Great Outcomes: SMILE Eye Surgery for Diabetic Patients

People with diabetes often face vision challenges, but modern SMILE laser eye surgery offers new opportunities for clear, natural sight. At Khanna Vision Institute, Dr. Rajesh Khanna performs SMILE safely for diabetic patients with well-controlled blood sugar and healthy eyes.

Understanding SMILE

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive procedure that reshapes the cornea using a laser to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, it involves no corneal flap, resulting in faster healing and lower dry eye risk — ideal for patients with diabetes who may heal more slowly.

Why SMILE Is Safer for Diabetic Patients

1. Small incision means less tissue trauma.
2. Faster healing reduces infection risk.
3. Reduced dryness preserves corneal health.
4. Stable visual outcomes over time.
5. Minimal impact on surrounding eye structures.

Pre-Surgery Evaluation

Dr. Khanna evaluates three factors before recommending SMILE: blood sugar stability, corneal and retinal health, and absence of advanced diabetic retinopathy. If all are stable, SMILE can be a safe and transformative procedure.

The Procedure

Using a femtosecond laser, Dr. Khanna creates and removes a tiny lenticule through a small corneal incision. The process takes about 15 minutes for both eyes, and most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours.

Recovery and Aftercare

Patients typically experience quick recovery and minimal discomfort. Dr. Khanna prescribes antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to aid healing. Avoid eye rubbing and strenuous activity for the first week, and attend all follow-up visits.

Patient Success Story

Maria, a 42-year-old teacher with Type 2 diabetes, had worn glasses for over 20 years. After undergoing SMILE at Khanna Vision Institute, she regained 20/20 vision within a week. Her success highlights how diabetic patients can safely benefit from modern vision correction when managed by an experienced surgeon.

Why Choose Khanna Vision Institute

Dr. Rajesh Khanna brings decades of expertise and state-of-the-art Zeiss VisuMax technology to ensure precision and safety. His individualized approach and deep understanding of diabetic eye health make him one of California’s top refractive surgeons.

Final Thoughts

SMILE surgery is transforming the possibilities for diabetic patients seeking freedom from glasses and contacts. With careful management and expert guidance from Dr. Khanna, achieving clear, stable vision is both safe and achievable.