SMILE takes a new approach to correcting your vision!
SMILE Laser Eye Surgery in San Jose – SMILE Vision Correction
“My SMILE procedure with Dr. Hyver was quick and easy, and I love not having to
wear my contact lenses and glasses anymore!”
Bay Area Orthodontist and
SMILE vision patient, Dr. Wendan Li
SMILE is one of the world's most popular treatment solutions for nearsightedness and astigmatism
SMILE is one of the world's most popular treatment solutions for nearsightedness and astigmatism
SMILE is one of the newest forms of laser vision correction, with more than three million SMILE procedures performed worldwide. Just like LASIK and PRK, SMILE is designed to correct your nearsightedness and astigmatism to help free you of your glasses and contact lenses. But compared to these other procedures, SMILE takes a different surgical approach, employing only a single femtosecond laser for your treatment.
“It’s so amazing to wake-up and see clearly, free of my glasses and contact lenses, thanks to Dr Hyver! ”
University Administrator and
SMILE vision patient, Claire Shaw
SMILE is one of the world's most popular treatment solutions for nearsightedness and astigmatism
SMILE is one of the newest forms of laser vision correction, with more than three million SMILE procedures performed worldwide. Just like LASIK and PRK, SMILE is designed to correct your nearsightedness and astigmatism to help free you of your glasses and contact lenses. But compared to these other procedures, SMILE takes a different surgical approach, employing only a single femtosecond laser for your treatment.
“It’s so amazing to wake-up and see clearly, free of my
glasses and contact lenses, thanks to Dr Hyver!”
University Administrator and
SMILE vision patient, Claire Shaw
How does SMILE work?
Dr. Hyver performs SMILE laser vision correction on the ZEISS Visumax femtosecond laser system. During the SMILE procedure, Dr. Hyver uses the Visumax to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue, called a “lenticule,” within the middle layer of the cornea. This incision allows the lenticule to be extracted through a small incision on the side of the cornea (hence the SMILE acronym: Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), thus completing the SMILE surgery.
In creating and removing this precisely-shaped lenticule, Dr. Hyver reshapes your cornea, correcting your visual error. From start to finish, the SMILE procedure takes just 15 minutes and is generally comfortable.
Dr. Hyver performs SMILE laser vision correction on the ZEISS Visumax femtosecond laser system. During the SMILE procedure, Dr. Hyver uses the Visumax to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue, called a “lenticule,” within the middle layer of the cornea. This incision allows the lenticule to be extracted through a small incision on the side of the cornea (hence the SMILE acronym: Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), thus completing the SMILE surgery.
In creating and removing this precisely-shaped lenticule, Dr. Hyver reshapes your cornea, correcting your visual error. From start to finish, the SMILE procedure takes just 15 minutes and is generally comfortable.
The ZEISS Visumax is the first FDA-approved platform for SMILE treatment in San Jose
The ZEISS Visumax is the first FDA-approved platform for SMILE treatment in San Jose
SMILE laser eye surgery was first performed in Germany in 2007. The idea was to focus the energy of a femtosecond laser, which emits pulses at extremely high frequencies, at a predetermined depth in the patient’s cornea to incise the lenticule, leaving the upper layers and surface of the cornea undisturbed. This method results in a less invasive surgical procedure. The ZEISS Visumax femtosecond laser was the first platform cleared by the FDA for SMILE surgery, gaining approval for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism in 2018. Shortly after, Dr. Hyver acquired the Visumax laser and began performing SMILE treatment.
How well will I see and what are the risks?
With today’s state-of-the-art laser technology, combined with Dr. Hyver’s extensive experience and a team dedicated to successful outcomes, it’s rare that our SMILE patients don’t see 20/20 vision or better. Like any medical procedure, however, SMILE is not without risks or alternatives. Learn more about SMILE results and safety in our FAQ and about SMILE safety here.
SMILE Laser eye surgery: cost considerations
For many patients, one of the top questions regarding SMILE is related to the overall cost of the procedure. When compared to traditional LASIK or other laser eye surgeries, SMILE presents a modern and highly effective alternative for those looking for vision correction. The SMILE eye surgery cost can vary depending on your clinic location, the technology used, and the surgeon’s expertise.
If you’re considering SMILE surgery in locations like San Jose or Santa Clara, it’s important to understand the investment in your vision. While the SMILE laser eye surgery price is an important factor, the long-term benefits, such as reduced reliance on glasses or contacts and enhanced vision, often make it a valuable option for many patients.
Your SMILE consultation is a great time to discuss various financing options, explore available treatment plans, and learn about insurance coverage for SMILE and how it may work with your existing health plan. Understanding the cost of SMILE eye surgery and the potential to achieve perfect vision can help you make a well-informed decision.
