Do you need glasses or contact lenses to see clearly? You might be a good candidate for SMILE LASER VISION CORRECTION eye surgery. This LASER VISION CORRECTION eye surgery maximizes your results while minimizing recovery time and achieving clear vision. Even people who should not have LASIK may be able to benefit from SMILE. 

What is SMILE LASER VISION CORRECTION Eye Surgery?

SMILE or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction is a form of LASER VISION CORRECTION eye surgery that changes the shape of your cornea. The cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye, helps focus light onto the retina. When light does not focus in the right place, your vision may be blurry at different distances. SMILE alters your cornea with a laser, reshaping them so they focus light correctly. SMILE helps most people see more clearly, and may reduce or even eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. 

*Individual results may vary

How Does SMILE LASER VISION CORRECTION Eye Surgery Work?

SMILE LASER VISION CORRECTION eye surgery uses numbing medication to keep you from feeling anything during your procedure. Your surgeon uses a femtosecond laser that creates extremely rapid pulses of energy. These pulses of energy create a disc of corneal tissue called a lenticule. The lenticule is created in between the layers of the cornea keeping the corneal surface untouched.

Your surgeon uses a small incision to remove the lenticule, reshaping your cornea. This incision is significantly smaller than the corneal flap created during LASIK. In fact, it is only 4 mm in size. Reshaping the cornea with the laser takes about 30 seconds, and the entire procedure takes only a few minutes per eye. The SMILE incision heals rapidly without sutures and giving you a minimal amount of downtime. 

What are the Benefits of SMILE LASER VISION CORRECTION Eye Surgery?

When comparing the types of LASER VISION CORRECTION eye surgery, SMILE causes the least disruption to the cornea’s outer layers. This results in many benefits, including:

• Safer for people who engage in contact sports
• Less likely to cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms
• Treats nearsightedness and astigmatism
• May work better for higher prescriptions
• Painless and quick
• Significant improvement in vision
• Minimal downtime

Only a consultation can determine whether SMILE is the most beneficial LASER VISION CORRECTION option for your needs. All forms of laser eye surgery give great results, but all have their advantages and disadvantages. 

What is Recovery Like After SMILE LASER VISION CORRECTION Eye Surgery?

Most people recover very quickly and with minimal discomfort after SMILE. Your eyes after the procedure may burn, water or feel irritated, and you may have blurred vision and glare around lights. These symptoms dissipate as the eye heals. Most people can return to work, driving, and other activities within one to three days.

Your surgeon will see you for a follow-up visit the day after your procedure. At this point, the incision in your cornea has already started to heal. You can resume light exercise shortly after surgery, but avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, or getting water in your eyes for three days. 

Am I a Good Candidate for SMILE LASER VISION CORRECTION Eye Surgery?

SMILE LASER VISION CORRECTION eye surgery is an excellent option for many people, especially those with strong prescriptions or dry eye symptoms. Good candidates for SMILE have healthy eyes and reasonable expectations. The minimum recommended age for LASER VISION CORRECTION eye surgery is 18, but typical SMILE candidates are between 21 and 40. 

Take the Next Step and Enjoy Clearer Uncorrected Vision

To schedule your in-person SMILE LASER VISION CORRECTION eye surgery, request a free screening today. This will determine if you are a good candidate for a formal consultation. Call Alabata Eye Center at (850) 331-3937. A referral is not necessary. Thank you for trusting our professional services.

Phil Alabata

Phil Alabata, D.O. completed his ophthalmology residency at the world-renowned Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He completed his Glaucoma Fellowship at the distinguished Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. He trained and staffed ophthalmology residents in both eye care and surgical techniques at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and the University of Florida Health in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Alabata practiced as a military physician for nine years and was instrumental in providing LASER VISION correction surgeries for special operations soldiers by innovating Fort Benning’s Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program, one of many throughout the world. He served as the Chief of the Department of Ophthalmology and Assistant Chief of Surgery at Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia. Dr. Alabata brings over 20 years of experience and proficiency in many different areas of eye surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Florida Society of Ophthalmology, Society of Military Ophthalmologist, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Emerald Coast Health Alliance, and the American Medical Association. Board Certified Ophthalmologist • LASIK Surgeon • LASER-Assisted Cataract Surgeon • Fellowship Trained Glaucoma Specialist

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