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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 8372 0187, 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 Anton van Heerden, MBCHB; FRANZCO
Ophthalmologist & Laser Eye Surgeon

Based in Melbourne, but with a reputation that transcends borders, Dr Van Heerden sets the highest bar for laser vision correction surgery in Australia. While his skills and experience are second to none, it is his fun, caring and down to earth nature that truly set’s him apart from the rest. You can sit back and enjoy the journey knowing every detail has been carefully considered.

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