Have you ever struggled to read a book, work on your computer, or drive down the road because of blurry vision? Millions of people in India suffer from vision problems on a daily basis due to refractive errors including nearsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. For many, that seems to be a lifetime dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
But what if there was a way to clearly see again, without the nuisance of glasses or contacts? That is where SMILE eye surgery is fast emerging as the game-changer in India, a solution that’s not only effective but also minimally invasive.
According to the NPCB, approximately 12 million people in India suffer from low vision, of which refractive errors are the leading cause. Thankfully, with modern advancements in eye care, it has been possible to correct these vision issues with much greater precision, and SMILE is one of the most sought-after options.
What is SMILE Vision Correction?
SMILE is the acronym for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It’s an advanced form of laser eye surgery that helps treat refractive errors such as myopia or nearsightedness, astigmatism which causes blurred vision at all distances, and presbyopia where a person can’t focus on near objects. The process of reshaping the cornea – the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye – allows light to focus precisely on the retina, giving one clearer vision.
The beauty of SMILE is that it is a minimally invasive surgery, just like LASIK, but has fewer risks and a faster recovery time. The popularity of the procedure is picking up in India for its safety and effectiveness.
How does SMILE Surgery Work?
In case you are contemplating getting SMILE eye surgery, and probably wondering what really happens in this procedure. This is exactly what you need to know at Tandon Eye Hospital:-
Pre-Procedure Exam
Prior to your surgery, an eye exam would be done so that the physician can determine and understand the eye needs, especially the cornea thickness, size of your pupil, and even other crucial measurements about the general health of the eye.
The Procedure Itself
Once all the preparations are done, the procedure itself is very short and usually takes less than 15 minutes per eye. Here is how it is done:
● Eye Drops: You will not feel any pain during the procedure. Your eye will be numbed with special eye drops.
● Positioning Your Eye: Your eyelids will be held open with an eyelid holder, so you do not blink during surgery.● Laser treatment: A very thin lenticule or disc-shaped piece of tissue is positioned under the corneal surface using a femtosecond laser. This does not involve a flap, unlike LASIK.
● Small incision: An incision is created by the surgeon in the cornea to take out the lenticule. ● Corneal Reshaping: As soon as the lenticule is removed, the cornea takes its original shape, which eradicates the refractive error responsible for the condition.
Improvement in vision starts within 24 hours, and most of the patients can get back to normal activities in about a week after the surgery.
Is SMILE Eye Surgery Safe?
One of the most frequent questions people ask is: Is it safe? SMILE eye surgery is, without a doubt, one of the safest methods that can provide impressive results.
It has an established track record of success and safety, as it has over 6 million procedures performed all over the globe. In fact, clinical studies show a very high patient satisfaction rate, and it has been in practice since 2011. It’s conducted in over 80 countries, including India, with results promising for permanent correction of refractive errors.
At Tandon Eye Hospital, we have taken every precaution to ensure safety, with state-of-the-art technology and conducting your procedure under the hands of an experienced team of ophthalmologists.
SMILE vs LASIK: What’s the Difference?
While both correct refractive errors, SMILE and LASIK differ in important ways. A better understanding of these differences helps you make the right choice.
1. Flap vs. No Flap
In LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea, and SMILE uses the second laser to reshape the underlying tissue. It does not require a flap, though; instead it creates a small incision to ensure the lenticule is extracted while preserving more of the cornea’s natural structure.
2. Treatment Range
SMILE is mainly used for treating nearsightedness and astigmatism, whereas LASIK is used to treat farsightedness, also known as hyperopia.
3. Dry Eyes
It is also preferred by people who fear dry eyes because SMILE doesn’t create a flap and involves fewer nerve endings, thus making it less risky to develop symptoms of dry eye as compared to LASIK.
4. Recovery Time
Both procedures have quick recovery times, but SMILE has been found to have a faster and more comfortable healing process, as it is minimally invasive.
Benefits of SMILE Eye Surgery
Although SMILE is relatively safe, no surgery comes without risks. Some of these risks include:
● Corneal Abrasion: In some instances, small abrasions may result on the cornea surface while undergoing the treatment. These often heal within a short time.
● Inflammation: Some amount of inflammation can be expected but in rare instances may prolong the healing process.
● Dry Eyes: Though SMILE is less associated with dry eyes compared to LASIK, some dryness can be experienced at times.
● Night Vision Issues: Some patients will have starbursts or halos around lights, which tend to fade over time.
How Much Does SMILE Eye Surgery Cost?
The cost of SMILE surgery depends on the location and complexity of the case, sometimes the range varies from ₹1,20,000 to ₹1,50,000 for both eyes. This cost will cover all the consultations, pre-operative tests, surgery, and follow-up care.
Factors Affecting the Cost:
– Experience and expertise of the surgeon
– The technology and equipment used
– Your specific eye condition and treatment needs
Who is a Good Candidate for SMILE Eye Surgery?
Not everyone is a candidate for SMILE surgery. Ideal candidates should:
● Be at least 18 years old
● Have a stable prescription for at least a year
● Have healthy eyes with no previous eye diseases or surgeries
● Have nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism within the acceptable range
If you qualify according to the following criteria, then you would likely be a suitable candidate for undergoing SMILE surgery. But an eye doctor in Tandon Eye Hospital would inspect your eyes for the correct procedures to help with your situation.
Who Shouldn’t Undergo SMILE Eye Surgery?
SMILE Surgery is not appropriate under the following conditions:
– Corneas are too thin
– Scars on the cornea
– Glaucoma or other uncontrolled eye diseases
– Poor control of diabetes
– Pregnancy and lactation
Your ophthalmologist will decide if you are an ideal candidate for SMILE based on your eye-health condition.
Conclusion
SMILE eye surgery offers a life-changing solution for many people struggling with refractive errors in India. With its quick recovery, fewer risks of dry eyes, and long-lasting results, it’s no wonder it’s becoming the procedure of choice for many.
If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses and are curious about whether SMILE surgery could work for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Tandon Eye Hospital. Our expert ophthalmologists will provide you with personalized advice and guidance to help you make the best decision for your vision.
Contact Tandon Eye Hospital today to schedule a consultation and learn more about SMILE surgery! We’re here to help you see the world more clearly.
