Since its introduction in the 1980s, several different laser vision correction treatments were developed, each with its own unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The treatment techniques include PRK, LASIK, SMILE, SMILE Pro and variations on each of these themes.

Since many different variables will determine the optimal type of laser treatment for your particular set of circumstances, the preferred procedure for each eye can only be decided after a thorough examination. With approximately 30 years of experience in the field of corneal refractive laser corrections, Dr Potgieter is uniquely qualified to recommend and perform the type of procedure that will give you the best possible outcome.

SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is a new paradigm for refractive surgery and was first performed by doctors Sekundo and Blum from Germany in 2008.  Since then it emerged as a novel corneal refractive technique and introduced new levels of precision with several unique characteristics, as well as the established benefits of LASIK.  We, at Optimed Eye and Laser Clinic, were some of the early adopters of the technique and introduced it into South Africa in 2012.

Over the past 10 years, further enhancements to the technique as well as equipment was made, leading to the very latest in laser refractive surgery, namely SMILE Pro.

Several enhancements were made to SMILE Pro above and beyond SMILE, which involve a complete redesign of the hardware on the new Visumax 800 femtosecond laser from Zeiss.  These include:

• A 3x faster procedure, lasting approximately 10 seconds per eye
• The ability to treat all types of refractive errors, namely shortsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) with or without astigmatism
• Enhanced safety features
• Smart robotic assistance with:
  • Electronic centering of the laser treatment
  • Iris pattern recognition for precise alignment of astigmatic corrections 
• An ergonomic design that aids in patient comfort

Advantages and Relative Disadvantages of Smile

• Because of the advanced all-laser procedure and small incision:

  • The risk of flap complications is negated, as there is no flap.

  • The risk of infection is extremely small, since the only portal for entry of organisms is the small 2.63 mm incision as opposed to the whole edge of the flap in Lasik and FLEx.

  • The integrity and biomechanical stability of the cornea is largely preserved, which means that your corrected vision should remain stable for many years.

  • The procedure has excellent predictability, even for high levels of myopia.  Therefore, the need for a second procedure to enhance the first is rare.

  • Because most of the corneal nerves remain intact, patients generally experience less 'dry eyes' compared to Lasik.

  • It made laser vision correction possible for some patients who would previously have been regarded as unsuitable candidates.

  • A survey of patients, who had the SMILE procedure, shows very high levels of satisfaction with their overall experience and the advantages they experienced:

    • The amazing precision of the equipment.

    • The extremely good visual results.

    • The gentle treatment method.

    • The considerably more freedom without visual aids.

    • The ability to practice professions, hobbies and sport without restriction.

    • The increased personal self-confidence.

• SMILE is a relatively new procedure, which is now exceeded by SMILE Pro.  At Optimed Eye and Laser Clinic, we are excited to be the first facility in South Africa to offer you the latest in refractive laser technology...  SMILE Pro!

• Because of its extremely high precision and sophistication, Femtosecond laser equipment is considerably more expensive than excimer lasers (PRK and LASIK), which affects the cost of a SMILE Pro treatment.  Many patients nevertheless regard its advantages sufficiently important to choose it instead of one of the other laser alternatives.