A new way to say goodbye to glasses! Everything about SMILE Eye Surgery

Looking for the two glasses next to the bed every morning when you wake up, having your glasses fog up on rainy days, having your eyes red and irritated when you put in contact lenses... Are these things familiar to you? Although glasses and contact lenses are a great convenience, they can sometimes be a big hassle. So what if there was a way to get rid of these glasses forever and see the world clearly? That's what the latest technology we're talking about today, called SMILE, is for.

What is SMILE eye surgery?

SMILE is actually an acronym for a few English words: Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. The name sounds scary, doesn't it? But the procedure is very simple and very safe.

Simply put, this is a laser surgery to improve your vision. It specifically treats two conditions : nearsightedness and astigmatism .

Think of the cornea , the transparent part of your eye, as a camera lens. When you have vision problems, the shape of this lens is slightly distorted. SMILE surgery uses a highly advanced laser to reshape the cornea.

This is what happens:

1. The laser creates a very thin, coin-sized piece of tissue (we call this a lenticule ) inside your cornea.

2. Then, a very small incision, less than 4 millimeters, is made in the eye using the laser.

3. The eye surgeon carefully removes the previously prepared piece of tissue (lenticule) through this small incision.

That's it. When that little piece of tissue is removed, the shape of the cornea changes, and your vision becomes clearer. It's like having a mirror inserted into your eye.

Who is suitable for this surgery?

Now you may be thinking, "Oh... so I can do this too?" Not everyone can have SMILE surgery. There are certain qualifications that must be met. Your eye doctor is the best person to decide whether you are a good fit for this. These qualifications are usually taken into consideration.

Who should not have SMILE surgery?

Also, this surgery is not recommended for people with certain health conditions, as it is more likely to cause complications.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers
• People who change their glasses frequently
• People with uncontrolled diabetes
• People with severe glaucoma
• People with corneal scars
• People with corneal diseases such as keratoconus
• People with cataracts that affect vision
• People who have had previous eye surgery, infections, or injuries
• People with certain skin diseases

How do you prepare before surgery?

Okay, let's say the doctor decides that you're a good candidate for surgery. What happens next? Before the surgery, you'll have some more tests. This is called a pre-surgery appointment.

At this time, the curvature and thickness of your cornea are measured very precisely, and the plan for laser surgery is created. It's like a map made for your eye.

In addition, it gives you some tips like this:

• Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (even vitamins). You may be asked to stop taking some medications before surgery.
• They will advise you whether you should stop eating or drinking the day before the surgery.
• Most importantly: You will need to have a family member or friend drive you home on the day of surgery, as you will not be able to drive that day.

The way the surgery is performed is amazing!

You may feel scared on the day of your surgery, but it's actually a very quick and painless procedure.

First, they numb your eye with eye drops. They don't give you any injections. Then they take you to the laser machine. All you have to do is stare at a light as the doctor tells you.

Then the femtosecond laser is activated. You won't even feel the laser hitting your eye. The laser's work is done in about 30 seconds . During that time, the lenticule and the small incision we mentioned earlier are created.

Then the doctor takes the lenticule out through that small incision. That's it. It doesn't take more than a few minutes per eye. There are no stitches. The eye heals on its own in a day or two.

Advantages of SMILE surgery and its difference from LASIK

When talking about SMILE surgery, one of the questions that many people ask is whether it is better than LASIK surgery. Both surgeries are very safe and successful. However, there are several reasons why SMILE surgery is a better fit for some people.

Other benefits of SMILE surgery

• No pain: There is no significant pain during or after the surgery.
• Quick results: You may notice a noticeable difference in your vision immediately after surgery. Your vision will improve even more over the next few days.
• High success rate: Studies have shown that over 99% of people have vision of 20/40 or better 6 months after surgery.

Aren't there risks and complications?

As with any surgery, SMILE surgery can have very small risks. These are very rare, but it's important to be aware of them.

• Halos and glare: When looking at light bulbs , especially at night, they may appear to have halos around them. This usually decreases over time.
• Dry eyes: Although less common with SMILE, some people may experience dry eyes for a while. Eye drops can be used for this.
• An experienced doctor: Since SMILE is a new technology, there may be fewer experienced doctors in Sri Lanka performing this surgery than LASIK. Therefore, it is important to get the surgery done at a well-experienced, trusted place.
• Vision loss: This is a very rare complication. The chance of occurrence is less than one in a thousand.

What should I do after the surgery?

To keep your vision at its best after surgery, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

• Wear safety glasses:In the first few days after surgery, wear sunglasses or safety glasses to protect yourself from dust and potential eye hazards.
• Use Eye Drops Correctly: Apply eye drops at the right time to prevent infections and help your eyes heal.
• Be careful with water: Do not let water or soap get into your eyes for the first week or so. Be careful when bathing. Avoid swimming pools and hot tubs completely.
• No eye make-up: Do not apply eye make-up until your doctor gives you permission.
• Don't rub your eyes: Even if your eyes itch, don't rub them. This can damage the cornea.

When to seek immediate medical advice

It is normal to experience minor discomfort after surgery. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) .

• If you experience severe eye pain .
• If you suddenly lose your vision or it becomes blurry.
• If you notice signs of infection (eye swelling, redness, fever, pus-like discharge from the eye).