As SmartSight (i.e. SMILE) continues to grow in popularity as a vision correction procedure, there are still several myths and misunderstandings that surround it. Many people are hesitant to consider SmartSight because of these misconceptions. In this blog, we’ll tackle the most common myths about SmartSight and provide the facts to help you make an informed decision about your eye care.
Myth 1: SmartSight is too new and unproven
Fact:
SmartSight is not a new procedure—it’s been in use globally for over a decade. This advanced laser eye surgery is based on decades of research and development. In fact, SmartSight (also known as SMILE) has been performed on over 1 million patients worldwide, with patient satisfaction rates exceeding 95%. The procedure has proven to be highly effective in treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It has been endorsed by leading experts in the field of ophthalmology, and its success rate continues to grow.
Myth 2: SmartSight is more painful than other laser eye surgeries
Fact:
One of the major benefits of SmartSight is its minimal discomfort. Since the procedure uses a small 3mm incision and doesn’t require creating a corneal flap, many patients report little to no pain during or after surgery. Unlike traditional LASIK, which involves a more invasive approach and the creation of a corneal flap, SmartSight is considered less invasive and typically involves less discomfort. Most patients experience only mild pressure during the procedure and minimal irritation afterward. Many return to their daily activities within 24-48 hours.
Myth 3: SmartSight isn’t suitable for older patients
Fact:
While SmartSight is most commonly performed on individuals aged 18-40, older patients can still benefit from the procedure. SmartSight is effective for people with mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, regardless of age. It is ideal for those who are looking to reduce their reliance on glasses or contacts, and many older patients who are in good health have had successful outcomes with SmartSight. However, those with age-related conditions like presbyopia (difficulty focusing on nearby objects) may still require reading glasses, but the procedure will significantly improve overall vision.
Myth 4: You can’t treat both eyes at once with SmartSight
Fact:
This is completely false! One of the key advantages of SmartSight is that it allows both eyes to be treated during the same procedure, which makes it more efficient. By performing the surgery on both eyes at the same time, patients experience a faster recovery and a more balanced outcome. In fact, most patients find that their vision stabilizes faster and more consistently when both eyes are treated together.
Myth 5: SmartSight isn’t as effective as LASIK
Fact:
SmartSight is highly effective in providing patients with clear vision and high satisfaction rates. In fact, SmartSight has been shown to provide comparable or better results than LASIK, with many patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. The Schwind ATOS Femtosecond Laser used in SmartSight provides incredible precision, allowing for highly personalized treatment tailored to each patient’s needs. The key benefits of SmartSight over LASIK include fewer complications, a quicker recovery, and less discomfort.
Myth 6: SmartSight is only for people with extreme vision problems
Fact:
SmartSight is ideal for people with mild to moderate nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. If you have a relatively simple prescription, SmartSight can correct your vision effectively. People with severe prescriptions may not be good candidates for the procedure, but they can often benefit from other forms of treatment. During your consultation, your eye doctor will assess your eyes and determine the best course of action for your unique needs.
Myth 7: SmartSight requires long recovery times
Fact:
SmartSight has one of the fastest recovery times in laser eye surgery. Unlike LASIK, which can involve longer recovery periods due to the creation of a corneal flap, SmartSight’s small incision typically leads to quicker healing. Many patients are able to return to normal activities, including work, within 24-48 hours. The risk of complications is lower than with LASIK, and patients experience less discomfort throughout the recovery process.
Conclusion:
If you’ve been considering SmartSight (SMILE) for vision correction but have been put off by some of these myths, it’s important to know the truth. SmartSight is an advanced, safe, and effective procedure with a high success rate. It offers precision, minimal downtime, and fewer risks compared to other forms of laser eye surgery. Whether you’re looking to reduce your dependence on glasses or improve your vision for the long term, SmartSight could be the right solution for you.
Don’t let myths hold you back—schedule a consultation with BoydVision today to learn more about SmartSight and how it can change your vision for the better!
Ready to discover how SmartSight can improve your vision? Book your consultation with BoydVision today and take the first step toward clearer, glasses-free vision.