What Makes SMILE A Good Alternative to LASIK?

Nearsightedness and astigmatism can prevent you from seeing clearly and participating in activities such as reading, watching TV, and driving. However, not everyone is suitable for LASIK eye surgery because it involves creating a flap in the corneal tissue. Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center may recommend SMILE as a LASIK alternative if you have thin corneas or a chronic condition like dry eye syndrome.

Dr. Young H. Choi uses advanced femtosecond laser technologies like Zeiss VisuMax® to help patients with common refractive errors in Birmingham, AL. Call now to determine your candidacy for a SMILE procedure and get the clear vision you deserve – our team of experts is here to help.

When is LASIK not the best choice for vision correction?

LASIK improves refractive errors by changing the shape of your cornea through the use of a special laser. The laser creates a "flap" in the tissue and reshapes the underlying layers. While many people could benefit from this vision correction treatment, it's not advisable for everyone – it may not be safe or even possible if you have thin corneas. This is because the laser used to create the LASIK flap may damage the delicate tissue, resulting in poor vision.

Who is a candidate for SMILE?

SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is a LASIK alternative that allows Dr. Choi to improve your vision without a flap. Here's how it works: our Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a small, round piece of tissue inside the cornea. The "lenticule" is removed through a small incision. This precise, minimally invasive procedure corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism in just a few minutes.

When compared to LASIK, SMILE has several advantages for patients in Birmingham, AL and beyond:

• It is less disruptive and more comfortable than LASIK
• There is no need to create a flap in the cornea, so it removes this potential complication
• Less tissue is removed during the procedure
• Healing time is shorter due to its minimally invasive nature

What happens during the consultation?

Dr. Choi will review your medical history and examine your eyes to ensure you are a suitable candidate for a SMILE procedure. During this assessment, our team can answer your questions and discuss potential risks and benefits. Inform us about any medications you are taking, and let us know if you have experienced any prior eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome. This information will help us determine the best vision correction option moving forward.

Ideal candidates for SMILE have had stable vision for at least one year prior to the surgery and have realistic expectations about their outcomes. Though you may not have perfect vision, you should still see a significant improvement in your overall vision. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction with the results.

SMILE: the perfect LASIK alternative

A SMILE procedure may be the perfect alternative to LASIK if you have thin corneas or suffer from dry eye syndrome. Call our office and get ready for the clear vision you’ve always wanted – our team of experts at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center is here to help. Dr. Young H. Choi is proud to offer advanced femtosecond laser technologies like Zeiss VisuMax to help patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism in Birmingham, AL.