SMILE Pro: The Advanced Vision Correction Procedure

What is SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a highly advanced laser eye surgery. It is designed to correct refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism. 

Unlike traditional methods like LASIK, it uses a keyhole approach. This ensures minimal disruption to the eye’s structure. This state-of-the-art procedure involves creating a thin, lens-shaped layer (or lenticule) within the cornea using a precise femtosecond laser. The lenticule is then removed through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea and improving vision.

What makes SMILE Pro revolutionary is its single-laser technology. Traditional LASIK requires two lasers for the process—one to create a corneal flap and another to reshape the cornea. But SMILE Pro eliminates the need for a flap entirely, reducing complications and accelerating recovery.

The entire SMILE Pro procedure is remarkably swift, often completed within 10-15minutes, including preparation time. The actual laser work takes less than 8-10 seconds per eye. Patients experience minimal discomfort, and the incision made is significantly smaller—measuring just a few millimetres—compared to LASIK.

Benefits of SMILE Pro Eye Surgery

SMILE Pro eye surgery offers numerous advantages, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking advanced vision correction. It offers a triple combination of precision, comfort, and convenience. 

One of the standout benefits of SMILE Pro is its minimally invasive nature. The procedure involves a small incision of just a few millimetres, significantly smaller than what is required in LASIK. This reduces disruption to the corneal surface, leading to a faster and more comfortable recovery. Patients often report minimal discomfort both during and after the surgery.

The procedure is highly accurate, utilising advanced femtosecond laser technology to reshape the cornea precisely. This makes SMILE Pro particularly effective for correcting refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism, though it may not be suitable for extremely high myopia (>10 dioptres). The use of a single laser ensures a streamlined process with reduced risks of complications.

Another major advantage is the reduced likelihood of dry eye syndrome. Since SMILE Pro preserves more of the corneal nerves compared to LASIK, the chances of developing postoperative dry eyes are significantly lower. However, patients with pre-existing dry eyes should consult their surgeon to ensure suitability.

At Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, we are proud to offer SMILE Pro eye surgery, combining cutting-edge technology with the expertise of experienced surgeons. Our patient-centred approach ensures that you receive personalised care tailored to your needs.

Ideal candidates for the SMILE Pro

SMILE Pro eye surgery is an excellent option for many individuals seeking permanent vision correction. It caters to those with specific refractive errors, offering a safe and effective solution to reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. However, certain factors determine if someone is a good candidate for the procedure.

Adults over 18 years of age with stable vision are ideal for SMILE Pro. Stability in prescription is crucial because fluctuating eyesight can affect the long-term success of the surgery. Most patients who opt for SMILE Pro have been living with myopia (short-sightedness) or astigmatism and want a more permanent solution than wearing spectacles or contact lenses.

Good overall eye health is another important criterion. Individuals should not have any active infections, injuries, or severe dry eyes. SMILE Pro works best when the cornea is in optimal condition, as this ensures precise results and a smoother recovery process.

Additionally, SMILE Pro is suitable for those who value a minimally invasive approach. With no flap creation involved, the procedure appeals to patients who may be concerned about complications associated with LASIK. The reduced incision size and quick recovery time make it an attractive choice for people with busy lifestyles.

At Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, we assess each patient’s needs thoroughly to determine if SMILE Pro is the right option. By evaluating your eye health and refractive stability, we ensure you receive a tailored treatment plan for the best outcomes.

If you’re looking for an advanced, comfortable, and precise vision correction method, SMILE Pro may be the answer. Speak to a specialist to understand if this innovative procedure aligns with your needs.

Who is not suitable for SMILE Pro?

While SMILE Pro eye surgery is a remarkable advancement in vision correction, it may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical or lifestyle factors could make this procedure less ideal or even inadvisable. Here’s a look at who may not be suitable for SMILE Pro.

• Individuals under 18 years of age: Since vision tends to stabilise only after adulthood, those younger than 18 may not be suitable candidates.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals: Hormonal changes during these phases can affect vision stability, making surgery less predictable.
• People with unstable prescriptions: If your vision has been changing frequently over the last 12 months, it’s best to wait until it stabilises.
• Patients with very high refractive errors: SMILE Pro may not be suitable for those with extreme degrees of myopia or astigmatism. Other surgical options might be more effective in such cases.
• Certain eye conditions: Conditions such as keratoconus, severe dry eye syndrome, or corneal scarring can affect the safety and success of the procedure.
• Individuals with autoimmune disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can impair healing, increasing the risk of complications.
• People with thin corneas: SMILE Pro requires adequate corneal thickness for the laser to reshape the eye safely. Other options may need to be explored if the cornea is too thin. 
• Patients with active eye infections: Any infection in the eye needs to be treated before considering a surgical procedure.

