SMILE Vision Correction

What is SMILE Vision Correction

Roholt Vision is one of the first centers in the country to introduce a disruptive new technology for vision correction: SMILE. SMILE is “SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction.”  The SMILE procedure is the next generation of laser vision correction after PRK and LASIK. It is unique in that the procedure is done internally and the surface of the cornea is not exposed.  SMILE was first developed in Germany over 10 years ago, and over 1.5 million procedures have been performed worldwide.  The treatment was approved for treatment of myopia by the US FDA in 2016, and in October 2018 treatment of astigmatism was approved.

How is SMILE Vision Correction done?

In SMILE, removal of a tissue disc (called lenticule) instead of tissue ablation, differentiates it from PRK and LASIK, in which an excimer laser is required. An extremely gentle, low power laser is required for SMILE, and the only device approved for and capable of performing this surgery is the Zeiss VisuMax™ laser system, available only at Roholt Vision in the Akron-Canton-Youngstown area (also, the VisuMax™ can accomplish an unparalleled smooth, accurate LASIK flap).

What are the advantages to SMILE Vision Correction over LASIK?

Unlike LASIK, the SMILE procedure is performed without creating a flap. Many patients prefer to be treated without flap creation. Although LASIK is extremely safe, eliminating the flap may reduce dryness, and may reduce chance of infection and inflammation compared to LASIK. Recent studies indicate “less severe denervation (of the corneal nerves), better mechanical stability of the postoperative cornea, and decreased higher order aberrations (distortion effects) while providing a near identical refractive outcome compared to LASIK.”*  In some cases, SMILE can be safely performed in higher degrees of myopia than LASIK, with more stability.

SMILE is not for everyone, and LASIK is still the standard for vision correction, but a courtesy evaluation at RVI will tell you whether you are a candidate for this fascinating technology.  Go here to learn more about SMILE.

Roholt Vision Institute is proud to bring this new technology to Ohio and the Midwest.

*Son, G et.al., Journal of Refractive Surgery, 2017;33(1):24-29.

Call 330-354-2200 to ask about SMILE and refractive surgery at RVI

Free Lasik Consultation!

Find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK today!

Contact Us

  • *All indicated fields must be completed.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.