Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is the latest addition to the list of laser vision correction procedures. This surgery uses a laser to cut a part of the tissue of the cornea thereby achieving the desired shape. The cut tissue is gently removed by the surgeon through a small incision in the upper part of the eye using special instruments. SMILE is also a flapless surgery and can be considered in patients with contact sports. Since a large flap is not cut, it is likely that dryness after surgery, may not be as much as it is after LASIK. However, SMILE also needs a thicker cornea and a suitable refractive error to be corrected, just as in LASIK. SMILE does not correct hyperopia (farsightedness) and high astigmatism (higher cylindrical powers).
SMILE would normally take about 10-15 minutes per eye. Just as in LASIK, a couple of days of blurry vision and burning sensation, with watering and redness is expected for a couple of days after surgery. Once you start using the eyedrops prescribed after surgery, the symptoms will start reducing and vision becomes clearer. You may get 98% of the vision clarity by the end of one week. The absolute sharpness of vision is likely to take additional 2-3 weeks.
Some of the common side effects expected after SMILE are dry eyes leading to grittiness and irritation, glare and haloes especially during driving at nights. The dryness is expected to be less as compared to LASIK, however, it is more subjective and depends on your lifestyle and original condition of your eyes.
Whether you are suitable for SMILE or not, is something your doctor would decide during your consultation.
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