Things you should know before you get SMILE surgery done for your eyes

Smile stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. Also known as femtosecond Lenticule Extraction (Flex), it is a laser-assisted technique used to treat refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism. The procedure was developed by Carl Zeiss Meditec and has gained a lot of popularity all over the world. Smile Eye Surgery in Delhi is offered at all the leading eye hospitals.

Dr Prashaant Chaudhry is the most trusted name in the field. Listed among the besteye doctors in Delhi, he specialises in a variety of ophthalmic procedures and is highly acknowledged for the efficiency and high success rate of his treatments.

Smile is a bladeless procedure which means minimal pain and discomfort. It involves the use of a femtosecond laser which is used to create a small opening (around 3 mm) in the cornea through which a certain amount of the corneal tissue is removed.

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction is also suitable for patients who are not considered to be eligible for LASIK surgery as it does not cause much damage to the corneal nerves. This is partly the reason why SMILE surgery is given preference over LASIK surgery.

The recovery period in case of SMILE is very short and it does not require any stitches. The cornea heals on its own. However, some precautions are to be taken in order to avoid infection.

The procedure can only be used to treat myopia and astigmatism and cannot be used in case of patients suffering from presbyopia and hypermetropia.

Although myopia and astigmatism can be temporarily corrected by the use of spectacles and lenses but using these on a regular basis can be quite hectic. Provided you cannot use these while playing contact sports or swimming. Patients using contact lenses and glasses can opt for SMILE surgery to get rid of their lenses and spectacles permanently.

Things to keep in mind:

• Ø  The procedure hardly takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Ø  Remember to wear warm clothes during the procedure as the laser technology requires the room to remain at a low temperature.
• Ø  Before carrying out the procedure, the doctors will use some sedative eye drops to numb your eyes. In the case of anxiety, you might even be given some oral sedatives. In case you are allergic to any of these, inform your surgeon beforehand.
• Ø  Once your eyes are numb, you will be asked to lie down straight on your back and the laser will be adjusted accordingly.
• Ø  Doctors use a special instrument known as speculum to keep your eyes open throughout the procedure.
• Ø  The femtosecond laser used during the procedure is robotically assisted thereby ensuring higher precision and accuracy. It is used to create a thin flap through which the lenticule is removed. The flap is then placed back.
• Ø  After the surgery, you might feel dizzy for some time due to the effect of the sedatives.
• Ø  You will be required to take certain medicines, mostly eye drops, as prescribed by your doctor, to avoid any sort of infection.
• Ø  Even after the surgery, you need to visit your ophthalmologist on a regular basis to ensure that there is no complication.
• Ø  Although you might feel slight discomfort or itching sensation in your eyes, do not rub your eyes as this can give rise to complications
• Ø  Make sure to keep water away from your eyes unless the wound heals completely.
• Ø  Take complete rest for at least 2 to 3 days post surgery.
• Ø  Avoid going out in direct sunlight and remember to wear sun shades while going out.
• Ø  In case of persistent pain or irritation, immediately inform your doctor. Do not try any medication on your own.