For patients over 18 years of age with myopia and astigmatism, if the progression of the condition has stopped and the corneal structure is suitable, SMILE treatment offers an extremely fast, safe, and comfortable treatment option. It is a new technology and a next-generation treatment. Unlike femtolastic treatment, there is no flap-lifting step. It is not a superficial procedure like no-touch treatment.
If we think of our cornea as a 500-page book, the femtosecond laser breaks down the cornea into a disc of a certain thickness, starting on page 135. This piece is removed through a very small corneal incision created by the laser. In other words, corneal flattening is performed in the deeper layers of the cornea. Myopia up to 10 and astigmatism up to 5 can be treated. It is administered with eye drops and takes approximately 5-6 minutes. There is no need to patch the eyes after the treatment; patients can go home with their eyes open. Watering and stinging may occur for 3-4 hours after the procedure. Most patients return to their daily activities the next day. Medication is required for about a month after treatment. The recovery process is very rapid.
It also allows treatment in patients with thin corneas. The cornea's strength is greater near the anterior surface. Because SMILE treatment involves the relatively weaker layers of the cornea, it creates a positive difference in corneal biomechanics. The risk of dry eyes is low, making it a much safer procedure. Femtolastic surgery is rarely performed for myopia in clinics equipped with this device; SMILE treatment is preferable.
