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What is Smile Eye Surgery?
Understanding About
Smile Eye Surgery
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a laser refractive surgery technique used to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism. Unlike LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and FLEx (Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction), SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, it makes a small peripheral corneal incision through which a refractive lenticule is extracted.
This technique aims to improve corneal biomechanical stability by minimizing disruption to the peripheral collagen networks in the anterior stroma. Additionally, SMILE is thought to reduce injury to the subbasal nerve plexus and avoid flap-related complications.
Since its introduction in 2008, SMILE has gained popularity among ocular surgeons and has the potential to become a standard procedure for correcting visual refractive errors.
Symptoms
Treatments
Symptoms
Treatments
- Patient positioning is crucial.
- Initial docking ensures proper alignment.
- Suction stabilizes the eye.
- Femtosecond laser creates incisions for lenticule formation and extraction.
- Lenticule extraction involves separating and extracting using forceps.
- Techniques include push-up, ASOCT, and “lenticuloschisis.”
- Options for retained lenticule: FLEx, surface ablation, or PTK.
- Postoperative medications: steroids, fluoroquinolone, lubricating drops for 1-2 weeks.
- Close follow-up by an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Types of SMILE
Different Types of
Before the Surgery
During the Surgery
After the Surgery
Before the Surgery
How you prepare for smile eye surgery
- Provide comprehensive counseling about potential risks and outcomes.
- Ensure the patient’s posture is comfortable with uncrossed legs and a relaxed neck.
- Advise shallow breathing to minimize head movement.
- Orient the head properly for accurate docking.
- Instruct the patient to remain calm, focus on fixation, and avoid eye squeezing.
- Verify proper docking with a curved contact glass before proceeding.
- Direct the patient to fixate on a green blinking light for alignment.
- Initiate and maintain suction throughout the smile eye surgery.
- Discuss postoperative medications and follow-up appointments.
- Ensure the patient comprehends and adheres to preoperative and postoperative instructions.
During the Surgery
- Ensure patient comfort and avoid neck twisting.
- Advise shallow breathing to minimize head movement.
- Orient the head correctly for docking and centration.
- Emphasize patient cooperation for successful surgery.
- Verify proper docking with a contact glass.
- Instruct fixation on a green light for centration.
- Maintain suction throughout.
- Allow the laser to create the lenticule.
- Use manual tools for lenticule extraction, ensuring proper tissue identification..
- Be prepared to address complications promptly.
After the Surgery
- Ensure the patient understands and signs the consent form.
- Monitor the patient during the procedure, emphasizing the need for stillness and minimizing anxiety.
- Postoperatively, monitor the patient for a few hours before discharge.
- Emphasize post-operative instructions, including avoiding scratching the eyes, wearing eye covering during sleep, and wearing eyeglasses when outdoors for the first week.
- Schedule follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist as recommended.
Our Doctors

Dr. Kasu Prasad Reddy
M.B, D.O, MRCOphthCheif Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Somajiguda
,
Telangana

Dr. P. Muralidhar Rao
MBBS, M.S, FIVRSr. Vitreo Retinal Surgeon
Somajiguda
,
Telangana

Dr. V J Ramakumar
MBBS, M.S , D.OSr. General Ophthalmologist
Somajiguda
,
Telangana

Dr. Anitha C Kamarthy
MBBS, M.SSr. Cataract & Glaucoma Surgeon
Somajiguda
,
Telangana

Dr. Vamshidhar
MBBS, DNB, FICO ( UK)Sr. Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Somajiguda
,
Telangana

Dr Akhil Bevara
MBBS, DNB, FLVPEICornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Somajiguda
,
Telangana
SMILE FAQS
FAQS
How many days leave do I need from work?
Will I be awake during the procedure?
Is it a permanent treatment?
Can both eyes be treated in the same sitting?
How much time does the procedure take?
Will I need glasses after undergoing SMILE Eye Surgery?
In most cases, you won’t need glasses. According to FDA reviews, 98.5% of patients experienced significant vision improvement, and 93% achieved near-perfect vision after SMILE Eye Surgery. However, this procedure doesn’t prevent age-related vision changes like presbyopia or cataracts, which may require glasses in the future. It does, however, provide excellent long-term correction for existing vision problems.
Could SMILE Eye Surgery cause blindness?
No, blindness is not a risk with SMILE Eye Surgery. This procedure has an exceptional safety record, with its minimally invasive technique significantly reducing complications. The incision made during SMILE is 80% smaller than that of LASIK, minimizing the likelihood of corneal thinning and post-surgery dry eye symptoms.
Is the SMILE Eye Surgery procedure painful? Could blinking during surgery cause errors?
SMILE Eye Surgery is a painless procedure. Anesthetic drops are applied to numb your eyes before surgery, and a speculum and suction device ensure that your eye stays steady, so blinking is not an issue. The entire process takes only about 15 minutes, and patients often describe it as stress-free and comfortable.
How much does SMILE Eye Surgery cost in India?
The cost of SMILE Eye Surgery in India typically varies depending on individual factors such as the patient’s refractive error and the clinic chosen. On average, the procedure costs around INR 1,30,000 at reputed centers.
Our Visitors
Eye-Conic Encounters
at Our Hospital
Comparison of
SMILE Eye Surgery
LASIK, Contoura Vision
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a laser refractive surgery technique used to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism. Unlike LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and FLEx (Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction), SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, it makes a small peripheral corneal incision through which a refractive lenticule is extracted.
This technique aims to improve corneal biomechanical stability by minimizing disruption to the peripheral collagen networks in the anterior stroma. Additionally, SMILE is thought to reduce injury to the subbasal nerve plexus and avoid flap-related complications.
Since its introduction in 2008, SMILE has gained popularity among ocular surgeons and has the potential to become a standard procedure for correcting visual refractive errors.
Why Choose SMILE Eye Surgery?
SMILE Laser Eye Surgery excels in maintaining corneal integrity and minimizing complications like dry eyes, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking a minimally invasive procedure. Additionally, it’s faster recovery time and reduced discomfort give it an edge over other options.
Comprehensive Recovery Guide for SMILE Eye Surgery
Patients choosing SMILE Eye Surgery benefit from a smooth recovery process, but following proper post-operative care is critical to achieving the best results.
Timeline of Visual Improvement
- Day 1: Immediate improvement in vision is noticeable, though some blurriness may persist.
- Week 1: Vision continues to stabilize, and most patients resume non-strenuous activities.
- 1 Month: By this time, the majority of patients have optimal vision without discomfort.
Do’s and Don’ts After SMILE Laser Eye Surgery
Do’s
- Use the prescribed eye drops to manage dryness and prevent infections.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from UV exposure.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Don’ts
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially in the first few weeks.
- Refrain from swimming, using hot tubs, or engaging in activities that expose your eyes to water for at least two weeks.
- Postpone heavy exercise or contact sports for a month to prevent accidental trauma.