First U.S. Surgeon certified in SMILE
A “flapless LASIK,” SMILE is a minimally invasive Laser Vision Correction procedure. During SMILE laser eye surgery, a lenticule is created inside the intact cornea using the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser. The removal of the lenticule through a very small peripheral corneal incision achieves the desired vision correction.
Building on LASIK’s success, SMILE is a flapless version of laser vision correction in which the cornea better retains its natural architectural structure and physiology after the procedure. The result is greater corneal biomechanical stability and the potential for a less dry eye. For these reasons, SMILE is particularly more suited for people with a thin cornea and dry eyes. Furthermore, without the flap, patients are able to resume almost all normal activities immediately after surgery. This includes full-contact sports, water activities, and eye make-up wear.
Dr. Paul C. Lee, at CCRS, was the first U.S. eye surgeon to be certified on this revolutionary laser vision correction procedure in November of 2014 by performing the very first SMILE surgery on the West Coast.
Comfortable Procedure,
Quick Recovery
One of the greatest advancements with the VisuMax Laser is that it is fast and gentle. The laser portion of the procedure is roughly 28 seconds. Due to the soft touch of the procedure, most patients report it as very comfortable, both during and after their procedure.
Less Risk,
No Flap
As there is no flap with SMILE, there are no flap related complications with the procedure. You don’t have to worry about rubbing your eyes or getting water in them. You can even shower the very same day as your procedure, play full contact sports within a few days, and resume eye make-up wear.
