Glossary > Healthcare > Vision Care > Laser Eye Surgery

SMILE Surgery

SMILE surgery, short for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure used to treat myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. During SMILE surgery, a small incision is made in the cornea to remove a tiny piece of tissue, reshaping it to correct the refractive error.

Example #1

For example, if a patient has significant nearsightedness, they may opt for SMILE surgery to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses for clear vision.

Example #2

Another example is a patient with astigmatism choosing SMILE surgery to improve their visual acuity and reduce distortion.

Misuse

An example of misuse in SMILE surgery could be a provider misleading patients about the risks or benefits of the procedure to encourage unnecessary surgeries for financial gain. It is essential to protect against such misuse to ensure that patients make informed decisions about their eye health.

Benefits

One of the benefits of SMILE surgery is its minimally invasive nature, leading to quicker recovery times and less discomfort compared to traditional LASIK procedures. Patients often experience improved vision shortly after the surgery, with long-lasting results.

Conclusion

SMILE surgery offers a promising option for individuals looking to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism with minimal disruption to their daily lives. It is crucial for providers to uphold transparency and integrity in explaining the procedure and its outcomes to empower patients to make informed choices about their eye care.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024