Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is emerging as a significant, minimally invasive alternative to traditional LASIK within the French refractive surgery sector. Unlike LASIK, which requires creating a hinged flap, SMILE utilizes a single femtosecond laser to create a lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea.

The lenticule is then removed through a very small, keyhole-sized incision. This 'flap-less' approach leads to less disruption of the corneal biomechanics, potentially reducing the risk of dry eye and providing faster visual recovery in the immediate post-operative period.

While LASIK remains the most popular procedure, the clinical benefits of minimal invasiveness are driving SMILE's adoption, particularly for treating myopia. The procedure showcases the continuous innovation and competition among surgical techniques, ensuring that the ophthalmic treatment domain offers patients a growing array of safe and effective vision correction options. Learn about the surgical differences and adoption rates of SMILE versus Femto-LASIK: Learn about the surgical differences and adoption rates of SMILE versus Femto-LASIK.

FAQ Q: How does SMILE differ from LASIK in the surgical steps? A: SMILE is a 'flap-less' procedure; it uses a single femtosecond laser to create and remove a lenticule through a tiny incision, whereas LASIK involves creating a large hinged flap.

Q: What is a key benefit often associated with the SMILE procedure? A: SMILE is associated with less corneal nerve disruption, which may lead to a reduced risk of post-operative dry eye compared to conventional LASIK.