SMILE - SMall-Incision Lenticule Extraction Laser Surgery

In early 2017, the Federal Drug Administrationn will approve the next generation of corneal refractive laser surgery, SMILE. SMILE is a new procedure, just like LASIK, but without the flap. SMILE, which stands for “small incision lenticule extraction,” combines the advantages of PRK (first generation laser surgery) and LASIK (second generation), while being a minimally invasive, flapless procedure. 

PRK, photorefractive keratectomy, was the first type of laser refractive surgery to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. When PRK was first available, drawbacks included significant postoperative pain. With LASIK, postoperative was significantly reduced, however required a more invasive technique creating a flap on the corneal surface of the eye. This flap procedure promotes higher incidences of Dry Eye. 

SMILE combines the minimally invasive aspect of PRK, while reducing the postoperative pain, similar to LASIK. During the procedure, a femtosecond laser is used to separate a thin lenticule (disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue or synthetic material) from within the cornea. The disc is removed through a small incision and reconstructs shape of the cornea, allowing correction of the patients near-sightedness, myopia. The procedure results in less flap-related complications, enabling more biomechanical preservation and stability, with less incidences of Dry Eye. 

To be evaluated for refractive laser surgery, please contact our office at 310-734- 3446 or visit our website http://www.bheyeguy.com to book an appointment.