What is Zeiss SMILE Eye Surgery?
Zeiss SMILE PRO: A Modern, Flapless LASIK Eye Surgery Solution
Are you looking for a top-notch eye doctor in Rochester Hills? Look no further! At Clear Vision Center, we are proud to offer the most advanced laser vision correction options, including Zeiss SMILE PRO, a modern, flapless LASIK procedure.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) represents the next generation of small incision LASIK technology. It’s a minimally invasive, all-laser procedure approved by the FDA to treat mild-to-moderate myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike traditional LASIK, Zeiss SMILE is a flapless LASIK surgery that uses a highly precise laser, the Zeiss VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser, to correct your vision without the need to create a corneal flap.
How Does Small Incision LASIK (SMILE PRO) Work?
During the Zeiss SMILE PRO procedure, a tiny piece of tissue, called a lenticule, is gently created by the laser and removed through a small incision. The procedure takes just 5-10 minutes per eye and is painless. Unlike traditional LASIK eye surgery, where a flap is created in the cornea, SMILE uses a flapless technique, which can lead to a faster recovery with fewer risks of complications.
Benefits of Flapless LASIK with Zeiss SMILE
- No Corneal Flap – Unlike conventional LASIK, SMILE is a small incision LASIK procedure that doesn’t require creating a corneal flap, reducing the risk of flap-related complications.
- Faster Recovery – Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients experience quick recovery times, often resuming daily activities within a day or two.
- Comfort and Precision – The Zeiss VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser is incredibly precise and gentle, ensuring maximum comfort during the procedure.
Why Choose SMILE for LASIK Eye Surgery in Detroit?
If you’ve been searching for LASIK Detroit options, consider the Zeiss SMILE procedure at Clear Vision Center. We’ve invested in the most advanced laser technology available to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes. With flapless LASIK like Zeiss SMILE PRO, you can enjoy clear vision without glasses or contacts, all while benefiting from a safer and quicker recovery process.
Clear Vision Center: Your Trusted Provider in the Detroit Metro Area
Located conveniently near Rochester Hills and Troy, Clear Vision Center is a trusted provider for LASIK eye surgery and flapless LASIK procedures like Zeiss SMILE PRO and PRK. Our experienced team of eye specialists will ensure you get the best care using the latest screening tools and laser technologies.
If you’re considering small incision LASIK or another vision correction option, contact Clear Vision Center today. We’re here to help you achieve clearer vision and reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
LASIK and SMILE: Understanding the Differences in Vision Correction Procedures
LASIK is a popular vision correction procedure that uses two advanced lasers. First, the femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap, which the surgeon lifts to reshape the cornea using the excimer laser. Afterward, the flap is repositioned to self-heal.
In contrast, SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) uses just one laser, the Visumax 800 laser, to create a small disc of tissue, called a lenticule, inside the cornea. This lenticule is then removed, correcting the vision. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not require a flap, making the procedure shorter and often resulting in less post-surgery discomfort.
Both procedures offer excellent long-term results with similar vision correction outcomes and risks. However, SMILE may reduce the risk of flap complications and cause fewer dry eye symptoms in the first six months due to the smaller incision.
Before undergoing any vision correction surgery, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and side effects with your surgeon during your consultation.
What to Expect from Zeiss SMILE Eye Surgery
Your Zeiss SMILE eye surgery journey begins with a comprehensive screening and detailed examination of your eye health. This includes advanced 3D scans of your cornea, which create a detailed “fingerprint” of your eye. At Clear Vision Center, unlike many other laser centers, this evaluation is done by your actual surgeon, ensuring a personal consultation and examination. This customized approach helps confirm if you are a candidate for SMILE surgery and ensures the procedure aligns with your vision goals.
On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive at our on-site Laser Vision Suite. To help you relax, we offer the option of taking Valium about 30 minutes before the surgery. While you wait, you can unwind in one of our comfortable massaging recliners and enjoy one of our complimentary chocolate treats.
Just prior to the procedure, numbing eye drops are applied and a special contact lens will provide a gentle, temporary connection to the laser. The laser quickly and painlessly creates the SMILE lenticule in about 10 seconds. The SMILE lenticule is then carefully removed in a painless 5-10 minute process. Once completed, the same process is repeated for the other eye, and your vision correction is finished!
