SMILE Eye Surgery in Melbourne: A Modern Laser Vision Correction Option

Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic is offering SMILE® eye surgery to the Melbourne community through our associate clinic in Armadale, Eye Laser Specialists. Our team of experienced refractive surgeons are among the few ophthalmologists to offer SMILE eye surgery in Melbourne. Short for small incision lenticule extraction. The SMILE® procedure combines elements of two established laser vision correction techniques, PRK and LASIK, to correct refractive error using a minimally invasive approach. Your ophthalmologist will discuss whether SMILE® is suitable for your eyes and how its risks and benefits compare with other options.

The Process of SMILE® Laser Eye Surgery

Our Melbourne eye surgery facilities use equipment with an established track record of reliability for refractive procedures. Which is why we are equipped with the VisuMax femtosecond laser by Zeiss, a leading technology in laser vision correction. Using the minimally invasive SMILE® procedure, we aim to allow our patients to vastly improve their independence from glasses and contact lenses with clearer, natural vision.

Your first visit with our ophthalmology team in Melbourne is to undergo a thorough clinical assessment. This will confirm your suitability for SMILE® and also allow us to take the required measurements needed to form the corneal lenticule during surgery, which is a precisely shaped sliver of tissue used to reshape your cornea. At this appointment, we will also discuss with you anything you need to know about the procedure, including costs and any associated potential risks.

In preparation for the SMILE® procedure, your eye will be numbed with topical eye drops for comfort and you’ll be asked to fixate on a target light. Our experienced surgeon then uses the femtosecond laser to shape the pre-measured lenticule within your corneal tissues at the front surface of the eye. This lenticule is then gently removed from a keyhole incision, resulting in a newly shaped cornea that compensates for your prescription.

The entire procedure is quick and comfortable, taking around 20 minutes in total on the operating table.

The Benefits of SMILE® Eye Surgery

The SMILE® technique carries with it some inherent benefits.

Flapless

Unlike the LASIK surgery procedure, SMILE® does not require the formation of a flap of corneal tissue to allow the laser to reshape the inner layers. Though LASIK is also a highly successful technique, rarely, flap-related complications may occur. Without the formation of a corneal flap, SMILE® eliminates all such risks.

Short recovery

Because SMILE® involves a smaller corneal incision, it may have less impact on corneal biomechanics compared with some other refractive surgery techniques. Recovery time varies between individuals, and your ophthalmologist will discuss what you can expect based on your eyes and procedure choice.

Single-step procedure

Only one laser is required for the SMILE® procedure, meaning fewer movements are required. This reduces the number of steps in surgery, which in turn greatly reduces the potential for accidents or errors, as well as improving your comfort.

Lower risk of dry eye

Certain refractive surgery techniques contain an inherent risk of inducing postoperative dry eye. Although this is typically temporary, it can be a source of discomfort for affected patients. Because the SMILE® procedure maintains the integrity of more corneal nerves required for the healthy production of tears and lubrication on the eye, it carries a relatively low incidence of postoperative dry eye.

At this time, SMILE® surgery is not yet suitable for long-sightedness (hyperopia) or the age-related deterioration of near vision (presbyopia). However, patients with high short- sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism, the uneven curvature of the cornea, are often suitable for SMILE® even after being deemed ineligible for other refractive techniques. Long-sighted and presbyopic patients may still access effective laser vision correction with other refractive methods such as LASIK or refractive lens exchange, which are also offered at our associate clinic, Eye Laser Specialists.

Considering SMILE® laser eye surgery? It may help reduce your reliance on glasses or contact lenses. Contact Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic to arrange an initial consultation and suitability assessment.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.