Small Incision Lenticule Extraction by the most skilled laser vision correction surgeon in NYC, NJ: Dr. Ilan Cohen.
The Revolutionary Laser Vision Correction Surgery. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is a laser vision correction surgery that became popularized for the treatment of myopia and astigmatism in 2016. It is the most recently developed refractive laser eye surgery. It is performed on the cornea (the front surface of the eye), similar to LASIK and PRK, but it has some unique features that might be more suitable for some patients. Of course, there are many unique features to each type of vision correction surgery and no one solution is best for everyone, or even for the majority of people. For example, neither LASIK nor SMILE are the best option for reading vision if you are over 45. For the best correction of both near and distance vision, the preferred option is Clear (Refractive) Lens Exchange. Here, we compare the advantages and disadvantages of SMILE vs LASIK and PRK.
Dr. Cohen is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist and has devoted his career to fine-tuning and perfecting surgical techniques that can change your vision and your life. This is perhaps the reason that more than 1,000 physicians have chosen him for the correction of their own vision.
SMILE has become a popular alternative to LASIK as it is generally considered a less invasive procedure. During LASIK, a circular corneal flap is created, then lifted. A laser is then used to reshape the inner cornea for vision correction. The incision made during SMILE is smaller than the one made during LASIK, and some would even go as far as calling this a flap-less LASIK procedure. This description is not accurate. A flap is created, but not lifted as it is in LASIK surgery.
This is the reason that some patients who already suffer from dry eyes may benefit more from SMILE. The risk of dry eyes is low with LASIK, and even lower with SMILE, but still not zero. SMILE is also less likely to cause complications such as flap-related problems and corneal thinning, as there is minimal disruption of the eye’s structure. The complete treatment takes less than 15 minutes per eye, and patients usually report little pain and quick recovery periods.
At Cohen eye Institute we offer a wide menu of Refractive Surgery. From Lasik to EVO- ICL. This quiz will help us help you tailor your vision to your lifestyle needs.
Procedure
A large flap is made to reshape your cornea
Time it takes to see 20/20
About 1 day
Risk of dry eyes
Very low
Astigmatism treatment
Available
Irregular Astigmatism treatment
Very low
Sharpness of vision
Best (with Contoura)
Use of blade
Bladeless
Long-term track record
25 years
Procedure
A small incision is made to reshape your cornea
Time it takes to see 20/20
About 1 week
Risk of dry eyes
Even lower but not zero
Astigmatism treatment
Limited
Irregular Astigmatism treatment
Even lower but not zero
Sharpness of vision
Good
Use of blade
Bladeless
Long term track record
7 years
Guiding you toward the procedure that fits your unique needs, so you can see the world clearly and confidently.
If you do not see your preferred date and time please call the office, so we can accommodate your request (917) 398-4011.
