the majority of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. Its effectiveness stems from the fact that it reshapes the cornea in a way that enhances its ability to focus light onto the retina.
Furthermore, because it’s a flapless procedure, it reduces the risk of postoperative complications commonly associated with traditional LASIK surgery. Additionally, SMILE Pro has been linked with a lower incidence of dry eye syndrome post-surgery, a common complaint among patients who undergo other laser eye surgeries.
While results may vary based on the individual’s eye condition, overall, SMILE Pro has been shown to significantly improve vision in the majority of cases. However, like any surgical procedure, it should only be considered after consulting with a qualified ophthalmologist who can assess your suitability and explain potential risks and benefits.
Is the process complicated?
The process of SMILE Pro eye surgery, while meticulous, is not considered complicated. It’s a well-structured and streamlined process, performed by a skilled ophthalmologist using advanced laser technology. The actual laser part of the surgery lasts less than 30 seconds, with the whole procedure taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes per eye.
Moreover, due to its minimally invasive nature, the surgery involves less discomfort compared to other procedures. Postoperative recovery is relatively quick, with many patients returning to normal activities within a few days. Regular follow-ups are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure optimal results.
`
Despite its high success rate, it’s crucial to note that SMILE Pro isn’t for everyone. An in-depth pre-surgery examination will determine whether you’re a suitable candidate or not. Some conditions, such as severe dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, or certain corneal diseases, may disqualify an individual from this procedure. Hence, a consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist is mandatory prior to considering this surgery.
