Can Smile Pro Fix High Myopia?

Yes, SMILE PRO (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction PRO version) is suitable for patients with high myopia, correcting up to -10 diopters of refractive error. 

This advanced laser eye surgery is a promising solution for individuals with significant short-sightedness who are seeking an effective and minimally invasive way to improve their vision.

Understanding High Myopia

High myopia is a severe form of nearsightedness, where distant objects appear blurry due to elongation of the eyeball or changes in the cornea. This refractive error typically exceeds -6.00 diopters, and it can sometimes reach as high as -10 or more.

High myopia isn’t just about struggling with blurry vision; it might also lead to complications such as myopic maculopathy (damage to the retina), glaucoma, or retinal detachment. For many patients, wearing thick glasses or high-powered contact lenses becomes a significant part of life, yet these solutions aren’t always convenient or comfortable. This is where laser vision correction surgeries, such as SMILE PRO, become attractive options.

What is SMILE PRO?

SMILE PRO stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, and as the name suggests, it involves a minimally invasive incision to correct vision. Developed as an enhancement of the original SMILE procedure, SMILE PRO introduces even greater precision using advanced femtosecond laser technology.

During the procedure, a small incision is made in the cornea with the laser. A tiny disc-shaped piece of tissue called a lenticule, is then removed to reshape the cornea and correct the refractive error. Unlike traditional methods such as LASIK, SMILE PRO requires no flap creation, making it less invasive and reducing recovery time.

Why Is SMILE PRO Suitable for High Myopia?

High myopia requires significant reshaping of the cornea to effectively correct vision. Not all laser surgeries can deal with the extreme curvature needed for correction. However, SMILE PRO offers a solution with the following benefits:

• Higher Diopter Range: SMILE PRO is specifically designed to target higher degrees of myopia and is capable of treating up to -10 diopters, which makes it highly efficient for severe cases.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves only a small incision, reducing the risk of complications compared to traditional methods.
• Adequate Tissue Preservation: Because no large flap is required—as in LASIK—SMILE PRO preserves more of the corneal structure, which is particularly important for patients with thinner corneas (common in high myopia).
• Enhanced Precision: Advanced femtosecond laser technology ensures a precise lenticule extraction, improving the chances of successful correction in cases of severe refractive error.

The SMILE PRO Procedure

1. Pre-Surgery Assessment

Before undergoing SMILE PRO, patients will need a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an ophthalmologist. This includes measuring the corneal thickness, evaluating the severity of the refractive error, and ruling out any contraindications, such as corneal diseases or retinal complications.

2. The Surgery

• The procedure typically takes just 10-15 minutes, with the laser component taking only 10 seconds per eye, and it’s performed under local anaesthesia (eye drops).
• A femtosecond laser creates a lenticule (a thin piece of corneal tissue) inside the cornea.
• The surgeon makes a tiny incision of about 2–4 millimetres to remove the lenticule, effectively reshaping the cornea.

3. Post-Operative Care

Patients can usually expect rapid recovery, with most returning to regular activities within just 24 hours. The use of prescribed eye drops helps prevent infection and dryness during the healing process. Follow-up appointments ensure the cornea is healing properly and vision correction is stable.

Benefits of SMILE PRO for High Myopia Patients

1. Improved Vision

The majority of patients experience improved vision within just a day. Those with high levels of myopia often report significantly sharper vision, reducing or even eliminating their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

2. Reduced Risk of Complications

• No flap creation means no risk of flap-related complications, such as displacement or infection, which is especially valuable for active individuals.
• A smaller incision also reduces the chances of post-operative dry eye syndrome compared to LASIK.

3. Faster Recovery

With its minimally invasive technique, SMILE PRO allows for quick healing and fewer restrictions during recovery. High myopia patients particularly benefit from this as they often have long-term struggles with vision correction.

4. Stability Over Time

Studies have shown that SMILE procedures provide long-term stability of vision correction. The durability of results ensures high myopia patients can enjoy clear vision for years to come.

Are There Limitations to SMILE PRO?

While SMILE PRO is a highly effective treatment for high myopia, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are a few considerations:

• Eligibility: Patients with certain corneal conditions, autoimmune diseases, or a history of eye infections may not qualify for the procedure.
• Astigmatism Correction: While SMILE PRO can correct some cases of astigmatism, its effectiveness is slightly lower than LASIK for severe astigmatism.
• Long-Term Studies: Although SMILE PRO itself is relatively new, the original SMILE procedure has a strong history of success. However, some patients may prefer more established methods like LASIK or PRK.

Comparing SMILE PRO to Other Laser Vision Correction Options

For high myopia patients, understanding how SMILE PRO compares to other options is vital.

Clearly, SMILE PRO stands out as a superior choice for patients with high myopia due to its ability to treat higher diopter ranges and its minimally invasive nature.

Cost of SMILE PRO

The cost of SMILE PRO varies depending on the region and clinic but is typically higher than LASIK or PRK due to its advanced technology. While this is a significant consideration for patients, the benefits—particularly for high myopia—often justify the expense. Some providers also offer payment plans, making the procedure more accessible.

Is SMILE PRO the Right Choice for You?

Deciding whether SMILE PRO is suitable depends on several factors, including the degree of myopia, corneal health, and personal preferences. A detailed consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist is essential to determine your eligibility and explore the best options for your vision correction.

Final Thoughts

SMILE PRO is a game-changing procedure for patients with high myopia, offering precision, safety, and excellent visual outcomes. With its ability to correct up to -10 diopters and its minimally invasive approach, it provides a welcome alternative to traditional corrective measures such as glasses, contacts, or older laser surgeries.

If you’re struggling with high myopia and are considering laser eye surgery, this advanced technology could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Schedule a consultation with a refractive surgery specialist to explore whether SMILE PRO is the right choice for you. A world of clear vision awaits!