Refractive Surgery

SMILE^®

SMILE^® is a new technique of laser vision correction. Unlike conventional LASIK, this procedure creates no flap and involves the use of only one laser (the femtosecond laser). Instead of vaporising cornea tissue to correct the underlying short-sightedness and astigmatism, SMILE^® removes a small piece of corneal tissue called a lenticule through a small keyhole incision (about 2.5 to 4mm only). This single-step, all-in-one-laser operation is a day surgery procedure that takes about 25 minutes for both eyes.

SMILE^® is able to treat short-sightedness between -1.00 diopters (100 degrees) to -10.00 diopters (1,000 degrees), and astigmatism of up to -5.00 diopters (500 degrees). There are certain cornea thickness requirements for the refractive error being treated. Your eye doctor will advise you accordingly.

Due to the smaller wound by minimally invasive surgery, SMILE^® results in a much stronger eye and less immediate post-operative discomfort and tearing. The use of a small incision also means that fewer corneal nerves are severed during the procedure, which also means less dry eye. With no flap created, flap displacement or dislodgement is not an issue, and so you will be less susceptible to trauma. SMILE^® is a good option for those who are involved in contact sports.

Most patients will experience a dramatic improvement in their vision a day after the surgery but attaining full visual potential may take some time. SMILE^® patients will notice their vision improving over time, with full restoration of their eyesight three to six months after the surgery.

What are the advantages of SMILE^®?

The smaller wound in SMILE^® helps to retain more tectonic strength for the cornea and there is less post-operative discomfort and tearing. The use of a small incision also preserves more corneal nerves during the procedure, resulting in less dry eye discomfort. In this flapless procedure, traumatic flap displacement or dislodgement is not an issue. Therefore, SMILE^® is an option for those who are involved in contact sports.

The SMILE^® Process: Preparing For Your SMILE^® Consultation

In this straightforward exercise in getting you prepared, our qualified and experienced paramedical staff will put your mind at ease. Your pre-operative examination at SNEC will include:

• A comprehensive eye examination

• An assessment of your refractive error

• A computerised mapping of the shape of your cornea

• A personal consultation with one of SNEC’s refractive surgeons

Please take note of the following:

• If you are currently using contact lenses, abstain from wearing them for two weeks for hard/rigid gas permeable lens and one week for soft lens prior to the consultation.

• Bring your most recent pair of eyeglasses for the consultation.

• Your consultation will take approximately three to four hours, as it will include a series of comprehensive tests. Do take this into consideration when you make plans for the day.

• Do not drive immediately after the consultation as you may experience blurred vision due to dilation of your pupils. You may want to consider bringing a pair of sunglasses to help shield your eyes from excessive glare.

• Bring along your identification card for registration and verification purposes.

Checklist for your surgery appointment with SNEC Laser Vision Centre:

1. Do not wear soft contact lenses for three days or hard/rigid gas permeable contact lenses for one week on the eye to be operated on prior to the surgery date.

2. On the day of the surgery:

• Do not use any makeup, perfume or hair care products

• Bring extra warm clothing as the laser suite can be cold

• Bring along the Surgery Booking Form

3. Continue to take any medication you require for medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

4. Fasting is not required, and you can have your normal meals.

5. If possible, arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure as you may be sedated.

6. Do not drive immediately after the procedure. Do arrange for private transport or take a taxi home.

SMILE^® surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure with no admission required. You will be ushered into the preparation room in the laser suite. You may be given a mild sedative or you may ask for one to help you relax. The nurse will then clean your eye and administer the anaesthetic eye drops to prepare you for the procedure. All the information required to correct your refractive error is programmed into the computer controlling the femtosecond laser by the surgeon.

You will be positioned on a bed under the operating microscope where the procedure will take place. Throughout the procedure, your surgeon will be constantly talking to you, explaining every step so that you will know what to expect. The procedure is painless, though you might feel some tightness in the eye during the procedure.

SMILE^® procedure is usually completed within 30 minutes.

Following your surgery, please take note of the following:

• Use the antibiotic eye drops every two hours until bedtime. On the following day, continue using the eye drops every four hours (four times a day) for one week or till further instructions from your ophthalmologist.

• Apply the eye lubricants once every 15 minutes until bedtime on the first day. Thereafter, you may use these lubricants as much as you need to manage the dry eyes.

FAQs on SMILE^®

What is the treatment range for SMILE^®?
SMILE^® is able to correct short-sightedness between -1.00 diopters (100 degrees) to -10.00 diopters (1,000 degrees), and astigmatism of up to -5.00 diopters (500 degrees). There are certain cornea thickness requirements for the refractive error being treated. Your ophthalmologist will advise you accordingly.

What are the benefits of SMILE^® treatment over other laser vision correction procedures?
The smaller wound in SMILE^® helps to retain more tectonic strength for the cornea and there is less post-operative discomfort and tearing.

The use of a small incision also preserves more corneal nerves during the procedure, resulting in less dry eye discomfort. In this flapless procedure, traumatic flap displacement or dislodgement is not an issue. Therefore, SMILE^® is an option for those who are involved in contact sports.

SMILE^® is a generally safe and highly accurate procedure with no major side effects. Minor side effects similar to other laser vision correction procedures are to be expected, and this will be discussed with your ophthalmologist.

After surgery, you will receive medicated eye drops and artificial tears together with a post-operative care instruction leaflet. The eye drops are generally prescribed for two weeks, and artificial tears for about one month. The first follow-up check is normally carried out the day after surgery. Further checks should follow at intervals of several weeks until you have regained stable vision. Your ophthalmologist will advise you.

Most patients will experience a dramatic improvement in their vision a day after the surgery but attaining full visual potential may take some time. SMILE^® patients may notice their vision improving over time, with full restoration of their eyesight three to six months after the surgery.

Yes, in the vast majority of patients, the correction achieved from SMILE^® surgery is permanent.

SMILE^® Fees

At the SNEC Laser Vision Centre, we are committed to providing quality and accessible ophthalmic eye care. Our rates are deliberated with the patient in mind.

For more information, please call: 

• Clinic Appointment and Enquiry - (65) 6322 8891
• Surgery Appointment - (65) 6322 9335
  

We accept payment by cash, NETS (subject to the daily limit), debit and credit cards (AMEX, VISA and Mastercard).