Smile Laser

Yaklaşık Kalış Süresi
Hastanede Kalış
Operasyon Süresi
Yaklaşık İyileşme Süresi
Anestezi

Smile Laser

• Purpose of the Treatment
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive, flapless laser eye surgery used to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, it doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, a femtosecond laser is used to create and remove a tiny piece of corneal tissue (called a lenticule), reshaping the cornea and improving how light focuses on the retina. The goal is to provide permanent vision correction with less disruption to the corneal surface.

• Pre-Treatment Consultation
A thorough eye examination is required before SMILE surgery. The ophthalmologist will:

  • Measure corneal thickness and curvature

  • Map the surface of the eye (topography)

  • Evaluate your prescription and eye health

  • Check for dry eye or any contraindications (e.g. keratoconus)
    Only patients with stable vision and suitable corneal structure are considered for SMILE.

• Before and After the Treatment
The SMILE procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye and is generally painless. Eye drops are used for numbing, and no general anesthesia is required. Because it does not involve a flap or extensive surface disruption, recovery is often faster and more comfortable than with PRK or even LASIK. Most patients notice improved vision within 1–2 days, with full recovery in about a week. Temporary dry eyes or blurred vision may occur during the healing phase.

• Who Can Benefit from SMILE Laser?
SMILE is best suited for:

  • Patients with moderate to high myopia (up to -10.00 diopters)

  • Those with mild astigmatism (up to -3.00 diopters)

  • Individuals with active lifestyles or in contact sports (where flap-related complications would be a concern)

  • People with concerns about dry eye risk post-surgery (SMILE often preserves more corneal nerves)

• How is the Treatment Performed?

  1. A femtosecond laser creates a small disc-shaped lenticule within the cornea.

  2. The same laser makes a small incision (2–4 mm) on the corneal surface.

  3. The surgeon removes the lenticule through the incision, reshaping the cornea.

There’s no need to create a corneal flap, and no excimer laser is used, making SMILE one of the gentlest refractive procedures available.

• Treatment Options for SMILE Laser
SMILE is a specific and relatively standardized procedure, but some customizations may apply:

  • SMILE Pro / Next-Gen SMILE: Enhanced versions using faster lasers and improved centration

  • Combination treatments (in select cases) for patients with astigmatism or early presbyopia

Alternative treatments include:

  • LASIK: Preferred for broader correction range and faster visual results in some cases

  • PRK/LASEK: Suitable for thin corneas or surface-focused corrections