What are the SMILE risks?

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

SMILE is an extremely safe and accurate surgery. CRST Europe. 2021. SMILE: Latest and Limits. However, like any surgery, there are risks associated with SMILE.

One of the more common but minor risks associated with laser eye surgery is dry eye. But the risk of dry eye is dramatically reduced with SMILE compared to other laser treatments. Wong, Angela H Y et al. “Dry Eyes After SMILE.” Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.) vol. 8,5 (2019): 397-405. doi:10.1097/01.APO.0000580136.80338.d0

There’s also a risk of needing a touch-up or enhancement procedure. That risk is much smaller with SMILE than it is with LASIK or PRK surgery. Kim, L., 2021. SMILE procedure offers a low enhancement rate after nomogram adjustment. Ophthalmology Times Europe. Available here.

To see if you’re a good candidate for eye laser surgery, I’d encourage you to book an appointment now. You can book it online or call us on 03 9070 5788, and we’ll book it for you. This is the best way to make the first step to free yourself from the burden of glasses and contact lenses. Book now.

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About the expert

Dr Benjamin Au
Cataract Surgeon and General Ophthalmologist

Dr Au is a registered ophthalmologist in Australia and Singapore, originally from Toronto, Canada. Dr Au performs refractive surgery at Eye Laser Specialists. He is proficient in Mandarin and Cantonese.