What happens during SMILE surgery?

Just a few short years ago, LASIK utilized a mechanically controlled metal blade called a microkeratome. It was a good procedure; it was safe and it helped a lot of people, but it was not quite as precise as many ophthalmologists would have liked. Then along came SBK. SBK utilizes what’s called a femtosecond laser. Not only do many patients have even better vision afterward, but their results are more predictable. Additionally, many patients who were once excluded from LASIK eye surgery have now been able to enjoy the visual freedom that SBK LASIK can provide. IT’S SAFE. SMILE is a proven laser vision correction procedure. Even though it is relatively new in the United States, it has been available in 61 other countries worldwide since 2011 and has proven to be safe and highly successful.

Is SMILE a permanent treatment?

Yes. The cornea is forever reshaped through the procedure. There is a chance that vision can change sometime down the road due to other changes in the eye, such as over-40 presbyopia; your doctor can help you determine if any additional vision correction would be beneficial to you in the future.

The SMILE procedure is not painful. In fact, patients are often surprised to find that it’s completed so quickly and with so little discomfort!

Who is a good candidate for the SMILE procedure?

If you are a good candidate for SBK LASIK, you will likely be a good candidate for SMILE. Dr. Brinton is one of the foremost surgeons in the United States performing SMILE, as well as LASIK plus five other modern variations of laser eye surgery in St. Louis. A comprehensive Brinton Ocular Analysis gives us the information we need to determine if you are a good candidate for SMILE or any other refractive surgery, and the best laser eye surgery options for your unique eyes.

Am I too old or too young for SMILE laser eye surgery?

Brinton Vision uses SMILE to correct vision for patients between the ages of 18 and 55 years old.

What are the advantages to using SMILE over other procedures?

Because SMILE is a flapless procedure, it may be a better option for people who are prone to dry eye or who engage in contact sports. Your Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis (BVOA) will determine if it is right for you.

What type of vision problems can be corrected with SMILE?

SMILE corrects myopia and astigmatism. If you have astigmatism, click here to learn more.

SMILE eye surgery

LASIK / LASER VISON CORRECTION

LASIK is now one of the most successful surgical treatments of any kind in the world today. SBK is the most modern form of this life-changing laser eye surgery, and we are pleased to offer SBK laser eye surgery in St. Louis at Brinton Vision. SBK is sometimes referred to as “bladeless LASIK” and is used to treat farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), presbyopia, and astigmatism. Combined with wavefront technology used to map the surface and interior of the entire eye, it is more precise than ever. Many patients who were told they were too young, too old, or have astigmatism can now have LASIK eye surgery.

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About Us

Here at Brinton Vision, our dedication is to one goal: changing lives through the priceless gift of sight.

So much of what we love about life is taken in through our eyes. Eyes are beautiful, and there are too many remarkable things to see and experience to let glasses and contacts get in your way.

Each year thousands of patients come to Dr. Jason P. Brinton seeking what we call visual freedom, or crisp, clear vision free of glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Jason P. Brinton, MD is an internationally recognized specialist in the field of refractive surgery. He is a graduate of Harvard College, earned his medical doctorate from the Harvard Medical School, and is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.