Comparing SMILE with LASIK and PRK
Many patients often ask, “How does SMILE eye surgery work?” The SMILE technique is unique in that it uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule in the cornea. This technique is less invasive than traditional LASIK eye surgery, where a flap is created in the cornea. The result is a quicker recovery time, which many patients find appealing.
You may wonder, “Smile vs LASIK eye surgery” or “Smile eye surgery vs PRK.” Both are effective laser vision correction options, but SMILE generally provides a more comfortable post-operative experience with a reduced risk of complications. It also has a quicker recovery period compared to PRK, making it an attractive choice for busy individuals.
What can I expect during the SMILE recovery period?
What can I expect during the SMILE recovery period?
During the first four hours after your SMILE procedure, your vision will be hazy (similar to looking through a film), and you’re likely to experience varying degrees of eye stinging, scratchiness, tearing, and light sensitivity.
One day after surgery, aside from a little dryness, your eyes should feel relatively normal, and your vision should be clear enough (80-90% of normal) to resume most of your regular activities. However, results vary from patient to patient, based on the patient’s preoperative prescription and on the type of work they perform.
Over the next few weeks, your vision should gradually sharpen to reach its best correction. While SMILE laser eye surgery recovery time is typically quick, some patients may experience mild dryness or irritation during the recovery period.
Recovery and aftercare
After your SMILE procedure, you’ll experience some eye discomfort and recovery time. Initially, you may have blurry vision, but most patients find their vision improves significantly after the first day. SMILE eye surgery recovery is typically quick compared to other types of laser eye surgery. However, the exact recovery time after smile eye surgery can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Post-Operative Care
As part of your SMILE laser eye surgery aftercare, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. You may be prescribed eye drops to help with dryness and protect your eyes from infection. Many patients also wonder about exercise after smile eye surgery, as physical activity should be avoided during the initial recovery period.
It’s important to give your eyes the time they need to heal properly. For some, it may take several weeks for their vision to stabilize fully. Understanding how long does it take to recover from smile eye surgery and following a proper recovery plan will ensure that your vision improves without complications.
Schedule Your Free SMILE Consultation
If you’re considering SMILE laser eye surgery in San Jose, contact our clinic for a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Hyver. Our San Jose location is ready to help you explore this refractive treatment option to achieve the perfect vision you’ve been searching for.
SMILE Eye Surgery FAQs
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a laser eye surgery procedure designed to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike traditional LASIK, which creates a flap in the cornea, SMILE uses a single femtosecond laser to create and remove a small tissue (called a lenticule) from the middle layer of the cornea, correcting the vision error.
After SMILE eye surgery, many patients experience hazy vision for the first few hours. Most patients see significant improvement within a day and can resume normal activities within a few days. Full recovery may take a few weeks, with vision gradually improving.
Yes, SMILE eye surgery is a safe and FDA-approved procedure for correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism. It has a high success rate, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. As with any surgery, there are some risks, but they are rare and typically involve temporary symptoms like dryness or glare.
Yes, SMILE is effective for treating astigmatism. The procedure can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism in the same way it corrects nearsightedness.
Insurance coverage for SMILE eye surgery varies depending on the provider and policy. It is considered an elective procedure, so many insurance plans do not cover it. However, some plans may offer partial coverage, or you may be able to use flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) to cover the cost.
The cost of SMILE eye surgery varies depending on location, the eye doctor’s expertise, and the technology used. Typically, the SMILE eye surgery price is similar to that of LASIK but may vary slightly. For example, the SMILE eye surgery cost in San Jose or Santa Clara may be higher due to the location and specialized technology.
SMILE recovery time is generally quicker than traditional LASIK surgery. Most patients notice significant improvement in their vision within a day, with full recovery typically occurring within a few weeks. Your eyes may feel dry during the initial recovery phase, but this is temporary.
It is recommended to avoid intense physical activity for the first week following SMILE surgery to allow your eyes to heal properly. After the initial recovery period, you can gradually return to your regular exercise routine.
Some common side effects of SMILE eye surgery include dry eyes, light sensitivity, and glare or halos around lights, especially at night. These symptoms are usually temporary and resolve within a few weeks as your eyes heal.
The effects of SMILE eye surgery are permanent, but your eyes may continue to change with age, so some patients may still need reading glasses as they get older. However, the vision correction from SMILE typically lasts for many years.
Before your SMILE procedure, you should avoid wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks, as they can alter the shape of your cornea. Additionally, make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions from your surgeon to ensure the best outcome.
Yes, SMILE is a great alternative to LASIK for patients who may not be candidates for LASIK or those seeking a less invasive method of vision correction.
Schedule your free SMILE consultation
with Dr. Scott Hyver at any
one of our three Bay Area offices.
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