laser refractive
SMILE Laser Eye Surgery
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a modern, flapless laser eye surgery based on removing a thin piece of tissue (lenticule) created inside the cornea through a small incision, in order to correct myopia and astigmatism.
Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven
Ophthalmology · Istanbul
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Quick Answer
In SMILE, no wide corneal flap is created; a thin layer of tissue prepared with a laser inside the cornea is removed through a small 2–4 mm incision. It corrects myopia and astigmatism, is painless with drop anesthesia, and is applied in a few minutes.
What Is SMILE Laser Eye Surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a modern laser eye surgery based on the principle of removing a small piece of tissue created inside the cornea, in order to correct myopia and astigmatism.
Key Features
- Technique: No wide flap is created in the cornea. Instead, a thin layer of tissue (lenticule) is prepared inside the cornea with the help of a laser.
- Incision size: Tissue is removed through a small 2–4 mm incision.
- Anesthesia: Drop anesthesia is used, and the surgery is performed painlessly.
- Duration: Completed within a few minutes.
Eligibility Criteria
Suitable candidates:
- Those with myopia/astigmatism
- Individuals over 18 years of age
- People with a stable eye prescription
- Patients with a suitable corneal structure
Not suitable: Keratoconus, advanced dry eye, pregnancy, incompatible corneal structure.
Recovery Process
- First day: Mild blurring and sensitivity may be seen
- First week: Vision begins to improve
- First month: Significant improvement is achieved
- Full stabilization: Completed within a few weeks
The Difference Between SMILE and LASIK
In SMILE, a small piece of tissue created inside the cornea is removed, whereas in LASIK, a thin flap is created in the cornea and the laser is applied beneath the flap.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is SMILE suitable for?
It is suitable for individuals over 18 years of age with myopia/astigmatism, a stable eye prescription, and a suitable corneal structure. It is not suitable in cases of keratoconus, advanced dry eye, pregnancy, and incompatible corneal structure.
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What is the difference between SMILE and LASIK?
In SMILE, a small piece of tissue created inside the cornea is removed; in LASIK, a thin flap is created in the cornea and the laser is applied beneath the flap.
Related topics
Treatments often evaluated together
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Laser Refractive Surgery
Laser refractive surgery is a surgical treatment method based on reshaping the cornea with a laser to correct vision disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK, iLASIK, PRK, and SMILE techniques are applied following a personalized evaluation.
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High Myopia Treatments (ICL & Phakic Lens)
High myopia (above -6.00 diopters) can be corrected with personalized methods such as laser, phakic intraocular lenses (ICL), refractive lens exchange, and corneal rings. High myopia also requires regular follow-up for retinal and overall eye health.
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Presbyopia (Age-Related Near Vision Loss) Treatment
Presbyopia is an age-related vision disorder that occurs in individuals over 40 when the eye's lens loses its flexibility. It presents with blurred near vision, eye strain, and headaches. Options ranging from glasses and lenses to laser and intraocular lens treatments are evaluated on a personalized basis.
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