How do I know if I am a candidate for SMILE vision correction?

To find out if SMILE eye surgery is right for you, it will be necessary to have a thorough vision correction consultation, like the EyeAnalysisTM consultation at Kugler Vision. If you have been told in the past you were not a candidate for vision correction, like LASIK, it is important to get a second opinion. Many patients we see at Kugler Vision that have been told previously that they cannot have their vision corrected actually are good candidates for a laser vision correction procedure. That is why it is important to see a vision correction provider who specializes in all current vision correction techniques, like SMILE vision correction.

How often do you do the ReLex SMILE procedure at Kugler Vision?

At Kugler Vision, our expert vision correction team specializes in all seven forms of modern laser vision correction. That means that we perform frequently perform SMILE, for those patients who are recommended it as their best vision correction option. We understand that the decision to have a life-changing procedure like SMILE is a big one, and it is natural to have some feelings of anxiety. Rest assured that our surgeon, Lance Kugler, MD is a SMILE eye surgery expert and will talk you through every step of the way of your SMILE procedure and healing so that you can feel calm and confident in your decision to have SMILE.

How long does the SMILE vision correction procedure take?

The SMILE procedure is incredibly fast, and virtually painless. SMILE patients are in and out of the Vision Correction Suite (laser room) in about 10-15 minutes, and the laser is only active for approximately 30 seconds of that time. The one phrase we hear from our patients most often directly after their SMILE vision correction is 'That's it? That was fast!'.

Who is most likely to be recommended for the SMILE vision correction procedure?

SMILE is an excellent vision correction option for many people. The ReLex SMILE procedure has been proven to be safe and effective. SMILE delivers very similar results to LASIK and has consistently high satisfaction rates. However, it is important to note that there are seven vision correction procedures available. To find out if SMILE is the right procedure for your eyes, it is vital to consult our experts by scheduling an EyeAnalysis consultation.

Is the SMILE vision correction procedure painful?

No! The SMILE procedure is not painful. Before your SMILE procedure begins, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops. You may feel a slight sensation of pressure, but your Kugler Vision surgeon will talk you through each step of the way, and actual pain during the SMILE procedure is rare. After SMILE, your eyes may feel dry or uncomfortable, but this will subside as your eyes heal. Be sure to follow your post-operative instructions and take your drops on schedule to keep your eyes comfortable.

What is the SMILE eye surgery healing process like?

The healing process after SMILE vision correction is typically fast and fairly comfortable for most people.The small keyhole incision where the lenticule (tiny disc shaped tissue) heals within 24 hours. It can be normal to experience slight dryness or a feeling of tired eyes on the day of the procedure. The eyes are kept comfortable post-procedure by a surgeon-guided regimen of medicated drops and artificial tears. Most SMILE patients resume normal activities the following day- like driving, going to work, and moderate exercise. We recommend that SMILE patients wait to wear.

How long does it take for vision to stabilize after the SMILE vision correction procedure?

Most patients report that they can see well the next day, and return to driving and work comfortably. It may take a few weeks for vision to fully stabilize (reach full visual results) after SMILE vision correction surgery- this is a natural part of the healing process.

Can I have ReLex SMILE done on both eyes at the same time?

Yes! It is possible to have the SMILE procedure on both eyes in one session. We typically correct vision in both of a patient's eyes in one SMILE procedure.

Does SMILE vision correction wear off?

The results of the SMILE vision correction procedure do not wear off- as the tissue of the eye has been modified and this change is permanent. There is a common myth that vision correction like LASIK or SMILE wears off over time. This is because all of us, whether we have had vision correction or not, experience visual changes later in life- after age 43 or so. These mid-life vision changes stem from the aging process of the eye's lens- a different part of the eye unrelated to the area that was modified during SMILE. For more on mid-life vision changes and treatments to correct them, click here: Near Vision FAQs.

How long do SMILE results last?

The results of SMILE are permanent. However, over time all people will experience changes in their near vision, whether or not they have had the SMILE procedure. These changes are an effect of the aging process on the crystalline lens- found in the interior of the eye. These near vision changes are treatable and can be corrected. To learn more about near vision changes, read our Near Vision FAQs.

How soon can I drive after SMILE eye surgery?

Most people can resume driving the day after their SMILE procedure. Many of our SMILE patients drive themselves to their 24 hour post-operative appointments!

When can I return to work after SMILE eye surgery?

Most people can return to work the day after their SMILE surgery. SMILE recovery is not a barrier to returning to work within 24 hours for the majority of patients. However, if you have special concerns related to your particular profession, be sure to bring it up with your surgeon so they can calm your fears and ensure you feel confident and assured in your post-SMILE plan.

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)

What is SMILE?

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), commonly known as keyhole LASIK, is a proven vision correction procedure designed to treat the most common refractive error: nearsightedness (myopia).

SMILE was introduced as a vision correction option in 2007, and in 2011 the procedure was established in various locations throughout Europe, China, and India. The United States SMILE vision correction clinical trial began in June 2012 and was approved by the FDA.

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Kugler Vision in Omaha, Nebraska, was the first vision center in Nebraska or Iowa to perform SMILE. Today, SMILE has helped thousands of people achieve freedom from glasses and contacts. Lance Kugler, MD is among more than 1,000 surgeons who have performed over 7 million SMILE procedures worldwide. We are proud to offer this proven, gentle, and effective vision correction solution at Kugler Vision.

How Does SMILE Compare to LASIK?

LASIK is an excellent option for many people, and remains the most common vision correction procedure. For some patients, LASIK is the best option, and for others, SMILE may have some advantages. We will make a recommendation at the time of your consultation, based on your specific vision needs and the results of the diagnostic tests you’ll undergo. At Kugler Vision, our goal is to use every available technology to help our patients achieve their best possible vision, and SMILE is one excellent method we have available.

The SMILE Procedure

The SMILE procedure involves using a Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser to create a corneal lenticule, which is extracted through a small keyhole. If you undergo a SMILE procedure, both eyes are typically done at the same time. You will be awake during the procedure, but you will be given anesthetic eye drops so you won’t feel anything or feel the need to blink during the procedure. SMILE only takes a few minutes from start to finish, and the part of the procedure that uses a laser to reshape your cornea lasts only about 30 seconds. SMILE patients achieve results similar to those of LASIK, with excellent reported outcomes.

SMILE Recovery

SMILE is gentle and precise, with an extremely high patient satisfaction rate. Although the procedure is different from LASIK vision correction, the outcome is the same – improved vision for a life without visual barriers.

The small keyhole where the lenticule was removed heals within 24 hours, so most SMILE patients can resume normal activities the following day. We recommend that patients avoid wearing makeup for one day and wait a week before going swimming.

Can I Have SMILE If I Have Dry Eyes?

You can have SMILE if you have dry eyes or are suffering from contact lens intolerance (CLI). At Kugler Vision, our patients undergo a series of comprehensive tests to determine the best way to improve their dry eye symptoms before laser vision correction. After CLI is treated, you can move forward with the SMILE procedure.

Additional Questions?

If you are considering laser vision correction, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our vision correction experts. If you have any further questions about SMILE, please call us at 402.558.2211.

SMILE Eye Surgery Overview