[Health Column] Are SMILE LASIK Side Effects Really Minimal? Things You Must Check Before Surgery

 

Hello, I am Tae-hyung Lim, the Chief Director of Clear Seoul Ophthalmology. 😊

 

When researching vision correction surgery, it is common to hear that "SMILE LASIK has fewer side effects." In fact, I frequently receive questions in the clinic such as, "Is it true that the surgery is safer than LASIK?" and "I heard there are no side effects; is that true?"

 

Unlike conventional LASIK or LASEK, SMILE LASIK is characterized by the fact that it is performed by making a small incision in the cornea to remove the lenticule inside the cornea, without creating a corneal flap. Due to this surgical method, it is known as a vision correction surgery that allows for faster recovery and less burden after surgery.

 

However, the same results do not occur for everyone. It is important to check not only the characteristics of the surgical method but also the individual's eye condition and the results of the detailed pre-operative examination. Today, I will summarize the SMILE LASIK surgical method, potential symptoms that may actually occur, and what needs to be checked before surgery.

 

1️⃣ How is SMILE LASIK performed?

It is a vision correction surgery that removes only the lenticule through a small incision without creating a corneal flap.

 

SMILE LASIK is a method that uses a femtosecond laser to create a lenticule necessary for vision correction inside the cornea, and then removes it through a small incision. Its characteristic feature is that it reduces the area of ​​incision applied to the corneal surface because it does not create a corneal flap like conventional LASIK.

 

It also differs from methods like LASIK, which involve removing a wide area of ​​the corneal epithelium. This surgical approach can help reduce the burden on the corneal structure, allowing for a relatively faster recovery after surgery.

However, SMILE LASIK is also a vision correction surgery that involves incising the cornea. Therefore, the feasibility of the surgery must be determined after thoroughly checking the corneal thickness and shape, as well as the degree of myopia and astigmatism, prior to the operation.

 

 

2️⃣ Is SMILE LASIK a surgery with really few side effects?

While the structural advantages are clear, it does not mean that it is a 'surgery without side effects.'

 

SMILE LASIK has the advantage of eliminating the burden of flap-related issues that can occur with LASIK, due to its characteristics of not creating a corneal flap and reducing the incision area. Additionally, it can help minimize corneal nerve damage, resulting in relatively less dryness or discomfort after surgery.

 

However, even with SMILE LASIK, temporary symptoms such as dry eyes, light scattering, glare, and blurred vision may occur after surgery. The severity of symptoms and the recovery process vary from person to person.

 

Therefore, rather than thinking of it as a "surgery without side effects," it is important to fully understand the characteristics of the procedure and possible symptoms, and to verify if it is suitable for your eye condition. During consultations, I explain the potential symptoms with equal emphasis alongside the benefits.

 

 

3️⃣ Is the recovery from SMILE LASIK generally fast?

Light daily activities are possible starting the next day, but the time it takes for eyesight to stabilize varies from person to person.

 

SMILE LASIK is known for having a relatively fast recovery period. Immediately after surgery, you may experience slightly blurred vision, a foreign body sensation, or glare, but these symptoms can gradually improve over time. If there are no specific issues with your eye condition, you may even be able to resume light daily activities as early as the day after surgery.

However, the speed of vision recovery and the time it takes to stabilize vary from person to person. Even with the same surgery, the recovery curve is not drawn exactly the same way.

 

If you need to return quickly to daily life, such as work or studies, it is advisable to check if your schedule allows for sufficient eye care after surgery, rather than simply considering the average recovery period.

 

4️⃣ What should I check before SMILE LASIK surgery?

We check not only corneal thickness and shape, but also intraocular pressure, retina, optic nerve, and the presence of dry eyes.

 

Even when applying the same surgical method, the surgical plan for refractive surgery may vary depending on the individual's eye condition. It is necessary to assess the overall state of the eye, including not only corneal thickness and shape, and the degree of myopia and astigmatism, but also intraocular pressure, the condition of the retina and optic nerve, and the presence of dry eye syndrome.

 

In particular, if the cornea is excessively thin or has an abnormal shape, SMILE LASIK may not be suitable, and other methods such as LASEK or intraocular lens implantation may need to be considered.

 

Therefore, rather than making a decision based solely on the advantages of a specific surgery, it is important to identify the surgical method suitable for your eyes through a precise examination. It is not uncommon for us to recommend a different method than the surgery you initially considered, depending on the examination results.

 

 

 

🗣️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How long does it take to recover and return to daily life?

A. Normal vision can be restored starting the day after surgery, initial vision recovery takes about 2 to 3 days, and the period for vision to stabilize takes about 1 to 3 months.

 

Q2. How often do I need to come for follow-up appointments after surgery?

A. It is recommended to visit on a schedule of the day after surgery → 1 week → 1 month → 3 months → 6 months to 1 year.

 

Q3. When can I start drinking and smoking after surgery?

A. It is recommended to refrain from drinking for two weeks and avoid excessive drinking for one month. It is best to avoid smoking as much as possible, as your eyes may be sensitive to the irritation of cigarette smoke.

 

🎯 Conclusion

SMILE LASIK is a surgical method performed through a small incision without creating a corneal flap, offering the advantage of a faster recovery. However, symptoms such as dryness or glare that may occur after surgery can vary depending on the individual's eye condition, and the recovery process is not the same for everyone.

 

Therefore, if you are considering SMILE LASIK, rather than deciding on surgery based solely on the information that it has “few side effects,” it is important to check the condition of your cornea and overall eye health through a precise pre-operative examination and determine the surgical method and plan suitable for you through sufficient consultation with the medical team.

 

For stable vision correction, it is necessary to comprehensively examine the characteristics of the surgical method, along with pre-operative examinations, the medical team's assessment, and post-operative care. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. 😊

 

 

 

📚 The medical content of this column was written based on medical information from the Korean Ophthalmological Society.