Link: Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)

The SMILE procedure, while still in its early stages, seems to be a promising alternative to LASIK in some cases.

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a relatively new refractive procedure designed to treat a multitude of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. The procedure involves using a femtosecond laser to create a corneal lenticule which is extracted whole through a small incision without the use of an excrimer laser. It is reported to achieve effects similar to laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with excellent post-operative outcomes.   Read the full article from EyeWiki

Dr. Dexter's Take

Have you heard of the new SMILE procedure? SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a relatively new refractive surgery procedure that has recently been studied as an alternative to LASIK surgery. This procedure involves the creation of an intrastromal lenticule using a femtosecond laser. The lenticule is then extracted from a small tunnel incision in the peripheral cornea.

The surgeon alters the parameters of the lenticule in order to correct for the patient's specific refractive error. Some promising advantages of the SMILE procedure over LASIK include less dry eye post-operatively, faster healing and corneal nerve regeneration, and better corneal biomechanical properties following surgery. This procedure is not FDA approved in the US, but several sites are offering clinical trials. Don't be surprised is patients start asking about this procedure as an option to correct their vision!