What is SMILE?
SMILE is a new laser procedure, which is conducted sometimes in addition to the Lasik procedure and most often as an individual SMILE procedure. This procedure is a standard laser procedure as it is approved by the FDA and is regularly performed in the US.
How is it Different from LASIK?
SMILE is a short form of SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction. The procedure of SMILE is similar to that of the LASIK with a small variation. Both of them perform the procedure to reshape the cornea, but the SMILE needs very small incision, which is approximately 4mm for removing the lenticule, as compared to more than 10mm, in terms of LASIK. This small incision is made possible by employing efmotsecond laser. Then on the surface of the cornea, a small incision in the shape of an arc is made by the same laser. Then lenticule is extracted gently and discarded. Shaper vision is ensured fundamentally, by correcting nearsightedness. And very fewer corneal nerges get affected because of smaller incision. Since the incision is smaller, it is healed quickly.
Who Prefers SMILE?
SMILE is preferred for the patients, who need correction of -10.00 diopters of nearsightedness, by the surgeon. According to Carl Zeiss Meditec, so far 1.5 million SMILE procedures are conducted.
Dry Eye Affect after SMILE
According to the research report, the risk of dry eye is lesser with the SMILE procedure compared to the Lasik procedure.
Cost of SMILE
In most of the cases the cost of the SMILE is same as that of the Lasik and any other laser procedures. It costs around $2000 to $3000 per an eye. This is an average price and the total price usually depends on various cost factors, such as the standards followed in the medical center and the unique condition of the patient. The cost of the procedure gets varied on the basis of the experience of the surgeon, the location of practice, including or excluding the follow-up exams and many other patient specific and medical center specific expenses. On an overall the total cost of the SMILE procedure does not exceed maximum of $3500.
On an overall SMILE procedure has the advantages of no pain, no flap and quick recovery and when a fair level of expertise and technology are considered, the entire surgery can possibly completed within the budget of $3000.