Also Offering SMILE for Dunwoody & Johns Creek
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What are the Benefits of SMILE?
SMILE has been safely and successfully performed since 2011, giving millions of people the opportunity to achieve the clear vision they deserve without some of the risks associated with other vision correction treatments. SMILE technology has a proven safety record; serious complications during or after treatment are very rare.
SMILE is also extremely fast. It only takes Dr. Ashraf a few minutes to complete treatment, and the laser is in contact with the eye for approximately 24 seconds.
SMILE is generally associated with short recovery times. You will be able to resume your normal routine quickly after surgery, with little to no discomfort. The microscopic incisions made during the surgery heal within a day or so. There is no risk of flap-related complications that are possible after LASIK. And, unlike PRK, the corneal epithelial cells do not need to regenerate in the days and weeks following SMILE surgery.
Another important benefit of SMILE is that because it does not involve the creation of a corneal flap, it is less disruptive to the overall strength and integrity of the cornea. The treatment is so gentle and comfortable that many patients say they cannot feel anything at all. SMILE keeps more corneal nerves intact than other vision correction procedures, so there is less likelihood of post-operative corneal sensitivity and dry eye symptoms.
HIGH-TECH
The procedure is done with a high-tech precision laser.
FAST PROCEDURE
Simple and takes about 6 to 8 minutes in its entirety.
EASY RECOVERY
Recovery is a breeze, requiring minimal post-op care.
PAINLESS
Surgery is quick and easy. Most people are amazed how effortless it is.
QUICK RESULTS
Experience substantially improved eyesight just a few hours after surgery.
How Does it Work?
It is a flapless procedure that has all the combined advantages of surface ablation (PRK) and LASIK. It is PRK without pain and LASIK without a flap. SMILE is a flapless, bladeless, noiseless, odorless procedure.
The entire laser procedure takes less than 30 seconds.
1st Generation Vision Correction
PRK Surface Ablation Surgery
Visual correction is performed directly to the cornea. Vision improvement is immediate, but recovery is longer and there is some discomfort.
2nd Generation Vision Correction
LASIK Flap Surgery
The most common and popular vision correction procedure. Quick recovery with minimal complications.
Equipped with the latest technologies, Atlanta Vision Institute is greater-Atlanta’s preferred center for vision correction surgeries. Our team of advanced eye care specialists offers the latest enhancements in eye surgery, including SMILE laser vision correction. Dr. Ashraf is the only surgeon in the Atlanta area to offer the SMILE modality in addition to PRK and standard LASIK eye surgeries.
The team at Atlanta Vision Institute has performed tens of thousands of successful laser eye surgeries and we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of surgical techniques and procedures, adapting to innovations in the industry. He is the first surgeon in the region to provide the cutting-edge 3rd generation of laser vision correction, SMILE, a procedure that provides a quicker recovery time and healthier eyes.
What is SMILE Surgery?
SMILE stands for small incision lenticule extraction and is approved by the U.S. FDA. This procedure is increasing in popularity and has been performed successfully on over 800,000 eyes worldwide. SMILE is gradually replacing LASIK as the go-to laser vision correction surgery, and we are proud to offer it right here, at Atlanta Vision Institute.
What’s the Difference Between SMILE and LASIK?
During LASIK surgery, a small flap in your corneal tissue is created so an excimer laser can reshape your cornea. With SMILE, an excimer laser is not used, and a corneal flap is not made. Instead, your surgeon uses a Femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea. The recovery for this less invasive procedure is twice as fast as LASIK and relatively effortless, meaning you can enjoy your perfect vision sooner and pain-free.
What are the Benefits of SMILE?
SMILE is generally associated with short recovery times. You will be able to resume your normal routine quickly after surgery, with little to no discomfort. The microscopic incisions made during the surgery heal within a day or so. There is no risk of flap-related complications that are possible after LASIK. And, unlike PRK, the corneal epithelial cells do not need to regenerate in the days and weeks following SMILE surgery.
Another important benefit of SMILE is that because it does not involve the creation of a corneal flap, it is less disruptive to the overall strength and integrity of the cornea.
Is SMILE Right for Me?
SMILE allows you to experience 20/20 vision without any corrective eyewear. SMILE is a great option if you are:
- Highly active
- Exposed to occupational hazards (firefighters, police, military)
- Prone to dry, irritated eyes
- Need a rapid recovery
- Worried about post-operative pain
- At least 22 years of age
- Have a stable vision prescription
SMILE is designed for the correction of myopia between -1 and -10 and up to 3 diopters of astigmatism. When evaluating you for SMILE, Dr. Ashraf will perform a comprehensive eye examination to check whether your eyes are in general good health. He will review your vision prescription with you to ensure it has not changed drastically in the past year. Operating while your prescription is unstable can interfere with the precision and accuracy of your results.
