Key Points
- SMILE (SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the most recent advancement in laser vision correction technology, representing a significant evolution from previous generations including PRK and LASIK. It is a flapless and minimally invasive procedure. Unlike LASIK, which creates a corneal flap, SMILE involves removing a small piece of tissue (lenticule) through a small incision, leaving the surface of the cornea largely untouched.
- Due to the small incision, SMILE offers several advantages, including a lower risk of dry eye symptoms following the procedure and the ability to accommodate patients with thinner corneas. Also due to the absence of a flap, there is minimal concern of trauma after surgery, ideal for active lifestyles.
- SMILE patients typically experience rapid healing time because fewer nerves are disrupted. Most notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours and returning to work or daily routines in 1–2 days.
- SMILE is best suited for adults with stable nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism, in those with healthy corneas.
- Herzig Eye Institute conducts free consultations for patients considering laser vision correction in both Toronto and Ottawa. During the consultation, patients will undergo a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor, including advanced diagnostic testing, to determine their candidacy for laser vision correction. If you are not a suitable candidate for SMILE, Herzig Eye Institute offers alternatives such as LASIK, PRK, and the Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL) to ensure the best and safest possible visual outcome.
- Herzig Eye Institute is one of the top SMILE centres in North America, having performed over 10,000 procedures. Over 10 million SMILE procedures have been performed worldwide.
What is the SMILE procedure?
The SMILE procedure is the latest generation and most recent advancement in the field of Laser Vision Correction. It’s a flapless and minimally invasive procedure, which leaves the surface of the cornea almost untouched. SMILE is an acronym for SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is safe, effective, and offers many advantages, including quick recovery time and minimal discomfort during the healing process.
At Herzig Eye Institute, our mission is to help you achieve your best possible vision, and having access to the most advanced vision correction technology is one way we accomplish this. It’s why we are proud to offer SMILE/SMILE Pro from ZEISS. After launching SMILE at Herzig Eye Institute in 2016, we became the leading SMILE provider in Canada with the highest volume of procedures performed in North America.
SMILE is the laser vision correction procedure of choice for Herzig Eye Institute surgeons. Today, over 80% of our laser vision correction patients are having the SMILE procedure.
Who is the ideal candidate for SMILE?
What is the difference between SMILE, Custom PRK, and Custom LASIK?
SMILE/SMILE Pro Patient Candidacy
One of the greatest advantages of SMILE is its criteria for patient candidacy. In many respects, SMILE’s patient candidacy is more inclusive than Custom LASIK or Custom PRK because it maintains the integrity of the cornea. SMILE can accommodate patients with thinner corneas and there is less of a chance of dry eye symptoms following the procedure.
During your complimentary consultation, diagnostic tests and an eye exam will be performed to determine your candidacy. You will then meet with one of our Refractive Consultants to ask any questions, discuss fees and financing, book your procedure date, and discuss any pre-operative instructions.
If you are not a candidate for SMILE, we are pleased to offer other laser vision correction procedures, including Custom LASIK and Custom PRK, or, one of our intraocular procedures: Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL).
To prepare for your procedure, there may be a few pre-operative considerations. All of these will be shared with you by your Refractive Consultant and the doctor during your comprehensive consultation. Some of these instructions might include:
- Switching to glasses and refraining from contact lens wear for 1-8 weeks (depending on the type of contact lenses you wear)
- Arranging transportation to and from Herzig Eye Institute for your procedure day
ZEISS SMILE is done one eye at a time, while the other eye is covered. The procedure itself is quick and painless. In a single step, the laser will create a small lenticule representing your prescription error, which is then carefully removed through a small incision.
Because SMILE® is minimally invasive, the post-operative care is simple, and healing time is relatively fast. Directly following the procedure, the eyes are sensitive to light, so it’s recommended to go home and rest.
A medicated drop regimen also needs to be followed after the procedure. As soon as the next day, patients are seeing better than they did before with their glasses and contacts. While there are a couple restrictions for certain activities like swimming, SMILE® patients are able to return to their normal activities just a couple days after treatment.
It is critical you are seen for all requested post-operative appointments at either Herzig Eye Institute or with your referring optometrist. You will be seen 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after your procedure, though additional appointments may be recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (SMILE/SMILE Pro)
Want to learn more about Laser Vision Correction?
Download the Complete Guide to Laser Vision Correction & Refractive Procedures
Through the Eyes of a Patient
To learn more about the Herzig Eye Institute experience, watch these videos through the eyes of patients who underwent their own High Definition Vision® procedures.
SMILE Laser Vision Correction | Dr. Kashif Baig
SMILE Laser Vision Correction | Joanna
This content has been reviewed and approved by the surgeons at Herzig Eye Institute
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