What Is SMILE Vision Correction
Roholt Vision Institute is one of the first centers in the country to introduce a disruptive new technology for vision correction: SMILE. SMILE is “SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction.” The SMILE procedure is the next generation of laser vision correction after PRK and LASIK. It is unique in that the procedure is done internally and the surface of the cornea is not exposed. SMILE was first developed in Germany over 10 years ago, and over 1.5 million procedures have been performed worldwide. Myopia treatment was approved by the US FDA in 2016, and in October 2018 treatment of astigmatism was approved. Again, the Doctors at Roholt Vision Institute were some of the first in Ohio and in the US to perform this innovative procedure.
How Is SMILE Vision Correction Done?
In SMILE, removal of a tissue disc (called lenticule) instead of tissue ablation, differentiates it from PRK and LASIK, in which an excimer laser is required. An extremely gentle, low power laser is required for SMILE, and the only device approved for and capable of performing this surgery is the Zeiss VisuMax™ laser system, available only at Roholt Vision Institute in the Akron-Canton-Youngstown area (also, the VisuMax™ can accomplish an unparalleled smooth, accurate LASIK flap).
What Are The Advantages To SMILE Vision Correction Over LASIK?
Unlike LASIK, the SMILE procedure is performed without creating a flap. Sometimes this is a preferred method for treating myopia and/or astigmatism. Although LASIK is extremely safe, eliminating the flap may be better for Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), and may reduce chance of infection and inflammation compared to LASIK. Recent studies indicate “less severe denervation (of the corneal nerves), better mechanical stability of the postoperative cornea, and decreased higher order aberrations (distortion effects) while providing a vision correction outcome compared to LASIK.”1 In addition, spherical aberration is equivalent to LASIK.2 In some cases, SMILE can be safely performed in higher degrees of myopia than LASIK, with more stability.
SMILE is not for everyone, and LASIK is still the standard for vision correction, but a courtesy evaluation at Roholt Vision Institute will tell you whether you are a candidate for this fascinating technology. Go SMILE eye surgery: everything you need to know | ZEISS to learn more about SMILE.
Roholt Vision Institute is proud to bring this new technology to Ohio and the Midwest.