SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) in Birmingham, AL

Many patients have heard of LASIK but may be less familiar with SMILE. Smile (small incision lenticule extraction) is a modern laser vision corrective surgery that offers many of the same benefits of LASIK with new-age techniques that can work better for those who aren't good LASIK candidates. SMILE is a wonderful option for patients with nearsightedness or astigmatism but isn't recommended for those with farsightedness or certain other issues. If you want to learn more about SMILE, contact inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham in Birmingham, AL to find out if you could qualify for this procedure. Our team of eye doctors is thrilled to offer a wide range of contemporary, advanced options for patients with varying needs.

SMILE is a type of minimally invasive refractive eye surgery provided at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham that aims to correct vision problems, specifically nearsightedness. There are numerous advantages of SMILE surgery, some of which are:

• Ability to see better without corrective lenses
• Minimal recovery time
• Less invasive than LASIK
• Preserves the corneal tissue
• Quick procedure that takes minutes to complete

You might be a candidate for SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) if you're seeking a modern solution for vision correction, particularly for nearsightedness or astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure, making it a suitable alternative for those who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK. This innovative procedure is not recommended for individuals with farsightedness or certain other eye conditions. The best way to determine your eligibility for SMILE is to consult with our experienced eye doctors at inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham. They can provide personalized advice and help you understand if this advanced, quick, and less invasive procedure aligns with your vision correction needs.

Before your treatment starts, we will administer anesthetic eye drops to the eyes and secure a device to prevent blinking. We will then use a computer-controlled femtosecond laser to perform a tiny, precise incision in the peripheral cornea. While this is done, the laser will create a lenticule (tiny segment) in the mid-cornea area and remove it through the incision. Once the lenticule is removed, the new corneal shape helps to address myopia or astigmatism. This treatment typically takes fewer than ten minutes to finish, and the laser portion lasts under a minute. Many patients are able to go back to work one day after their SMILE treatment, meaning that this procedure has a quick recovery period.

Is SMILE surgery safe?

SMILE surgery is considered safe when performed by a trusted eye care professional. This procedure is minimally invasive and does not require a long time in recovery. inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham is proud to offer cutting-edge tools and technologies to ensure your safety and comfort while getting the best possible results.

How do you prepare for SMILE surgery?

There is no special preparation needed for SMILE in Birmingham, AL, but our team may provide instructions based on your individual needs and health. Bring a list of your current medications with you to your consultation and inform us about any previous eye surgeries. This will help us create a tailored plan for your procedure.

How do I improve my chances of success?

The best way to improve your chances of success is to be as healthy as possible before surgery. This includes maintaining a consistent weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. You should also avoid smoking, as this increases your risk of complications. Do not rub or press on your eyes, as this can damage the delicate tissue.

At inVision Ophthalmology Birmingham, our team is thrilled to offer the most revolutionary techniques in the field of laser vision correction. SMILE is a new-age treatment that can improve your vision long-term after one short office visit. If you're interested in learning more about SMILE or LASIK, find out if you're a candidate by reaching out to our team in Birmingham, AL and scheduling your appointment.