SMILE Eye Surgery: 99%+ Success Rate

Dr.Prashaant Chaudhry, 3 mins read

Our eyes are windows to the world. They look prettier when not overburdened with spectacles or contact lenses. Seems like you are also overburdened with your eyeglasses? That’s why you are here, right? 

First of all, congratulations! You made a wonderful choice by choosing SMILE eye surgery. SMILE is an excellent and latest alternative to LASIK eye surgery, with a high success rate. 

It is highly safe, effective, and trusted by innumerable doctors and people. This guide will walk you through the important aspects of the SMILE eye surgery. So, let’s get started.

What Is SMILE Eye Surgery?

SMILE is an advanced vision correction surgery. It is very effective for vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism (irregular cornea or lens of the eye). This technology is developed by ZEISS and is branded as ReLEx SMILE. 

SMILE stands for small incision lenticular extraction. It is minimally invasive laser eye surgery and offers numerous benefits over LASIK eye surgery. It’s particularly known for minimal incision, i.e., 2-4 mm, resulting in faster recovery, reduced risk of dry eye, and potentially greater corneal strength. 

For this surgery, surgeons use a femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea and treat the problem. As it involves minimal incision, it can be a good option for those who have dry eyes or are not eligible for LASIK eye surgery. People with higher prescriptions are also advised for SMILE eye surgery. It is safer and more advanced than all forms of LASIK, including contoura LASIK.

What Are the Benefits of SMILE Eye Surgery?

• Quick recovery: Most patients report a fast recovery after SMILE eye surgery, and even the functional visibility starts from the very next day. 
• Reduced risk of dry eye: SMILE eye surgery involves a minimal incision, which reduces the damage to surrounding nerves and tissues. This, in turn, reduces the risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK eye surgery.
• Better corneal biomechanics: As SMILE doesn’t involve corneal flap creation, the post-treatment strength and stability of the cornea are better. 
• Reduced risk of complications: SMILE is an advanced vision correction treatment that is known for its safety and minimal complications compared to LASIK and PRK eye surgery.  

Factors Influencing the Success Rate of SMILE Eye Surgery

• Age: Young patients generally report better and more stable vision compared to adults above 60 years of age.  
• Refractive error stability: People with a stable prescription for a year usually experience better and longer-lasting results.
• Severity of the problem: SMILE eye surgery is made for patients with high prescriptions. So, the results are even better for people with a high degree of the problem.  
• Post-operative Care: How you care after treatment has a huge impact on the success rate of SMILE eye surgery. Follow your doctor’s guidance and aftercare tips properly.
• Experience of the doctor: This is the most crucial factor. Always choose an experienced and reputable doctor for excellent results and to avoid complications. 

What Is the Success Rate of SMILE Eye Surgery? 

SMILE eye surgery is one of the most effective and safest eye procedures. Around 99% of patients achieve 6/9 vision, and between 88% and 90% get 6/6 vision or better within six months of the procedure. 

If you or someone you know is considering SMILE eye surgery, take expert opinion from our experts at Aakash Healthcare.