Smile Eye Surgery: Full Form, Side Effects, Recovery, Result

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery is a cutting-edge procedure for vision correction. It involves using a laser to reshape the cornea, the eye's front surface, to improve focus and reduce the need for glasses or contacts. 

This technique has gained popularity due to its minimally invasive nature and fast recovery times. It's considered a safe and effective option for those seeking clearer vision without the hassle of traditional eyewear.

Anatomy of the Eye 

The human eye helps us to see. It comprises various parts that work together to capture, focus, and send light signals to the brain, which we perceive as images. Following is the detail of the eye structure:

1. Cornea: This is the clear, curved outer layer of the eye. It bends and guides incoming light towards the retina.

2. Iris: The part around the centre, or pupil, controls the light entering the eye. It makes the pupil smaller in bright light and larger in dim light.

3. Pupil: The dark spot in the centre of the eye, allowing light to enter and reach the lens.

4. Lens: Positioned behind the iris, this see-through and flexible part concentrates light onto the retina. It adjusts its shape to focus on objects at various distances.

5. Retina: This innermost layer contains cells (rods and cones) that detect light and transform it into electrical signals.

For people with particular refractive problems and who meet certain criteria, the SMILE is a safe and effective choice. The following people are condition treated by this surgery:

1. Myopia (Nearsightedness): It is a condition in which distant things look hazy.

2. Astigmatism: Patients with astigmatismare characterised by an irregularly shaped cornea that causes distorted or impaired vision.

3. Hypermetropia (Farsightedness):  It is a condition in which the light is refracted incorrectly.

4. Presbyopia: This is caused by the hardening of the lens inside the eyes. It is an age-related problem.

Who needs SMILE Surgery?

Like any other surgery, SMILE surgery is most effective when done under certain guidelines. These include : 

1. The age of the patient should be 22 years or more.

2. The eyes and the cornea should be in healthy condition

3. The eye power should remain the same over a year, indicating the stability of the eyes. 

4. The myopia levels should be between -1 and -10D (Dioptre- Unit of refractive power).

5. Astigmatism should be less than 3 Dioptres.

The procedure contains precise stages carried out with the help of a femtosecond laser (a modern and highly effective laser treatment for the eyes). Here is a thorough description of how SMILE Eye Surgery is performed:

1. Creating a Tiny Incision: A small, precise incision on the surface of the cornea creates a tiny flap.

2. Reshaping the Cornea: Using a special laser, the eye surgeon gently reshapes the cornea from within, adjusting its curvature to improve focus.

3. Removing Tissue: The laser creates thin layers within the cornea, forming a small lenticule.

4. Lenticule Removal: This lenticule is then removed through the small incision, changing the cornea's shape and correcting vision.

There are crucial measures to take before and on the day of SMILE eye surgery to guarantee a successful procedure. This assessment aids the surgeon in choosing the best strategy for SMILE eye surgery.

Before SMILE Eye Surgery

Here is the information before SMILE Eye Surgery you need to follow: 

1. Consultation and Evaluation: The surgeon will perform a complete eye examination to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. 

2. Medical History: The patient must disclose their medical history, which includes any pre-existing eye diseases, allergies, medications, and past eye procedures. 

3. Discontinue Contact Lens Use: Patients who wear contact lenses will be recommended to stop wearing them for a particular period prior to surgery. Contact lenses can change the curvature of the cornea. Therefore, taking them out allows for precise preoperative measurements.

4. Instructions and Preparation: The eye surgeon will provide the patient with complete preoperative instructions. This will include refraining from wearing cosmetics and using eye creams or facial lotions on the day of the surgery.

On the Day of SMILE Eye Surgery

1. Arrival at the Surgical Centre: The patient must arrive at the hospital on time.

2. Preparing for Surgery: The patient will be escorted to a preoperative area and given anaesthetic eye drops for certain numbness on the surface of the eye. This guarantees that the patient's procedure is painless and comfortable.

3. Entering the Operating Room: The patient will be brought to the operating room for the SMILE surgery. The surgical team will ensure that the patient is appropriately positioned.

Adequate postoperative care is critical for a quick recovery and the best vision correction results. Here's what patients might expect during their recovery. 

The Recovery Process in the Hospital 

1. Postoperative Care: Following surgery, the patient will be watched for a brief amount of time to ensure there are no immediate issues. The patient may have moderate discomfort or dryness, which can be treated with prescribed eye drops.

2. Discharge and Recovery: Once the surgeon is satisfied with the initial outcomes and the patient is stable, they will discharge the patient. The doctor will provide postoperative instructions to be followed at home. 

