Laser Eye Surgery Blog

Recently, a new vision correction procedure called SMILE LASIK has been developed. SMILE (SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an abbreviation for "Small Incision Lenticule Extraction", which means "minimally invasive corneal surgery".

To enhance satisfaction after SMILE LASIK surgery, it is essential that a detailed preoperative examination is conducted. After eye surgery at an eye clinic, the use of eye drops is crucial for recovery. Prolonged use of these devices can expose the eyes to harmful blue light. To help counteract this, consuming health supplements that contain lutein and astaxanthin, which can block blue light, reduce eye fatigue, and help maintain macular pigment density, may be beneficial.

One of the most common questions asked by patients visiting the clinic is, "I've been wearing contact lenses (including circle lenses) or hard lenses for over 10 years, can I still undergo surgery?"

The reason for emphasizing the short surgery time is that minimizing the exposure of the cornea to the outside is crucial for preventing infections and reducing the risk of complications after surgery. Especially for procedures involving opening and closing, a skilled surgeon can perform the surgery quickly to reduce the risk of external infection and ensure the best possible outcome.

Generally, SMILE LASIK tends to be more expensive than LASIK or LASEK due to several key factors. Most patients achieve 1.0 or better vision after SMILE LASIK surgery. This is why it’s recommended to take about 1-2 days of rest after surgery to aid in visual recovery.

The SMART LASIK and CLEAR LASIK procedures, which are currently being performed, follow a similar surgical process to SMILE LASIK. The key difference between these three procedures lies in the equipment used: Atos, Z8, and VisuMax are the devices employed for each.

Unlike laser-based vision correction surgeries like LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE LASIK, lens implant surgery preserves the cornea and lens, making it a highly safe procedure. Lens implant surgery can be broadly categorized into anterior chamber lens implantation and posterior chamber lens implantation.

After the recovery period following SMILE surgery, it is possible to wear contact lenses. However, contact lenses absorb moisture from the eyes and can restrict oxygen supply, leading to dry eyes and other potential eye conditions. It is recommended to wait at least 1 month and no longer than 6 months after SMILE LASIK surgery.

LASIK has less pain and a faster recovery, allowing vision to improve the next day, but it is more vulnerable to external impact. On the other hand, LASEK may cause more discomfort compared to LASIK, but it is more resistant to external forces. Therefore, the choice between LASIK and LASEK depends on personal lifestyle habits and activities. Since suitability for each procedure varies based on eye condition, it is best to understand the characteristics of both surgeries and undergo a detailed examination at an eye clinic before making a decision.

Abedro Extra CXL is a corneal collagen crosslinking procedure developed by Abedro, a company based in the United States. This method enhances the collagen bonding strength in the cornea, helping to reinforce weakened corneal tissue and provide increased stability and safety.