Comprehensive Guide to SMILE LASIK Recovery at Gangnam Eye Clinic
Many people who rely on glasses or contact lenses for vision correction consider refractive surgery in the cooler months of autumn or winter. This is often because they worry about sweat and stickiness causing inflammation during the hot summer months. While this is a valid concern, with diligent post-operative care, summer surgeries pose no significant issues. Complications from refractive surgery usually stem from inadequate aftercare. With proper attention and focus, achieving the desired visual acuity is entirely possible.
The types of refractive surgery have expanded significantly. In the past, LASIK and LASEK were the primary options. Now, there's All-Laser LASIK, LASEK, SMILE LASIK, CLEAR LASIK, and ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery. Instead of being overwhelmed by the choices, it's best to visit Gangnam Eye Clinic for a thorough examination and consultation to determine the most suitable procedure. The ideal surgery isn't based on preference but on individual eye conditions. Just as people look different, corneal thickness, shape, retina, and vision vary from person to person. Therefore, pre-operative examination and consultation, considering your lifestyle, are crucial for selecting the right surgical approach.
Looking at the representative procedures, LASIK involves creating a corneal flap by cutting the cornea more than 20mm to correct vision. Because it removes a significant amount of corneal tissue, it might not be suitable for individuals with thin corneas or high myopia. Since the flap is simply repositioned rather than fixed, strong impacts to the eye post-surgery could lead to flap displacement or tears, requiring careful consideration of daily activities. However, LASIK offers minimal post-operative pain and a faster recovery, making it a viable option for those working indoors or with low risk of eye trauma.
LASEK, on the other hand, involves removing only the thin corneal epithelium with alcohol or a brush to correct vision. This method removes less corneal tissue than LASIK, making it suitable for thin corneas or high myopia. However, because the corneal epithelium contains pain-sensitive cells, patients experience significant pain during the regeneration period, and the visual recovery is slower. Planning with ample recovery time is important. Once healed, LASEK offers greater resistance to external impacts and higher stability. The reduced incision also ensures sufficient residual corneal thickness for various corneal conditions.
Given the pros and cons of LASIK and LASEK, a thorough examination and consultation at Gangnam Eye Clinic are essential for surgical planning. Recently, there has been growing interest in SMILE LASIK due to numerous positive reviews. SMILE doesn't involve creating a flap like LASIK or removing the epithelium like LASEK. Instead, a femtosecond laser creates a lenticule (a small piece of tissue) within the cornea corresponding to the refractive correction needed. This lenticule is then removed through a small 2-3mm incision, correcting vision. The removal of the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, thereby correcting refractive errors.
As a laser-based procedure, SMILE minimizes unnecessary incisions and damage, resulting in a very rapid recovery. With sufficient rest on the day of surgery, many patients experience noticeable vision improvement and can resume light daily activities the next day. However, if the lenticule isn't properly separated or if errors occur during its removal, long-term post-operative treatment might be necessary, and the visual outcome may be compromised. Lenticule separation is performed manually by the surgeon, making it crucial to choose a surgeon with extensive clinical experience and a deep understanding of the procedure and equipment.
The popularity of SMILE LASIK is due to its rapid recovery and the advanced equipment used. The procedure utilizes the VisuMax 500, which operates at low energy levels. Earlier lasers required higher energy settings, but the VisuMax 500 adjusts the laser settings based on individual eye conditions, minimizing trauma and accelerating recovery. By preserving the eye's structure, it also reduces the risk of complications. Its rapid 500kHz laser speed ensures smooth visual quality, and the fully automated eye fixation system prevents eye movement, ensuring stable surgical outcomes.
While SMILE offers quick recovery and a return to daily activities, post-operative care is still essential for eye stabilization. Absolute rest is needed on the day of surgery, and electronic device use should be limited. Protective eyewear is recommended outdoors to prevent dust or debris from entering the eyes, and water exposure should be minimized for about three days. Avoid rubbing your eyes during sleep to prevent corneal abrasions, and use prescribed eye drops as directed to minimize inflammation.
In simple terms, SMILE LASIK is a third-generation vision correction surgery that addresses the shortcomings of traditional LASIK and LASEK. While it offers a broad range of correction, it's not suitable for everyone. If you're considering SMILE, consult with an eye clinic for an examination to determine the safest and most appropriate surgical option for your eye condition and look forward to clear, glasses-free vision.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/whgus4231/224070984820
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