A Comprehensive Guide to SMILE Surgery for Vision Correction 

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction a.k.a. SMILE  Surgery is a refractive eye surgery that is used by eye surgeons to correct many vision problems. For the uninitiated, refractive eye problems arise when the shape of the eyes prevents the light from focusing correctly on the retina. This results in eye problems like myopia (near-sightedness) and even astigmatism in some cases. Compared to other eye surgeries like LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis), SMILE is considered less invasive, which makes it a worthwhile option for many patients. 

Symptoms Experienced After SMILE Eye Surgery 

Although the pros of SMILE eye surgery far outweigh its cons, it can still cause certain symptoms that should be kept in mind before undergoing the procedure. Let’s have a look at a few of these symptoms:

• Not able to see clearly due to blurry vision: Post-surgery, the cornea can take some time to heal, which can cause hazy or blurry vision after the surgery has been performed. Thankfully, blurry vision subsides on its own after a few days. 
• Mild eye irritation: You might feel that something is stuck in your eye after surgery. This sensation can cause irritation and discomfort. However, these side effects are only temporary. 
• Cornea nerve disruption causing dry eyes: The patient might experience dry eyes after surgery. However, these symptoms can be controlled by using punctual plugs or artificial tears. 
• Seeing glare and halos around objects in dim lighting: One can experience vision problems like glares and halos around objects after surgery. These problems generally surface during the nighttime or when light is dim. Therefore, it is advised that you avoid night time driving immediately after undergoing SMILE surgery treatment. 
• Rare side effects: In some cases, a person who has undergone SMILE surgery can display certain severe symptoms such as infection and corneal abrasion. If you experience redness itching or irritation/inflammation, you should immediately connect with your eye surgeon. These symptoms can sometimes prolong the time it takes to recover from the eye surgery. 

The Tremendous Benefits of SMILE Surgery 

SMILE surgery can be a great gift for those who are struggling to lead a normal life due to compromised vision. It offers tremendous benefits and makes a world of difference when it comes to vision clarity. Let’s explore some of its benefits: 

• Not as invasive as other eye surgeries: SMILE surgery is minimally invasive, which means you have a smaller recovery period and fewer chances of severe side effects. 
• Get back your desired vision fast: Unlike other procedures after which it can take a long time to acquire your desired vision quality, SMILE surgery treatment is known to expedite results.  
• Lower risk of flap complications: There is no need to create a large corneal flap, which is known to cause major complications. As a result, you eliminate a lot of associated risks connected with flap.  

Do’s and Don’ts After SMILE Surgery Treatment 

• What to Do After SMILE Surgery?   
• Follow Post-Operative Instructions   
• Use Prescribed Eye Drops 
• Protect Your Eyes 
• Rest 
• Maintain Good Hygiene 
• Stay Hydrated all the Time 
• Attend Follow-Up Appointments 

What to Avoid After SMILE Surgery?   

• Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes 
• Refrain from Strenuous Activities 
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol 
• Don’t Drive Right After Surgery 
• Don’t Skip Eye Drops 
• Avoid Exposure to Irritants 

How Much Time It Takes to Recover After SMILE Surgery? 

The recovery period after SMILE surgery treatment can vary from person to person. Generally, most patients can expect their vision to start becoming better after 24 hours. However, for the vision to stabilize completely, it can take anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. 

Conclusion 

SMILE surgery treatment can be a game-changer for those struggling to see clearly. It has a shorter recovery period compared to other surgeries like LASIK and lower chances of side effects. However, one should take precautions after surgery and educate themselves about the possible side effects. To get the best results and minimal risk of complications, one should choose an eye surgeon who has considerable experience and a good reputation. 

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