If you’re tired of depending on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, SMILE eye surgery at West Virginia Eye Consultants offers a revolutionary solution. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) represents one of the latest advancements in laser vision correction, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional LASIK surgery.
What is SMILE Eye Surgery?
SMILE is a laser refractive surgery that corrects vision by precisely reshaping the cornea through a small incision. The procedure specifically addresses refractive errors by correcting how light focuses on the retina.
When the cornea’s natural shape prevents proper light focusing, patients experience blurred vision at various distances. SMILE technology allows our skilled surgeons to precisely reshape the cornea, restoring clear, sharp vision without the need for visual aids.
Unlike LASIK, which requires creating a corneal flap, SMILE corrects vision by removing a small, lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue, which is called a lenticule, through a tiny incision. Since the procedure is flapless, SMILE can be a great option for patients who may not be candidates for traditional LASIK procedures.
Benefits of SMILE Eye Surgery
SMILE eye surgery offers numerous advantages that make it a great choice for vision correction:
Minimally Invasive Approach
The procedure requires only a small incision, significantly smaller than traditional LASIK flaps. This reduced tissue disruption leads to faster healing and lower risk of complications.
Reduces Dry Eye Risk
Lower risk of dry eye than LASIK because less corneal tissue is altered during the procedure.
Enhanced Corneal Stability
Without creating a large flap, the cornea maintains more of its natural structural integrity, making it ideal for patients with active lifestyles or those in contact sports.
Rapid Recovery
Most patients can resume their daily activities within one to two days. Most patients return to work within 24-48 hours and experience significant visual improvement almost immediately.
What Happens During the SMILE Procedure?
At West Virginia Eye Consultants, we make the SMILE procedure as comfortable and straightforward as possible. The entire treatment takes about 10-15 minutes per eye, and most patients are surprised by how easy the experience is.
Before the procedure, the surgical team will place numbing drops in your eyes so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. You’ll rest comfortably while we use a gentle device to keep your eyelids open and to make sure your eye stays in the right position.
Our advanced laser then creates a tiny, precise disc of tissue inside your cornea. This same laser makes a small opening, and your surgeon carefully removes the disc through this opening.
This removal changes the shape of your cornea, which corrects your vision. Many patients notice clearer vision right away, and your sight will continue to improve as your eye heals over the next few days.
Ideal Candidates for SMILE Surgery
The only way to know for sure whether or not you might be a good candidate for SMILE is to schedule a consultation with the specialists at West Virginia Eye Consultants. During this appointment, they will perform a variety of tests to ensure this is the best procedure for you.
If you’ve been told you have nearsightedness, which means you can see things up close but struggle with distance vision, SMILE might be a great option for you. The procedure is also excellent for treating astigmatism, where your cornea has an irregular shape that makes everything look blurry no matter how far away it is.
To be a good candidate, your vision prescription should have stayed about the same for at least a year without major changes. Your eye doctor will also make sure your corneas are thick enough and healthy overall for the procedure to be safe and effective.
Many people find SMILE is perfect for them when traditional LASIK isn’t an option, especially if you have thinner corneas, play contact sports, or are worried about dry eyes after surgery. This personalized approach means you’ll receive treatment recommendations that are tailored specifically to your unique vision needs and lifestyle.
What is the Recovery Like After SMILE?
The recovery process following SMILE surgery at West Virginia Eye Consultants is designed to maximize comfort and optimize healing:
Immediate Post-Procedure
You may experience some tearing, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort for the first 6-12 hours. These symptoms are normal and typically resolve quickly.
First 24-48 Hours
Most patients notice significant improvement in their vision within the first day and can return to normal activities, including work and light exercise.
One Week
Further healing of the corneal incision occurs within several days, with vision continuing to stabilize and improve.
Follow-Up Care
Our team provides comprehensive post-operative care, including scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the best results.
You should avoid swimming, hot tubs, and wearing eye makeup for the first few days following SMILE surgery. Your eye doctor may also ask you to wear an eye shield, especially during sleep, to prevent accidental eye rubbing during the first few days of your recovery.
How Much Does SMILE Cost?
The investment in SMILE eye surgery varies based on individual treatment needs and the complexity of each case. At West Virginia Eye Consultants, we believe that financial considerations should never be a barrier to achieving excellent vision.
We offer several convenient financing options to make SMILE surgery accessible, including CareCredit Financing with 24 months, 0% interest if approved, Alphaeon Credit, and Cherry Financing. These financing options ensure that patients can access the vision correction they deserve without financial stress.
Our team is available to discuss payment plans and help determine the best financing solution for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About SMILE Eye Surgery
Do you want to find out whether SMILE could be right for you? Schedule an appointment at West Virginia Eye Consultants in Charleston, WV, today!
