Has anyone had this done or personally know someone close to them that has had it? I've been doing a lot of research and it seems to be a slightly less invasive procedure than lasik with similar results. However, no one I have talked to seems to know anything about it or know anyone that has had it.

Not many surgeons are doing it. I personally don't think it's as accurate as LASIK and definitely not an advantage over current LASIK technology. Also, if an enhancement (touch-up) required afterwards, those are quite difficult. We've done LASIK/PRK at my office every month or so for almost 20 years and we've yet to do a single SMILE procedure and don't anticipate ever doing one. Our surgeon won't do the procedure on anyone. Also, the limitations are that it only treats myopia (nearsightedness) and will not correct astigmatism over .50 diopter. Basically you have to have a pretty spherical shaped eye that is nearsighted only or you're not a good candidate. On the other hand, LASIK can correct just about any prescription out there as long as the eye is healthy. My professional opinion would be that I wouldn't recommend it because it's not an advantage over current technology.

As a side note, look up Jessica Starr and her SMILE procedure. She was a meteorologist in the Detroit area.

Dr. B

I'm a LASIK survivor. I'd recommend it.

bamaeyedoc.....

have you or would you have LASIK? I work at UAB/Callahan and it surprises me how many surgeons will do the procedure all day long, but wouldn't dare dream of having it done. I'm assuming you're and OD.......and curious as to your opinion on the matter.

I had it done years ago before I was even in the healthcare side of things and have had good luck. Funny thing, the eye doctor I go to here in B'ham are a father/son combo. I have seen both at different times over the years. Father is super conservative in treatment and now that I am older and my eyes are changing. The son is like, we can do this or that....but the father is like, I'm not gonna do it. Father is worried about the corneal flap s/p LASIK.

Weatheby, I'm not a good candidate for the procedure. My distance vision is still pretty good and requires only a mild prescription for part time wear. I wear the weakest contact lenses available when I hunt. I would never recommend anyone with my mild Rx to have a refractive procedure performed. I need readers to see up close and I don't want to give up any more distance vision to get out of reading glasses.

To your point, I know several docs that do the procedure and will not have it done on themselves although I do know one ophthalmologist locally that did have it. I have a radiologist friend who had it done as well. The 3 docs that I worked with all had LASIK with great results.

I think LASIK is the closest thing to a medical miracle that I've ever seen. It has improved the quality of life for millions of people here and abroad. My office was the first optometry office in Alabama to set up a LASIK suite and bring in a surgeon to our practice. That was back in 2000 or 2001 I think. So I've seen hundreds of patients that who had a beautiful outcome. A lot of my close friends have had it done here and my daughter had it done here as well.

Dr. B

Thanks for the input, everyone I know that has had lasik is pleased with the results for the most part. I just worry about the possible long term effects of having the corneal flap or the possible effects of any elective eye surgery for that matter.

I still see LASIK patients who had it done back when it was first approved and they are still doing great. Many in fact have reached the age of needing cataract surgery since their LASIK procedure and have all sailed through it as well. As with any surgery, it is not without risks. However, in the hands of an experienced surgeon the chance of having a great outcome is close to 99%. It all comes down to doing your due diligence and educating yourself. Weighing pros and cons and risk vs benefits. I’ve never talked a single person into LASIK and never will. However, I have talked many out of having it done. My job is to educate and inform, not to convince someone to have an elective surgical procedure.

Dr. B

I’ve thought about it several times but the procedure itself sounds terrifying.

PM to you Doc

No experience with SMILE, but I had Lasik in 2008 and still see just as good now as right after the procedure.

I'm saving for LASIK, but everytime I think I got the coin to get it done Momma and the kids find a way to spend it. Aint gonna mess with that SMILE crap, LASIK works.