Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a type of laser eye surgery. It provides clearer vision by reshaping the cornea. SMILE laser eye surgery is a treatment for: Show
Myopia and astigmatism are common refractive errors. A refractive error is when the shape of your eye's cornea or lens prevents light from bending as it should. When this happens, the light can't focus images on your retina properly, and you have blurred vision. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved SMILE for nearsightedness in 2016 and astigmatism in 2018. How Does SMILE Eye Surgery Work?SMILE treats refractive errors by reshaping the cornea. Your eye surgeon uses a laser to change the curve of your cornea. This causes light rays to focus properly on your retina, improving your vision. Undergoing a SMILE procedure can reduce your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. In some cases, you may be able to stop wearing corrective lenses entirely. How Much Does SMILE Surgery Cost?People generally spend between $2,000 and $3,000 per eye for SMILE surgery. This is comparable to other laser refractive surgeries, including LASIK. Like any laser vision correction procedure, the cost of SMILE surgery will change based on different factors, including:
Remember that price is only one factor to consider when exploring different refractive surgery types. Consulting an eye doctor can help you decide which surgical route is best for you. Does Health Insurance Cover SMILE Eye Surgery?Most health insurance plans don’t cover elective procedures like SMILE or LASIK. However, an FSA or HSA can make them more affordable. Flexible Spending Account (FSA)An FSA is a benefit program through your employer. You can contribute money on a pre-tax basis and use it to pay for healthcare expenses. Usually, you must use the money in an FSA by the end of the year. Health Savings Account (HSA)An HSA also allows you to save money on a pre-tax basis for medical expenses. You don’t have to use all the money in one year, and it grows tax-free. You must meet certain requirements to enroll in an HSA, such as having a high-deductible health insurance plan. SMILE Eye Surgery ProcedureBefore SurgeryBefore the procedure, your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes to assess your vision and take measurements. This may include:
During SMILE SurgerySMILE surgery typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. During the procedure, you can expect:
The laser treatment part of the procedure takes about 30 seconds. After SurgeryYou’ll need to have someone drive you home after SMILE eye surgery. Plan to take it easy the rest of the day. You should be able to resume normal activities after a day or two. Things to remember include:
Common Side Effects of SMILESide effects will not vary much from those found with LASIK or other laser surgical procedures. Individuals who undergo SMILE may expect to experience:
Potential Complications of SMILEComplications during the SMILE procedure are rare. Some individuals have reported:
Vision over-correction or under-correction may occur. In such cases, contact lenses or glasses may be suitable. Other times, you might consider retreatment with a laser-guided procedure or surface PRK. There's a rare risk of worse vision (even with eyewear) and blindness. Unlike LASIK, there’s no risk of corneal flap displacement. The SMILE procedure does not require the formation of such a flap. Who is a Good Candidate for SMILE Eye Surgery?SMILE eye surgery will be suitable for some individuals more than others. For example, if individuals have an active lifestyle or job, SMILE may prove better than LASIK or related procedures. With SMILE, there is no risk of corneal flap displacement. However, more criteria can help determine eligibility for SMILE eye surgery, including:
Who Should Not Get SMILE Eye Surgery?Individuals who are not good candidates for SMILE eye surgery include those with:
Pros and Cons of SMILEAdvantagesSMILE eye surgery has more advantages than downsides. Benefits of SMILE include:
Many advantages of SMILE have to do with the fact that this procedure uses a smaller incision. This contrasts with LASIK, which involves cutting a corneal flap. Risk and side effects are reduced by minimizing disturbance to the cornea’s surface. DisadvantagesThe primary disadvantages of SMILE include:
LASIK vs. SMILE vs. PRKLASIK, SMILE, and PRK are all procedures that help to correct refractive errors. However, one surgical procedure may be better for some people than others. Speaking with an ophthalmologist and undergoing an eye exam can help determine the best procedure for an individual’s unique needs. LASIKLaser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) reshapes the cornea by cutting a flap of tissue. This is done with an excimer laser. Who Could Benefit?LASIK can treat all types of refractive errors, including:
To be eligible for LASIK, you must have adequate corneal tissue. SMILESMILE is as effective as LASIK while being less invasive. This procedure uses a femtosecond laser to form a lenticule (disk-shaped corneal tissue) for extraction. It doesn’t require cutting a corneal flap. No corneal flap means SMILE involves less tissue damage than LASIK. This makes the recovery faster and easier. In one study, 80% of individuals who underwent SMILE didn’t need lubricating eye drops after 6 months post-op, while 43% of individuals who underwent LASIK still did. Who Could Benefit?SMILE is approved to treat myopia and astigmatism. People with hyperopia may opt for LASIK or PRK. PRKPhotorefractive keratectomy (PRK) doesn’t require cutting a corneal flap. Instead, your eye surgeon removes the cornea's outer layer (epithelium). Then, they use an excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue. Like SMILE, PRK doesn’t disturb as much corneal tissue as LASIK does. Who Could Benefit?PRK is an excellent option for people with thin corneas or corneal surface irregularities. These conditions may disqualify you from LASIK and SMILE procedures. How long does SMILE eye last?In general, this lasts for about 6 to 12 months. Symptoms of dryness can be quite bothersome, particularly in patients who spend lots of time looking at screens for a profession or during their leisure time.
What are the disadvantages of SMILE eye surgery?The intraoperative complications of SMILE include loss of suction, the formation of the altered opaque bubble layer (OBL), black spots, difficulty in lenticular dissection and extraction, cap perforation, incision-related problems, and decentered ablation [Fig. 1].
Is SMILE eye surgery permanent?The results of a laser-based vision correction procedure such as SMILE are permanent, and this is the reason why there are more than 1.5 million patients worldwide who have undergone this vision correction procedure. The only reason why the results of SMILE procedure will change is when the prescription changes.
What is the success rate of SMILE eye surgery?Thus, as a result of applying ReLEx SMILE technique, the refractive value of ±0.5 D was achieved in 93.8% of cases and ±1.0 D in 100% of cases.
|