What is SMILE?

What is SMILE?

Published by Lance Kugler, MD on February 21, 2017

LASIK has been the world’s leading laser vision correction procedure for decades. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is a relatively new vision correction procedure in the United States designed to treat the most common reason people have to wear glasses and contacts: nearsightedness (myopia). Approximately 90% of people who wear glasses or contacts are eligible to have their vision corrected with one of our available procedures. Vision correction is a life-changing, transformational experience. If you have been told that you aren’t a good candidate for LASIK, there may be something to SMILE about!

Am I a Candidate for SMILE?

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is a relatively new vision correction procedure in the United States designed to treat refractive errors including

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism
• DLS Stage 1 (presbyopia, difficulty seeing up close)

Kugler Vision in Omaha, NE was the first in the state of Nebraska or Iowa to perform SMILE on the Visumax Laser. SMILE was first performed in 2008 and introduced to Australia in 2012. Since then, SMILE has impressed more and more surgeons and patients with its excellent results.

The SMILE Procedure

The procedure involves using a femtosecond laser to create a corneal lenticule which is extracted whole through a small incision. SMILE achieves results that are similar to those of  LASIK, without need for a flap. SMILE has excellent patient reported outcomes.

In 2007, SMILE was introduced as an alternative to LASIK and in 2011 the commencement of this procedure began and was established in various locations including Europe, China and India. The United States clinical trial began in June 2012 and SMILE was approved by the FDA in 2016.

The visual recovery process after SMILE generally takes a little longer than the average visual recovery experienced after LASIK, usually a few days. This is due to the settling of the interface within the cornea after SMILE, and is part of the normal SMILE process. After a few days, you can expect to experience crisp vision.

Is SMILE Safe?

One thing to SMILE about if you’re nervous, is that SMILE is proven to be effective and safe, and has an extremely high patient satisfaction rate. Although the procedure method is different from LASIK, the outcome is the same – improved vision for a life without barriers! SMILE is an effective solution for those who are not candidates for LASIK vision correction.

A recent review of 102 peer-reviewed studies on SMILE, showed no significant difference in either safety or accuracy between SMILE and LASIK.1,2,3  

Could SMILE Transform Your Life?

If you have been told that you aren’t a good candidate for vision correction, it’s time you have a second opinion at Kugler Vision. Discover if SMILE is right for you by coming in for a consultation. Knowing if you can finally say goodbye to your glasses and contacts for good will sure give you something to SMILE about! Call 402.558.2211 today to schedule your consultation or for help with your SMILE questions.

References:

1. Zhang Y, Shen Q, Jia Y, et al. Clinical Outcomes of SMILE and FS-LASIK Used to Treat Myopia: A Meta-analysis. J Refract Surg. 2016 Apr 1;32(4):256-65.
2. Ganesh S, Gupta R. Comparison of visual and refractive outcomes following femtosecond laser- assisted lasik with smile in patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism. J Refract Surg. 2014 Sep;30(9):590-6.
3. Liu M, Chen Y, Wang D, et al. Clinical Outcomes After SMILE and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK for Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Study. Cornea. 2016 Feb;35(2):210-6.

Lance Kugler, MD

Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.