SMILE® LASER EYE SURGERY
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY LASER VISION ASSESSMENT WITH DR LAHOOD AT ADELAIDE EYE AND LASER CENTRE WHERE HE CONSULTS, HIT THE BUTTON BELOW.
BOOK COMPLIMENTARY LASER VISION ASSESSMENTSMILE® IS THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE FOR LASER VISION CORRECTION
SMILE® laser eye surgery is minimally invasive, quick and painless, and with fast surgical recovery and healing time, SMILE® will provide you with optimal vision results quickly without the need for extended down time away from work and life.
THE BENEFITS OF SMILE®LASER EYE SURGERY INCLUDE:
- Minimally invasive and gentle treatment
- Flapless – a laser cut lenticule is removed from the cornea without the need for a flap so there are no flap complications
- No noise or odor during the laser procedure
- Reduced risk and less incidence of dry eye during recovery
- Painless and relatively comfortable procedure according to most patients
- Fast surgery time – 25-30 seconds per eye
- Day surgery so you are able to recover in the comfort of your own home
- Only one laser used in the procedure
- Quick visual recovery with most patients being able to see clearly and drive the next day
- Able to return to work and other activities quickly (24-48 hours depending on individual recovery).
What to Expect: SMILE® Laser Eye Surgery Procedure
SMILE laser eye surgery is a laser vision correction procedure performed as day surgery by Dr Ben LaHood, a specialist refractive ophthalmologist. The steps below outline what typically happens during the process for suitable patients.
Steps involved in SMILE laser eye surgery:
- A detailed consultation assesses your eye health to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for you.
- Eye scans are performed to measure the shape and thickness of the cornea and help guide the planned procedure steps.
- On surgery day, numbing eye drops are applied to minimise sensation and keep you comfortable during the surgery.
- A femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule within the cornea using a tiny incision, without requiring a flap.
- Dr Ben LaHood carefully removes the lenticule, which allows the cornea to reshape and supports improved vision for selected patients.
- The laser procedure usually takes only a few minutes per eye and is completed while the patient remains comfortable.
- After the procedure, patients rest in the recovery suite before going home with clear written instructions and medications for post-operative care and guidance.
- Follow-up appointments is arranged for the following day to review healing progress and ensure recovery is proceeding as expected.
FAQ’s
How much does SMILE Pro laser eye surgery cost in Australia?
The cost of SMILE Pro laser eye surgery can vary based on individual circumstances. For a personalised estimate, we recommend discussing your specific needs during a consultation with Dr LaHood.
Is SMILE Pro better than LASIK?
Both SMILE Pro and LASIK are highly effective vision correction procedures, but they differ slightly. SMILE Pro is less invasive, involves a smaller incision, and no flap related complications. LASIK, on the other hand, is more commonly used for a wider range of vision issues. The best option depends on your unique visual goals and eyes, which can be determined during a consultation. Both have rapid visual recovery, excellent results and are backed by proven technology.
What is the success rate of SMILE Pro eye treatment?
SMILE Pro eye treatment has a high success rate, with most patients achieving clear, improved vision. While outcomes can vary depending on individual factors, SMILE Pro is widely regarded as a safe and effective treatment for vision correction.
Is SMILE Pro laser treatment painful?
SMILE Pro treatment is designed to be a minimally invasive and pain free procedure, as anaesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye during the procedure.
How long is the recovery time?
SMILE Pro laser eye surgery offers a quick recovery time, allowing most people to return to work and daily activities within 24-48 hours, depending on their individual healing process.
Is SMILE better than LASIK?
SMILE and LASIK are both effective forms of laser vision correction. SMILE is minimally invasive as it doesn’t involve creating a flap in the cornea, which reduces the risk of flap-related complications and may result in less dryness (dry eye) after surgery. LASIK, however, is also highly effective and may be better suited to certain prescriptions. The right option depends on your eyes and lifestyle, which is why a detailed consultation is important.
What is the recovery time for SMILE laser eye surgery?
Recovery after SMILE is rapid. Most people notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours and are able to return to work and daily activities within 24-48 hours. You’ll have a follow-up appointment the next day to check your healing and vision.
How much does SMILE laser surgery cost in Australia?
The cost of SMILE is generally similar to LASIK and depends on the clinic, technology and what is included in your care. Dr Ben LaHood will explain costs clearly before treatment so there are no surprises, and follow-up care is included.
Are there any risks or side effects of SMILE?
All surgery carries some risk, but complications after SMILE are uncommon. Some patients notice mild dryness or temporary blurriness while the eyes heal. Because SMILE is flapless, the risk of flap-related issues seen with LASIK is avoided. Careful assessment before surgery ensures the treatment is suitable for your eyes.
How does SMILE differ from LASIK and PRK?
The main difference is how the cornea is treated:
- SMILE uses a keyhole approach, removing a small lens-shaped piece of tissue through a tiny incision.
- LASIK creates a flap in the cornea that is lifted before reshaping the tissue with a laser.
- PRK reshapes the surface of the cornea without a flap.
Each procedure has unique benefits but both SMILE and LASIK offer rapid recovery, and PRK can be suitable for patients with thinner corneas. Your consultation will determine which is the best option for you.