SILK & SMILE Vision Correction by Dr. Ritin Goyal

Are you considering a vision correction surgery but are unsure which option suits you the best? Both SMILE and SILK aye surgeries are effective and innovative approaches that provide effective solutions for your eyes. Although both procedures come with their own set of benefits, the approaches, accuracy and outcomes of these methods are different.

Making informed choices: An in-depth look SILK and SMILE procedure

SMILE Eye Surgery

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is an innovative laser refractive surgery that offers a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional LASIK surgery. SMILE is highly regarded for correcting myopia (nearsightedness) or myopic astigmatism. The procedure removes a lenticule from the cornea through a small incision and reshapes it to correct your vision. SMILE is a relatively new procedure and is a popular choice for patients with postoperative dry eye for its minimised complications.

Key points about SMILE

A flapless procedure, SMILE, involves extracting a pre-shaped lenticule from the cornea with a small incision to correct one’s vision. Lenticlues are disc-shaped pieces that are carved into the cornea by the laser.
SMILE is a procedure primarily designed to address issues like myopia and astigmatism. People who consider SMILE surgery are at least over 18 years old with no significant change in their prescription in a year and have prescription ranges falling between certain ranges including nearsightedness that falls between -1 and -10 and astigmatism up to 3 diopters.

Benefits of SMILE

Minimally invasive with a smaller incision, leading to less discomfort.
Lower risk of developing dry eyes.
Ideal for patients with dry eyes or thinner corneas.
FDA-approved, ensuring safety and efficacy.
The procedure is completed in a single location.

It is important to note that the SMILE procedure has a longer recovery period compared to the LASIK surgery.

SILK Eye Surgery

SILK stands for Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis, which is a type of laser eye surgery that involves creating a thin lenticule (disc) of tissue beneath the cornea’s surface, which is then extracted through a small incision. It is an innovative surgery used to correct common vision issues, including myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. The primary aim of this procedure is to reshape the cornea which eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses. The procedure of SILK involves the use of a femtosecond laser to remove the corneal lenticule.

Key points about SILK

SILK is a flapless and minimally invasive procedure that use the femtosecond laster to remove the corneal lenticule and reduce tissue disruption for faster healing
Individuals considering SILK surgery must keep in mind certain criteria before choosing to opt for SILK. The individual must be at least 18 years of age or above with a stable refractive error for six months and Myopia up to -12.00 D with and without astigmatism up to -6.00 D. The individuals should not have any previous history of corneal surgery of any kind.

Benefits of SILK

Offers improved safety with a thinner corneal flap.
Reduced likelihood of dry eyes compared to LASIK.
Effective for addressing a variety of vision issues.
Quick recovery time.

Comparison: SILK vs. SMILE

When comparing SILK and SMILE, several factors come into play:

FDA Approval: SMILE's FDA approval underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance, while SILK lacks this certification.
Duration: The SMILE surgery procedure may take 4-minutes compared to SILK which extends to around 10-15 minutes.
Availability: SMILE is a globally recognised procedure where surgeons across the globe use it in their surgical practices. SILK on the other hand is available in limited locations.
Post-surgery comfort: The post-surgery experience for SILK is better compared to SMILE, which is less comfortable.
Recovery Time: Where the recovery time for SILK is 24 hours, the recovery time for the SMILE procedure extends to one week.

Get the best eyecare at Goyal Eye Center.

Goyal Eye is a premier eyecare institute providing a range of Ophthalmic services. A trusted name for its quality care and treatment, Goyal Eye provides specialized eyecare solutions for children and adults alike. At Goyal Eye you will get the best quality under one roof with an unwavering commitment to meticulously handle the entire medical needs of our patients. Goyal Eye is a trusted name and specializes in providing the following:

Advanced Technological Solutions- From state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to innovative treatment options, Goyal Eye ensures that the patients receive the most advanced care available.

Personalized care- Our patient-centric approach allows us to tailor the treatment plan to meet a patient’s unique eye care needs. The team at Goyal Eye provides comprehensive guidance to the patients throughout their journey.

Experienced surgeons and specialists- The skilled ophthalmologists at Goyal Eye bring in years of experience and expertise to bring excellent outcomes in every procedure, ensuring the complete satisfaction of our patients.

Book your appointment to get the best care and treatment for your Eyes.

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SILK and SMILE Procedures