SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) Eye Surgery is a surgical procedure designed to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
It reshapes the cornea to restore proper refraction, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
During the procedure, a femtosecond laser is used to create a lenticule, and a small cut is made to remove it, improving vision. Stitches are not required, and healing usually occurs within one to two days.
The procedure is relatively quick, usually taking about 20 minutes, and is done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.
Recovery time for SMILE surgery allows most patients to resume regular activities within a few days, with gradual improvement in vision over days and weeks.
Patients are advised to wear protective eyewear, avoid using eye makeup until permitted by the surgeon, patients should rest, avoid strenuous activities, and protect their eyes from water for a few days. and follow prescribed medications.
Common side effects include tearing, redness, pain, and discomfort, which usually last for a few hours.
Studies show that SMILE surgery has a high success rate, with 99% of patients achieving at least 20/40 vision six months after the procedure, and 88% achieving 20/20 vision at their six-month check-up.
