Are you still considering your options for laser eye surgery? Well, your options just expanded with SmartSight™, the newest cutting-edge laser eye surgery technique from Germany.
Powered by the advanced SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser, the procedure can provide more enhanced precision and a shorter recovery period compared to the traditional LASIK and other common alternatives.
To help you further understand this innovative laser eye technology, we’ve created a quick overview covering the procedure, recovery process, and potential side effects.
What is SmartSight™?
SmartSight™ is an innovative and groundbreaking technology designed to treat refractive errors such as astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia.
Unlike traditional laser eye surgeries, it’s significantly less invasive because it doesn’t require cutting out a corneal flap to reshape the cornea. Instead, it creates an ultra-thin, disc-shaped corneal layer known as a lenticule.
Thanks to its advanced and cutting-edge technology, primarily the intelligent eye tracking and pupil recognition, the procedure is designed to be safer, more precise, and more effective over time.
Additional benefits of SmartSight™ include minimal visual disruption, accelerated visual recovery, and enhanced post-surgery comfort.
What happens during SmartSight™?
SmartSight™ works just like any other laser eye surgery, but with a few key differences.
You'll need to set aside about 3 hours for the entire visit, but the actual surgery usually takes less than 15 minutes per eye. The rest of the time is dedicated to preparation and post-surgery care.
First, the eyes are numbed with anaesthetic eye drops to minimise pain and discomfort during the surgery. You shouldn’t feel any pain at any point of the procedure, but there will be moments of discomfort, which are generally mild and tolerable.
Using the SCHWIND ATOS, the surgeon then creates an ultra-thin disc of corneal tissue within the cornea, called a lenticule, which is then carefully removed through a small incision.
By extracting the lenticule, the cornea is reshaped, effectively correcting the refractive error.
No stitches are needed because there are no flaps, which is why the eye can begin its natural healing process immediately as the incision heals itself.
How is SmartSight™ different from LASIK?
The main difference between SmartSight™ and LASIK lies in how each procedure affects the cornea.
LASIK involves cutting out a flap to reshape the cornea, while SmartSight™ requires only a small incision on the outer layer of the cornea. The smaller incision means less damage to the cornea’s structural integrity.
Another key difference is the number of lasers used: SmartSight™ requires only a single laser, while LASIK uses two: a femtosecond laser to create the flap and an excimer laser to reshape the cornea.
At the end of the day, both procedures are safe and can give exceptional and long-lasting results.
What is the recovery process for SmartSight™ like?
One of the biggest advantages of SmartSight™ is the relatively quick visual recovery, with most patients returning to their regular daily routine almost immediately, with little to no downtime.
That being said, some common post-operative side effects are still to be expected, including blurry vision, glare, halos, dry eyes, and mild corneal swelling. These effects are usually mild and tend to subside within a few hours.
The best way to manage these side effects is to rest as soon as you get home and closely follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions.
The good news is that the results are almost immediately noticeable, with many patients experiencing improved vision within the day. It may take up to 3 months for vision to fully stabilise.
If you want to know if you’re qualified for SmartSight™ or other types of laser eye surgery, reach out to the specialists at Shinagawa Eye Centre for a comprehensive consultation. Call to enquire or book an appointment today!
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