Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure that utilises laser technology to reshape the cornea, correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, thereby improving vision. The latest laser technique rising in popularity is SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction).
What do you need to know about SMILE?
- SMILE is a brand name trademarked by Zeiss. Unless your surgeon owns a Zeiss branded laser, they can not use the term SMILE.
- “Lenticule extraction” is generic term for this type of laser technique. It involves a laser cutting a small disc of tissue in the middle of the cornea to reshape the tissue and subsequently correcting a patient’s glasses error.
So how do I know if my surgeon performs lenticule extraction?
The following laser brands have their own version of lenticule extraction:
Zeiss = SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule extraction)
Ziemer = CLEAR (Corneal lenticule extraction for advanced refractive correction)
Schwind = Smart Sight
All three laser brands are established leaders in refractive technology and provide excellent results.
Should I have lenticule extraction over LASIK and PRK?
Lenticule extraction does not require a corneal flap like LASIK. This is the most common reason why patients are drawn to this technology. There is less risk of dry eye with lenticule extraction, although do expect a longer recovery time compared to LASIK (a few days longer). Lenticule extraction is limited to myopia (short sightedness) and astigmatism and therefore LASIK may be recommended if you fall outside these types of glasses errors.
In summary, lenticule extraction is a laser technology/technique which is here to stay. I have no doubt that it will be able to treat a wider range of glasses prescription in the future. Individual factors such as your glasses prescription, corneal thickness and whether you play contact sports/martial arts will play a big factor in which laser technique will be recommended. Your surgeon will be able to explain in detail why a certain laser type is suited for your eyes.
