SMILE Laser Vision Correction At PCVI
The Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) procedure represents an advanced approach to laser vision correction, primarily utilized for the treatment of myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. This minimally invasive technique offers a flapless alternative to traditional LASIK surgery, garnering attention for its potential benefits in terms of corneal biomechanical stability and reduced incidence of dry eye. SMILE is essentially keyhole or micro-LASIK, where the cornea can be reshaped through a much smaller incision.
During the SMILE procedure, a sophisticated femtosecond laser precisely creates a thin, contact lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue, known as a lenticule, within the stroma (the middle layer of the cornea). The dimensions of this lenticule are meticulously calculated based on the patient’s specific refractive error. Following the laser’s creation of the lenticule, the surgeon makes a small incision, typically less than four millimeters in length, on the surface of the cornea. Through this minute opening, the pre-shaped lenticule is gently extracted, thereby altering the curvature of the cornea and correcting the refractive error.
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The absence of a large corneal flap, a hallmark of the LASIK procedure, is a key differentiator of SMILE. This flapless approach is believed to contribute to greater corneal biomechanical integrity post-surgery, potentially reducing the risk of ectasia, a progressive thinning of the cornea. Furthermore, the smaller incision in SMILE disrupts fewer corneal nerves, which may lead to a decreased incidence and severity of post-operative dry eye symptoms compared to LASIK.
The SMILE procedure itself is relatively quick, often taking only minutes per eye. Topical anesthesia, usually in the form of eye drops, is administered to ensure patient comfort during the treatment. While visual recovery may be slightly slower with SMILE compared to LASIK, many patients experience significant improvement in their vision within a few days, with continued enhancement over the following weeks.
As with any surgical intervention, SMILE is associated with potential risks and complications, although serious issues are rare. These can include under-correction or over-correction of the refractive error, the need for enhancement procedures, and, in very rare cases, infection or other adverse events. Thorough pre-operative evaluation and detailed discussion of these risks with the ophthalmologist are crucial for informed decision-making.
In Oregon, our surgical team at Pacific ClearVision Institute are leaders in the advanced vision correction procedures. To our neighbors in the Eugene area and beyond, we encourage you to contact us and come in for a consultation to help you determine if the SMILE procedure is the correct option to help improve your vision. We are committed to utilize the latest safest advanced technology to providing comprehensive patient care.
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Myopia is also referred to as nearsightedness, but there is more to it than just blurry vision. Myopia is when the eye grows longer, which in turn stretches the tissues on the inside of the eye. When these tissues stretch it increases the risk of complications including holes, tears, and retinal detachments, which can potentially lead to loss of vision. Myopia can be caused by genetics, lifestyle (screens & less outdoor time), and a combination of both. Myopia is becoming more common in young children, and we would like to help you and your family. Both myopia and eye growth tend to increase while children are growing, our program is geared toward patients ages 8-20, but even if your child is outside of this age range we would like to see them and discuss options with you.
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Myopia typically develops in childhood and causes both nearsightedness and eye elongation. Our goal at Pacific ClearVision Institute is to slow the progression of myopia in children to reduce the risk of ocular complications later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, & myopic maculopathy.
Additionally, Myopia may be caused by genetics and environment. If both parents have myopia there’s a 1 in 2 chance that their child will also develop myopia. If only one parent has myopia there’s a 1 in 3 chance. If neither parent has myopia there is still a 1 in 4 chance a child will develop myopia.
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Treatments Of Myopia
There are multiple ways to slow the progression of myopia, our Myopia Management Program includes treatment contact lenses as well as an eye drop, either may be used individually or together depending on the doctor’s recommendations.
Some At home recommendations to help prevent or slow myopia include:
- When doing near work, keep books, phone, computer about an arms distance away (16 inches)
- Take breaks while doing focused activities. (The 20/20/20 rule) For every 20 minutes of focused activities, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help to relax the eyes and reduce eye strain.
The two main ways to slow the progression of myopia are specialty contacts lenses, such as the NaturalVue, and/or an eyedrop called Atropine. There are recent studies to support the use of either or both of these treatments and we would love to discuss the findings to help you determine which is best for your child.