Recovery Process/Expectations after Hospital Discharge

1. Wound Care: Following SMILE Eye Surgery, the eye surgeon will provide specialised wound care and eye hygiene recommendations.

1. Do not rub or touch the eyes while they are healing since this might disturb the incision and cause difficulties.
2. Wear protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, as directed by the surgeon to protect the eyes from strong lights and dust.

2. Rest and Recovery: Patients should rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days following the surgery. It will help to heal if one avoids certain activities that can strain the eyes.

3. Recommended Eye Drops: The eye surgeon will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and improve recovery. Patients must adhere to the prescribed timetable for administering these eye drops.

4. Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Patients should avoid rubbing or scratching their eyes during recuperation. Rubbing the eyes can interrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

Follow-Up Appointment

After the SMILE eye surgery, the first follow-up appointment on time is crucial. It ensures that the healing is appropriate and allows the healthcare providers to check for complications and the success of the surgery. 

1. The initial follow-up appointment is normally scheduled during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

2. The follow-up appointments allow the patient to discuss their eyesight progress and any persistent visual difficulties.

3. Examination of the eyes is done to check the recovery and ensure no signs of problems.

4. The follow-up visits are frequently arranged in the first, second, and subsequent weeks following surgery.

SMILE surgery is usually considered secure and successful. However, it does have certain possible dangers and complications, just like any surgical operation. The following are the complications of SMILE eye surgery:

1. Dry Eyes: Some patients may suffer temporary dryness or pain in their eyes after surgery. 

2. Infection: Although uncommon, there is a slight risk of infection following surgery. 

3. Corneal Haze: In some situations, a transient haze may form on the cornea following surgery, impairing vision clarity. This is more common in patients with more refractive defects. 

4. Irregular Astigmatism or Visual Aberrations: In a few cases, patients may develop irregular astigmatism or visual aberrations, affecting vision quality.

5. Pain and Discomfort: While most patients experience minor discomfort during recovery, some may feel temporary mild pain or sensitivity in the eyes.

When to See a Doctor? 

Other than pre-operative and post-operative follow-up, it is essential to consult the doctor to treat complications on time and ensure complete results from the procedure.  One must see a doctor in case of: 

1. Major vision changes 

2. High-intensity pain in the eyes 

3. Persistent dryness of the eyes 

4. Signs of any infections or other complications

SMILE Eye Surgery is one of the most effective procedures for correcting eye-related problems. Some benefits are as follows: 

1. Non-Invasive Procedure: It is a minimally invasive approach. It requires a small incision that reduces the complications of dry eyes and infections.

2. Reduced Discomfort: With minimal disruptions to corneal nerves, the recovery process is easy.

3. Quick Recovery: As compared to LASIK treatment, SMILE Eye Surgery provides quick recovery. There are also no risks of flap-related complications in this surgery.

4. Suitable for Many Eye Conditions: SMILE Eye Surgery can treat multiple refractive errors. These include astigmatism, myopia, and other refractive errors.

5. Effective Results: SMILE Eye Surgery has been known to be highly beneficial in providing patients with satisfactory results. It also corrects their vision-related problems in the long run.

One needs to remember that SMILE surgery can impact one's vision and quality of life. Some of the risks of delaying a procedure include:

1. Deterioration of Vision: If vision correction is required, delaying the surgery might result in further deterioration of the eyesight.

2. Refractive Error Progression: If uncorrected, refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism can worsen with time. This will demand more severe correction later on.

The price of SMILE Eye surgery can be between ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 for each eye. The expense changes due to the following factors:

1. Consultation Fee: The cost might include the fee for the initial meeting with the eye specialist.

2. Admission Fee: This fee could contribute to the total price if any hospital stay is required.

3. Patient's Health Condition: The complexity of the individual's health can impact the overall expense.

4. Hospital Type: Different types of hospitals can have varying charges for surgery.

5. Location or City: The cost may differ depending on where the surgery occurs.

6. Patient's Age: Age could be a factor, as the surgery's impact might vary with different age groups.

7. Diagnostic Tests: Tests conducted before the surgery might be included in the cost.

8. Possible Complications: Any additional treatments needed due to complications after the surgery might add to the cost.

The SMILE procedure is still relatively new, so only a few people have undergone it. One of its advantages is the small incision in the cornea. Recovery of sensation in the cornea happens faster after SMILE, and dry eyes tend to improve more quickly after this procedure compared to LASIK. Overall, SMILE has shown positive outcomes and is a valuable method for correcting vision.

At HexaHealth, we are committed to your success. We are here to support you at every step if you have questions regarding SMILE surgery. Speak with one of our experts right away.

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