Our surgeons are the first to bring the revolutionary SMILE® eye surgery to Melbourne.
Our surgeons are the first to bring the revolutionary SMILE® eye surgery to Melbourne.
SMILE® eye surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to surgically correct refractive error of the eyes. The SMILE® procedure combines the best of two older methods of laser vision correction, PRK and LASIK, with a vastly improved safety profile due to its minimally invasive nature.
Referring to small incision lenticule extraction, SMILE® eye surgery in Melbourne is not yet widely used across all refractive surgery clinics as it is still considered to be a new technique on the forefront of laser vision correction. Armadale Eye Clinic (through Eye Laser Specialists) is proud to be able to bring SMILE® laser eye surgery to Melbourne residents and those coming from further communities in our state-of-the-art facilities.
The Process of SMILE® Laser Eye Surgery
Our Melbourne rooms are equipped with the VisuMax femtosecond laser by Zeiss to perform laser vision correction with high precision and safety. The SMILE® procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique with the goal of allowing our patients to greatly reduce their dependency on optical aids such as glasses and contact lenses.
Our ophthalmology team will conduct a thorough clinical assessment to ensure your suitability for SMILE® and to take the appropriate measurements required in forming the lenticule within your cornea, a precisely shaped sliver of tissue. At this time, any associated risks and costs of the surgery will be discussed with you.
During the procedure itself, your eye will be anaesthetised with topical eye drops and you’ll be asked to fixate on a target light. If you’re feeling anxious or restless we can also provide a light sedative. Our experienced refractive surgeon operates the femtosecond laser, which will quickly and precisely create the lenticule within your corneal tissues, and then this will be gently removed from a keyhole incision, adjusting the shape of your cornea to compensate for your prescription.
The total time spent on the operating bed is about 20 minutes but the procedure itself, from the incision to the laser to the removal of the lenticule, takes only a few minutes per eye.
The Benefits of SMILE® Eye Surgery
There are several significant advantages to the SMILE® procedure.
Flapless
During the LASIK surgery technique, a superficial flap of corneal tissue must be created in order to allow the laser to access the underlying layers for sculpting. Although uncommon, flap-related complications may occur. The SMILE® technique eliminates all flap-related risks as it removes the need to create the corneal flap
Faster healing
During the SMILE® eye surgery procedure there is minimal tissue disruption, improving the biomechanical stability of the cornea after surgery. The minimally invasive nature of this technique promotes faster healing compared to other techniques which require more invasive impact.
Single-step procedure
The fewer steps and movements required for a surgical procedure, the lower the chance of something going wrong. Only one piece of equipment is required for the SMILE® laser procedure, meaning you don’t need to be moved from one position to another, improving comfort and safety.
Lower risk of post-operative dry eye
When compared to other laser vision correction treatments, SMILE® carries a much lower incidence of postoperative dry eye. This is due to fewer corneal nerves being affected during the SMILE® procedure, which is important for the healthy production of tears.
SMILE® is best suited to treating myopia (short-sightedness). Astigmatism, an uneven curvature of the cornea affecting many patients, can also be treated with the SMILE® technique. At this stage, SMILE® is not suitable for patients with hyperopia (long-sightedness) or presbyopia (the natural age-related decline of near vision). Patients with hyperopia or presbyopia may be more suitable for LASIK or refractive lens exchange, both techniques which are also offered at Armadale Eye Clinic (through Eye Laser Specialists).
If you are looking forward to freedom from glasses and contact lenses, SMILE® laser eye surgery could be for you. Book your consultation with Armadale Eye Clinic now by calling us.
Patients and concerned family members are invited to come under the care of our experienced retinal doctors at Armadale Eye Clinic. Organise your appointment today by calling or booking online.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
© Copyright – Armadale Eye Clinic 2019
OPENING HOURS:
Weekdays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
CONTACT US:
Phone: (03) 9070 5753
FAX: 8692 1131
Email: info@armadale-eye.com.au
WHERE TO FIND US:
93 Kooyong Rd, Armadale,
Melbourne, VIC, 3143,
Australia