SMILE Pro Procedure: How it Works

The SMILE Pro procedure is a meticulously precise and quick process designed to transform your vision with minimal discomfort. Understanding how it works can help ease any apprehensions and allow you to visualise the steps involved in this revolutionary treatment.

When you arrive for the surgery, the first step involves lying down comfortably on the surgical bed. The surgeon will gently position your eye under a specialised femtosecond laser. This advanced laser is the heart of the SMILE Pro procedure, creating a thin lenticule within the cornea with unmatched precision.

The procedure begins with the laser mapping the surface of your eye. As you keep your gaze steady, a computer-guided laser creates the lenticule in a matter of seconds. Patients often describe this step as feeling a mild sensation of pressure but no pain, thanks to the numbing eye drops administered before the surgery.

Next comes the keyhole incision, which is what makes SMILE Pro so unique. A tiny cut—just a few millimetres wide—is made on the cornea. This incision is so small that most people don’t even realise when it’s done. Using this small entry point, the surgeon carefully removes the lenticule, which alters the cornea’s shape to correct your vision.

What sets SMILE Pro apart is its flap-free approach. Unlike LASIK, where a corneal flap is created and lifted, SMILE Pro leaves the outer corneal layers largely intact. This means faster healing and fewer risks of complications like dry eye.

The entire procedure for both eyes typically takes 10-15 minutes, including preparation. The laser work itself is completed in less than 8-10 seconds per eye. 

Precautions after SMILE Pro Surgery

Taking proper care of your eyes after SMILE Pro surgery is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. While the procedure itself is minimally invasive, following these precautions can help protect your eyes and maintain the effectiveness of the surgery.

1. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes: It’s natural to feel a slight urge to rub your eyes after the surgery, but doing so can disturb the healing process.
2. Rest your eyes: Minimise screen time and avoid activities like reading or watching television for the first 24-48 hours to prevent strain.
3. Use prescribed eye drops: Your doctor will provide lubricating and antibiotic eye drops to aid healing and prevent infections. Use them as directed without skipping doses.
4. Protect your eyes from water: Avoid splashing water directly onto your eyes, especially during baths or showers, for 3-5 days. Swimming should be avoided for a month or as advised.
5. Steer clear of makeup and skincare products around the eyes: Hold off on applying makeup, creams, or lotions near the eyes for at least a week to prevent irritation or infection.
6. Wear protective eyewear: Use sunglasses during the day to shield your eyes from dust, wind, and bright light. This is particularly important when stepping outdoors.
7. Avoid strenuous activities: Refrain from heavy exercise, contact sports, or any activities that might accidentally impact your eyes for at least two weeks.
8. Follow up with your doctor: Regular check-ups are vital to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns promptly.

At Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, we prioritise your recovery by providing detailed post-surgery instructions and personalised support. Our team ensures you feel confident about managing your recovery and achieving the best outcomes.

Recovery Time of SMILE Pro

The recovery time after SMILE Pro eye surgery is impressively short, thanks to its minimally invasive technique. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours, with stabilisation occurring over the next few weeks.

Immediately after the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort, such as slight irritation or sensitivity to light. These symptoms are temporary and typically resolve within a day or two. Resting your eyes and following your doctor’s advice can speed up this initial healing phase.

For the first 24-48 hours, it’s essential to avoid activities that strain the eyes, such as prolonged screen time or reading. While you can resume regular activities like walking or light work within a day, it’s advisable to avoid strenuous exercises or heavy lifting for about a week.

By the end of the first week, most patients feel comfortable returning to their daily routines. However, vision might continue to improve gradually over the next month as the cornea adjusts to its new shape.

One of the key benefits of SMILE Pro is its flap-free technique, which minimises the risk of complications and speeds up healing. At Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, our experienced team ensures a seamless recovery process with detailed post-surgery care guidelines and regular follow-ups.