At Herzig Eye Institute, our mission is to help you achieve your best possible vision, and leading the way in technology is one way we accomplish that goal. That’s why we are proud to introduce SMILE, the next generation of laser vision correction.
The SMILE procedure leaves the surface of the cornea almost untouched—allowing for faster healing time. 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.
While PRK and LASIK are excellent and safe procedures, SMILE has distinct advantages over these two first- and second-generation procedures. Firstly, because the surface of the cornea is almost untouched and there is less disturbance of the corneal nerves, there is much less chance of prolonged dryness of the eyes. Dry eye is the most common issue associated with PRK and LASIK, so to be able to eliminate or reduce this as a postoperative problem is a huge step forward.
“As with all medical procedures and technologies, there continue to be refinements to improve outcomes and safety. I have always been a believer in offering my patients the best technique and technology, once proven safe, to correct their vision. PRK and LASIK have improved over the last 25 years, but SMILE is the latest generation in the evolution of laser vision correction, and it has distinct benefits for my patients.”
Dr. Sheldon Herzig | MD, FRCSC, Co-Founder, Medical Director
Next, and perhaps most important, is the area in the cornea from which tissue is removed with the SMILE procedure. Both PRK and LASIK remove tissue from the strongest part of the cornea, on or near the front surface of the cornea. This does weaken the structure of the cornea slightly. The SMILE procedure removes corneal tissue from a deeper, less dense area of the cornea, so that more of the corneal integrity is maintained. This is particularly important for patients with thin corneas who typically are treated with PRK. Most of these patients who were not candidates for LASIK can now have SMILE, allowing them to recover as quickly as LASIK.
As with all medical procedures and technologies, there continue to be refinements and improvements to improve outcomes and safety. Herzig Eye Institute has always been a believer in offering patients the best technique and technology, once proven safe, to correct their vision. PRK and LASIK have improved over the last 25 years, but SMILE is the latest generation in the evolution of LVC, and it has distinct benefits.
To determine which procedure is right for you, a comprehensive assessment is conducted utilizing state-of-the-art technology. Based on the thorough diagnostic assessment, your surgeon will tailor a treatment plan to match the right procedure for your unique vision needs.
For more information, please download The Complete Guide to Laser Vision Correction.
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