SMILE laser eye surgery is a cutting-edge vision correction procedure designed to treat nearsightedness (myopia) and mild astigmatism. Like LASIK, SMILE reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors and improve vision, but it does so in a much less invasive way. Instead of creating a large corneal flap, as in LASIK, SMILE uses a small, precise laser incision to remove a tiny, lens-shaped piece of tissue from the cornea, called a lenticule. This process reshapes the cornea, allowing light to properly focus on the retina for clear vision.

The key difference between SMILE and LASIK is the absence of a corneal flap, making SMILE a flap-free and more minimally invasive procedure. This innovation has led to faster healing times and fewer risks for certain patients.

What are some of the side effects of SMiLE?

MILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) laser eye surgery is a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate, but like any surgery, it comes with potential side effects. While most patients experience minimal discomfort and fast recovery, it’s important to be aware of possible risks and side effects, which can include:

1. Temporary Dry Eyes: Similar to LASIK, SMILE can reduce tear production temporarily, leading to dry eyes. Most patients experience improvement in dry eye symptoms within a few weeks to months.

2. Visual Disturbances: Some patients may notice halos, glare, or starbursts around lights, especially at night. These issues tend to diminish as the eyes heal, but in rare cases, they may persist.

3. Under-correction or Over-correction: While uncommon, some patients may not achieve the exact vision correction they hoped for, requiring additional procedures or the use of glasses or contact lenses for certain activities.

4. Infection or Inflammation: Any surgical procedure carries a small risk of infection or inflammation, although SMILE’s minimally invasive nature reduces this risk. Proper post-operative care and following your surgeon’s instructions can minimize the chance of complications.

5. Slow Visual Recovery: While many patients recover quickly, a small percentage may experience a slower improvement in vision, taking several weeks or months for their eyesight to fully stabilize.

6. Rare Complications: There is a very small risk of more serious complications, such as corneal scarring or loss of vision. These are rare and typically related to improper healing or post-surgery trauma.

Why choose Dr. Goldberg?

Patients should choose Dr. Goldberg for their laser eye surgery because of his unmatched experience, expertise, and dedication to personalized care. With over 30 years of experience and more than 100,000 successful vision correction procedures, Dr. Goldberg brings a level of skill and precision that ensures optimal results. Unlike many clinics where patients may only meet the surgeon on the day of surgery, Dr. Goldberg personally handles every step of the process—from the initial consultation to the final follow-up. His commitment to patient safety, use of cutting-edge technology, and individualized care make him one of the top choices for those seeking SMiLe or other vision correction procedures.