Can ZEISS SMILE Eliminate the Need for Glasses or Contacts?
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Blurry vision can disrupt nearly every part of daily life, from your favorite activities to your education and even your career. For people who are nearsighted or have astigmatism, glasses and contacts can certainly help, but corrective eyewear comes with its own downsides. At Wang Vision Institute in Nashville, TN, Harvard & MIT (MD); PhD (laser physics) graduate Dr. Ming Wang was the first in the state to offer ZEISS SMILE — a small-incision LASIK procedure — to help patients reduce or even eliminate their reliance on glasses and contacts.
While SMILE eye surgery provides a modern solution for many people seeking long-lasting freedom from glasses and contacts, it's important to understand that not everyone will have 20/20 vision after SMILE eye surgery. Still, most patients enjoy dramatically clearer vision. Learn more about what potential results you may achieve with ZEISS SMILE.
How does ZEISS SMILE work for nearsightedness?
ZEISS SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) uses advanced femtosecond laser technology to reshape the cornea without the need to create a larger corneal flap, as is required with traditional LASIK surgery. Instead, a small disc-shaped piece of tissue called a lenticule is formed within the cornea and removed through a tiny incision. This less invasive, more precise technique allows the cornea to change shape and correct refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism with a quicker recovery and reduced risk of dry eye after surgery.
Will I still need glasses after SMILE surgery?
For many people, SMILE can significantly reduce or even get rid of the need for glasses or contact lenses. The procedure is designed to correct common vision problems by physically reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive errors responsible for blurry vision. While SMILE eye surgery outcomes vary slightly from person to person, a large percentage of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better following the procedure. Still, it's important to keep in mind that it is possible you may still need glasses after laser eye surgery for certain activities, such as driving at night.
Who qualifies for SMILE eye surgery?
Not everyone who wears glasses or contacts may be considered a good candidate for SMILE eye surgery, but many are. Generally speaking, ideal candidates for SMILE eye surgery are those who meet the following criteria:
- Nearsighted with mild to moderate astigmatism
- Over the age of 21
- Have a stable glasses or contact prescription
- Have healthy corneas
- Are in good health overall
Even if you are not considered eligible for SMILE surgery, you may still qualify for another procedure to help correct your vision. During your consultation, Dr. Wang will perform a full eye evaluation to determine if SMILE or another laser vision correction procedure may be the most appropriate and effective option for helping you remove the need glasses and contacts.
What are the long-term results of SMILE eye surgery?
One of the most exciting benefits of SMILE laser vision correction is how quickly patients begin seeing results — which, for many patients, is often within 24 – 48 hours. After that, most patients enjoy long-lasting vision correction, with some not needing glasses or contacts again. While vision may change gradually over time due to natural aging, SMILE can provide years' or even decades' worth of life-changing, clearer vision.
Start seeing life clearly with ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery in Nashville, TN
Living with glasses or contacts can be inconvenient, but it doesn't have to be your only option. At Wang Vision Institute, one of the most experienced centers for SMILE small-incision LASIK, our team is proud to offer a full range of laser vision correction procedures to help patients experience clearer vision with fewer limitations. If you're finally ready to say so long to your glasses or contacts, call us to schedule your Nashville laser eye surgery consultation with Dr. Ming Wang — who has performed over 55,000 laser vision procedures including on over 4,000 doctors — and discover if a brighter, future without lenses may be possible for you.