Expert SMILE Laser Eye Surgery in Melbourne

Your eligibility for SMILE laser eye surgery will be determined after a comprehensive examination with Dr Roufail in Eye Laser Specialists in Melbourne. SMILE laser surgery is a safe and effective procedure, but only if it’s performed on suitable candidates. During your initial consultation, Dr Roufail will assess the overall health of your eyes, take accurate measurements of your prescription, perform biometric measurements, and have a discussion with you about what visual results you’re hoping to achieve.

Other factors that may make you unsuitable for SMILE include having an unstable prescription, other sight-limiting eye diseases such as retinal scarring or amblyopia (lazy eye), falling outside the recommended age range, or being pregnant or breastfeeding.

This depends on the reason that SMILE is not the best solution for you. If having long-sightedness is the reason for being excluded from SMILE, Melbourne patients may still be eligible for another method, such as LASIK, PRK, or ICL. If it’s a matter of another ocular disease that needs treatment, such as cataract, your sight can actually be corrected as part of the cataract operation that Dr Roufail performs regularly in his clinics throughout Melbourne.

SMILE, LASIK, and PRK are all considered unsuitable for people past the age of around 50 years old due to a natural age-related decline in near focus called presbyopia. Instead, another sight-correcting procedure, such as PRESBYOND laser visIon correction OR Refractive Lens Exchange, may be more effective for poeple over the age of 50.

Fees can vary between different doctors and clinics in Melbourne. SMILE laser surgery is typically priced slightly higher than LASIK and PRK due to the premium positioning of this technique.

After your initial consultation with Dr Roufail to establish your eligibility for SMILE surgery, he will be able to discuss the associated costs with you. There may also be a payment plan available to you, which can be discussed at your appointment.

Referrals to Dr Roufail’s clinics in Melbourne for SMILE laser surgery are not necessary. However, a comprehensive report from your usual optometrist is often useful for helping to establish your eligibility. For example, by providing a picture of how your prescription may have changed or stabilised over the preceding years or details about your history of any ocular diseases.

Due to its minimally invasive nature, SMILE is typically associated with a relatively short recovery time, which is similar to LASIK and much faster than PRK. After your operation, Dr Roufail will provide you with some prescription eyedrops to protect your eyes as they heal. You will also be given instructions on your post-op period, such as avoiding swimming pools and saunas and how to keep your eyes from common contaminants.

Your sight may feel quite clear the day after your operation, even to the point of being able to drive comfortably. Though your eyes will continue to stabilise over a few weeks, most people are able to return to their usual hobbies and work tasks within a few days. If your normal activities expose you to a risk of contamination or facial injury, Dr Roufail will advise you to take a longer break. During your consultations with him, he will be able to provide you with a more accurate timeframe for your recovery after performing his examination.

General anaesthetic is not used for refractive procedures, including SMILE surgery. This is because general anaesthesia comes with its own significant risks, which are not justified during elective refractive surgeries such as SMILE. However, Dr Roufail and his team will ensure that you’re comfortable during your procedure. Your eyes will be well-anaesthetised with topical eyedrops, which can be reapplied during the operation if necessary. If you know you get particularly anxious, you can also be offered a mild sedative.

Like all refractive operations, SMILE is designed to permanently correct your prescription. However, even after a successful procedure, the eyes can still change or be subject to injury and disease. One example is the natural onset of presbyopia with age; another factor that can cause your sight to deteriorate after a successful operation is regression. This occurs when your original prescription begins to creep back. Dr Roufail will be able to discuss the expectations and potential complications of SMILE surgery with you at your appointment.