Most people are surprised to hear that they will not lose vision during or after the SMILE procedure. While vision commonly has a hazy or cloudy quality to it for a few days, it is typically functional vision (but without glasses or contacts!) before becoming more clear over the course of a few days.
SMILE eye surgery is a safe, minimally invasive way to correct your vision with a fast recovery. If you’re looking for a modern and effective solution to improve your eyesight, SMILE might be the perfect option for you!
Top 10 Reasons to Have Zeiss SMILE at the Clear Vision Center
- Free consultation with a real doctor
- Modern, on-site procedure suite in relaxing, spa-like setting
- On-site SMILE PRO procedure with the Zeiss Visumax 800 laser, custom calibrated for one surgeon
- Personalized care & custom approach
- Eye drops and followup visits included
- Enhancements for 2 years included
- Transparent pricing: no up-charges or hidden fees
- Not a SMILE candidate? No problem! We offer other vision-correction options: EVO ICL, LASIK, ASA/PRK, CLR/RLE
Who is a candidate for Zeiss SMILE eye surgery?
When considering Zeiss SMILE PRO eye surgery or other laser vision correction procedures, every candidate undergoes a thorough screening process. This includes evaluating factors such as the shape of your eye, your glasses prescription, and other personalized details like your profession, lifestyle, and vision goals. The best candidates for SMILE are typically between the ages of 20-49, with mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness) and/or astigmatism.
If you are over 49, have hyperopia (farsightedness), or conditions such as keratoconus, autoimmune diseases, or severe dry eye syndrome, Dr. Vrabec may recommend an alternative procedure. These alternatives could include LASIK, PRK, the EVO ICL (Implantable Contact Lens), or custom lens replacement (CLR), depending on your unique eye health.
At Clear Vision Center, we follow a personalized approach to ensure every patient receives the procedure that best suits their individual needs. This tailored strategy ensures that you receive the most appropriate vision correction treatment for your eyes—your most valued asset. Ready to find out if you are a candidate? Book a free consultation or call us at 248-710-2325
Is Zeiss SMILE Pro a Safe Vision Correction Procedure?
SMILE has been FDA-approved since 2016 for myopia correction and since 2018 for astigmatism, with over 7 million procedures safely performed worldwide. Like any surgery, SMILE carries some risks, however, it boasts a safety rate of over 99%, similar to the more well-known LASIK procedure.
While complications are possible with any surgery, most can be prevented through careful candidate screening, having a skilled surgeon, and using advanced technology. At Clear Vision Center, we go beyond standard care by conducting thorough screenings to ensure only the best candidates qualify for SMILE. Though we’d love for everyone seeking vision correction to qualify for LASIK or SMILE, some patients have conditions such as thin corneas, systemic illnesses, or specific personality traits that may make these procedures unsuitable. In these cases, other vision correction options may be considered (or no vision correction at all).
If you have concerns about risks, we will take the time to address them during your screening. We understand that deciding to undergo vision correction is a big step, and we are committed to providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Am I A Candidate For Zeiss SMILE Eye Surgery?
A good candidate for Zeiss SMILE eye surgery is someone who wants to correct their nearsightedness (myopia) or mild astigmatism. The best candidates are usually between the ages of 20 and 49 and have a stable vision prescription for at least a year. If you have healthy eyes and your cornea is thick enough, SMILE could be a great option for you.
People with certain conditions, like thin corneas, severe dry eyes, or keratoconus, may not be suitable for SMILE. Additionally, if you are farsighted (hyperopic) or have certain autoimmune diseases, SMILE might not be the best choice. For those over 49, or with other eye conditions, your eye doctor might suggest different vision correction options, like LASIK or lens replacement surgery.
At your consultation, the doctor will check your eyes thoroughly, using advanced technology to see if SMILE is right for you. It’s important to have a stable prescription and overall good eye health to get the best results. If you don’t qualify for SMILE, there are still other ways to improve your vision!
If you want to find out if you’re a candidate for SMILE, make sure to schedule a consultation with your eye doctor. don’t qualify for SMILE, there are still other ways to improve your vision!