What Is SMILE
SMILE, also known as third generation Laser Vision Correction, is a state-of-the-art procedure that is less invasive, has minimal downtime as well as less discomfort. This procedure is perfect for people who suffer from nearsightedness with astigmatism. SMILE is a LASIK-like procedure available to improve their vision with all the benefits of traditional LASIK.
Benefits of SMILE
When searching for a “SMILE doctor near me”, there are benefits of this procedure that you should know when compared to LASIK and PRK. During your consultation at one of our SMILE clinics, we will go into more detail but the following is a good summary. SMILE involves one laser (femtosecond laser) compared to two for LASIK. The incision is two clock hours on the surface versus 10 clock hours with LASIK. SMILE is sometimes referred to as a “key-hole” surgery, which simply means that like its name, it is a small incision surgery. Since we are not creating a flap, the surface of the cornea maintains its natural exterior structure. Like PRK, SMILE is an option for those involved in contact sports that do not allow for eye shields or guards, such as boxing, martial arts, etc.
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GET CONSULTATIONHow SMILE Vision Correction Works
If you are looking to have SMILE in Kansas City, it is performed at both of our eye surgery centers. Our SMILE specialist, Dr. John Doane, and team will help you navigate this process from start to finish. As a principal investigator, Dr. Doane and Discover Vision Centers have been an FDA study site for SMILE approval in the United States since 2012. What does this mean? We have helped thousands of people achieve their vision goals with this procedure. SMILE is performed with the VisuMax femtosecond laser from Carl Zeiss Meditec. Both nearsightedness and astigmatism can be corrected with SMILE. The laser creates a small lens-shaped piece of tissue called a lenticule within the cornea. The laser also creates a small arc-shaped or key-hole incision on the surface of the cornea. This opening allows the surgeon to remove the lenticule. Once removed, the surface shape is changed to allow for a more perfect focus of vision. SMILE can treat low to high levels of nearsightedness and most patients with astigmatism. Many studies have shown less dry eye and greater preservation of biomechanical stability.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from SMILE Eye Surgery?
The SMILE cure for nearsightedness and astigmatism can have you back to regular activities the very next day. Nearly all patients that have SMILE eye surgery are comfortable and able to drive and return to work one day post-operatively. Vision will continue to improve and get sharper over the next 7-10 days as the eye heals.
LASIK vs SMILE
SMILE Clinical Research
Options for Refractive Surgery
Astigmatism and Refractive Surgery
Discover Vision First to Offer SMILE Vision Correction
Discover Vision Centers is proud to offer our patients the latest advancements in vision correction. Now, we are excited to announce the first minimally invasive, flapless technology – the only solution for performing small incision lenticule extraction, or SMILE for short. Discover Vision is 1 of only 5 clinics in the country at the forefront of SMILE vision correction technology. This new refractive procedure combines the benefits of PRK and LASIK. It is designed to treat a multitude of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. Results have shown several benefits, including highly successful visual outcomes, minimally invasive laser vision correction and enhanced patient comfort.
Discover Vision Involved in SMILE Vision Correction FDA Trials
The approval of the SMILE procedure represents the first significant FDA approval for a new refractive procedure in over 2 decades. Discover Vision Centers and John Doane, MD were instrumental in developing the procedure. Having been involved with the trial as an FDA clinical investigation site for the past 7 years, Discover Vision was the single largest enrollment site in the FDA trial performing the most SMILE procedures in the country.
“We’re excited to be part of this milestone,” said Dr. John Doane. “Safety is the hallmark of vision correction surgery and with the SMILE procedure we are providing the safest procedure in line with modern small incision technology for the quickest healing and return to visual freedom.” He added, “Importantly, we continue to move forward in our mission to blend surgical expertise with the latest technology. This ensures our patients receive the very best care available.”
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Amazing Clinical Results
- 357 eyes were analyzed and evaluated in five study centers
- All the eyes had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better before the operation
- Consistent results with very good predictability
- Very close to target refraction
- Valid across entire range of correction, from low to high-level myopia
- At 6 months, 99% of eyes achieved a UCVA of 20/40 or better.
- At 6 months, 84% of eye had a UCVA of 20/20 or better.
Our Vision Correction Doctors
John Doane, MD
Discover Vision Centers has been serving the Kansas City community for over 50 years. Dr. John Doane has been performing laser vision correction since 1995. He has been ranked among the top 5% of Laser vision surgeons in the country. Our Refractive Team has performed over 45,000 vision correction procedures and has been instrumental in pioneering the latest solutions in Vision Correction and advanced microsurgery. For more information on SMILE, call 816.283.EYES.
Randy T. Jackson, MD
Dr. Randy T. Jackson is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in refractive surgery, including SMILE, LASIK Laser Vision Correction, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Full Focus® Vision Correction and cataract surgery. For more information on SMILE, call 816.283.EYES.
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A Discover Vision patient who participated in the study had this to say about his experience with SMILE vision correction:
“I had this done as part of the clinical study. I have had vision correction since I was 6 and my prescription was -8.25 (practically blind without glasses / contacts) I was so tired of dealing with lenses in every day life and when I got to be adventurous. I had contacts come out while skiing, swimming, snorkeling, running, and many other inconvenient times. I was so grateful be to eligible for the trial and this surgery changed my life forever! There are still times I wake up in morning and am amazed I can see my alarm clock. Thank you To Discover, Dr Doane and his team and Zeiss for this opportunity. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
-Eric H., Discover Vision SMILE patient
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ReLEx SMILE Surgery FAQs
How Much is SMILE Eye Surgery in Kansas City?
At Discover Vision Centers, we do not charge more for one procedure versus another. For SMILE, LASIK, or PRK, the cost is the same and depends on the amount of correction needed, or the power of one’s glasses or contact lens prescription. Our goal is to provide the best technology and vision correction procedure based on each individual’s needs, and not have cost be the determining factor.
How long does the SMILE procedure take to complete?
The SMILE procedure itself takes about 15 minutes to complete. Prior to surgery, you have the option to take medication that helps you to relax. The medication is administered by our medical team and takes about 30 to 40 minutes to take effect. After the procedure is complete, you are provided with instruction on care and what to expect over the following hours and days. You will also be seen by our team the following day for a “post-op” check up, either in person or through a telehealth video appointment with one of our doctors.
Is smile eye surgery permanent?
SMILE will permanently change the shape of the cornea after surgery which is the desired result of the surgery. Internal aspects of the eye start changing for focusing up close to about age 40 and this stabilizes at age 65. Having refractive surgery does not prevent other eye disorders from occurring throughout the normal aging processes.
