Dry eyes are one of the most common side effects after laser vision correction procedures like LASIK. Many people worry about this discomfort and look for surgical options that are gentler on the eyes. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery has gained popularity for many reasons, and one key advantage is its lower risk of causing post-surgery dry eye symptoms.
In this article, we will explore how SMILE works, why it’s different from LASIK in terms of dry eye risk, and what you can do to further protect your eyes after surgery.
Understanding Dry Eyes After Laser Eye Surgery
Dry eye after vision correction happens when the nerves in the cornea are temporarily disrupted during surgery. These nerves help regulate tear production, so when they are cut, your eyes may produce fewer tears until healing occurs.
In LASIK, the procedure involves creating a corneal flap, which cuts through many of these nerves. This can increase the likelihood of post-surgery dryness, especially in the early weeks and months.
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Why SMILE Has a Lower Risk of Dry Eyes
SMILE eye surgery is performed without creating a large corneal flap. Instead, the surgeon makes a small incision (about 2–4 mm) to remove a thin disc of tissue called a lenticule. This approach has several advantages for tear function:
Minimal Nerve Disruption
SMILE preserves more of the corneal nerve network compared to LASIK because the incision is much smaller. This helps maintain natural tear production after surgery.
Less Surface Area Disturbance
With no flap creation, the majority of the corneal surface stays intact, leading to better preservation of moisture balance.
Faster Nerve Regeneration
Since fewer nerves are affected, the recovery of corneal sensitivity and tear regulation is faster with SMILE than with flap-based procedures.
Who Benefits Most from SMILE’s Dry Eye Advantage
SMILE can be especially beneficial for:
People who already have mild dry eyes before surgery
Contact lens wearers who experience dryness from lens use
Those living in dry climates where eye moisture is harder to maintain
Patients with jobs that involve prolonged screen time
Post-SMILE Tips to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable
While SMILE reduces the risk of dry eye, proper care after surgery is still important:
Use prescribed lubricating eye drops regularly in the early recovery phase
Avoid overexposure to air conditioning or heating
Take breaks from screens to prevent eye strain
Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