Other contraindications for SMILE include the following:
- Pre-existing advanced glaucoma
- Cataracts that interfere with vision
- Uncontrolled diabetes or other systemic health conditions that could affect healing
- Being pregnant or nursing
- History of certain eye infections
- Insufficient corneal thickness
- History of excess scarring or keloid scar formation
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ashraf to see how you can benefit from his advanced SMILE procedure.
Firefighter SMILE/LASIK Procedure
SMILE Procedure
SMILE LASIK - No Flap
SMILE LASIK Vision Correction
SMILE vs LASIK NBC Video
How SMILE is Performed
SMILE LASIK
Frequently Asked Questions About SMILE
What type of laser is used for SMILE?
Dr. Ashraf uses the FDA-approved Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser, which is praised by laser eye surgeons for its precision, accuracy and speed.
How much does SMILE cost?
The cost of SMILE treatment depends on the individual treatment plan. Our team would be happy to discuss pricing with you after a consultation to learn more about your needs.
What are the steps of the procedure?
First, your eyes will be numbed to prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort. You may also choose to take an oral medication to help you relax and stay comfortable during the procedure.
Next, Dr. Ashraf will use the femtosecond laser to create a tiny lens-shaped cut in your cornea. He will then remove a small disc of tissue through a separate incision; this produces the corneal shape change needed to improve the focusing power of your eye.
The procedure takes less than eight minutes.
When can I resume work after SMILE?
Plan to return to work the very next day after SMILE. You may choose to have your surgery on a Friday so you can take the weekend to relax and then return to work on Monday.
What will my vision be like after SMILE surgery?
Your vision may be slightly hazy and you may have some temporary light sensitivity or glare for a few days after surgery. Dr. Ashraf recommends resting your eyes if you experience sensitivity to light.
Will I need glasses or contacts after SMILE?
For most patients, SMILE allows them to see as well or better than they did with glasses or contacts. Of course if you are 40 or older, you may need reading glasses. Dr. Ashraf can discuss the likelihood of needing corrective eyewear after SMILE, based on your specific refractive error, prescription, age and other individualized factors.
Is financing available for SMILE?
Yes, we offer laser eye surgery financing through several plans, including GreenSky and CareCredit. Please inquire with a member of our team about your financing options.
Another option is to use funds from an employer-sponsored health savings account (HAS) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for SMILE.
How often does Dr. Ashraf perform the SMILE procedure?
Dr. Ashraf is very experienced with the SMILE procedure (as well as the other forms of modern laser eye surgery). With his expertise, he can determine the procedure best suited to your needs.
Rest assured Dr. Ashraf is extremely proficient in the advanced technology used during SMILE, and that he will work carefully and thoroughly to give you the best visual results possible.
I’ve heard SMILE is new. Can I trust that it’s safe?
Laser eye surgeons around the world have been performing SMILE since 2011. To date, over 3 million procedures have been performed with the advanced SMILE technology. Although SMILE has not been around as long as LASIK, the procedure has a reliable safety profile. It is minimally invasive and ultra-precise, offering a comfortable recovery and a rapid return to your regular activities.
Dr. Ashraf will go over the SMILE candidacy requirements and potential risks with you so you feel informed and confident when considering your options. Working with a provider as knowledgeable and experienced as Dr. Ashraf can put some of your concerns about the procedure’s safety to rest.
All my friends have had LASIK and loved their results. Why should I consider SMILE?
If your friends and colleagues have praised the benefits of LASIK vision correction, you may wonder why you should consider SMILE.
Remember that everyone’s eyes are completely unique. What works best for your eye anatomy and characteristics may not be the right fit for someone else, and vice versa.
And although the results of LASIK and SMILE are comparable in terms of predictability and consistency, SMILE’s proven technology is newer and the way the procedure is performed can eliminate some of the risks associated with older procedures like LASIK.
If you are looking for flapless, bladeless, effortless vision correction, SMILE is worth a conversation with Dr. Ashraf. He will walk you through your options and help you pick the treatment that is most likely to safely give you the outcomes you want.
Learn More About SMILE Surgery
If you would like to learn more about the procedures and treatments offered at Atlanta Vision Institute, feel free to call or email us with your questions, or come in for a consultation. Dr. Ashraf understands the sensitivity and concerns about eye treatment, and is happy to answer all of your questions about your procedure.
To schedule an appointment, call (770) 622-2488. Or, fill out our easy online form, and one of our staff members will get back with you shortly.
Please Take Our LASIK or Cataract Surgery Quiz
Take our vision quiz to find out if you qualify for LASIK or cataract surgery!
