Imagine starting each day with clear vision, free from the hassle of glasses or contacts. SMILE, an innovative vision correction procedure, could make this a reality for you.
Our dedicated eye care specialists at Cookeville Eye Specialists are passionate about helping you gain greater visual freedom.
SMILE, which stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a laser vision correction procedure designed to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism. This minimally invasive technique uses a femtosecond laser to create a tiny lens-shaped piece of tissue called a lenticule within the cornea.
Next, the SMILE surgeon removes this lenticule through a small incision, effectively reshaping the cornea and improving how light focuses on the retina. Unlike traditional laser eye surgeries, SMILE doesn’t create a flap in the cornea, making it potentially safer for people with active lifestyles.
The procedure is known for its quick recovery time, with many patients experiencing improved vision within hours of the procedure and returning to their normal routines within days. If you are interested in reducing your dependence on visual aids, SMILE may be a great option for you.
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LASIK and SMILE are both popular laser eye surgery procedures designed to correct vision problems. While they share the goal of reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses, these procedures differ in their approach and technique.
LASIK is a very popular vision correction procedure. The LASIK surgeon begins by creating a thin flap in the top layer of your cornea.
This flap is then lifted to expose the inner layers of your cornea. Next, a laser is used to reshape the cornea according to the patient’s prescription.
Once the cornea is reshaped, the LASIK surgeon repositions the flap for healing. LASIK can treat a variety of refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
SMILE is another refractive procedure that can allow you to reduce your dependence on visual aids like glasses and contact lenses. Unlike LASIK, SMILE doesn’t create a corneal flap.
Instead, it uses a laser to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a tiny incision.
SMILE can correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. It’s considered less invasive than LASIK, which may reduce the risk of flap-related complications.
SMILE may also be a better option for those with thin corneas and those prone to dry eye symptoms, as it typically removes less corneal tissue. If you are an athlete, SMILE may be an excellent choice for you compared to LASIK since there is no risk of damage to the delicate flap created during LASIK as you recover.
Another difference between SMILE and LASIK is that they can correct different kinds of vision problems. SMILE is approved to help people who are nearsighted or who are nearsighted and have astigmatism.
LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
To find out if SMILE is right for you, you’ll need to have an evaluation with Dr. DeNaro and the eye care team at Cookeville Eye Specialists. While only a professional can determine if you’re a good candidate, there are some general guidelines that might help you know if SMILE could be an option for you.
To be a good candidate for SMILE, you must be at least twenty-two years old. It’s also important that your prescription has remained stable for a year or more and you have healthy eyes.
Your overall health matters, too. People with autoimmune disorders like diabetes or lupus might not be good candidates because these conditions can affect healing.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, you’ll need to wait before considering SMILE. It’s also crucial to have realistic expectations about what SMILE can achieve for your vision.
Remember, these are just general guidelines. The best way to know for sure if SMILE is right for you is to schedule an evaluation with Dr. DeNaro at Cookeville Eye Specialists in Cookeville, Tennessee.
The eye care team can give you personalized advice based on a thorough examination of your eyes and overall health.
Find out how much you can save on contacts & glasses with the SMILE procedure at Cookeville Eye Specialists in Cookeville, TN!
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