Dr. Andrew Caster

Harvard-Educated Smile/Lasik Specialist
Experience: over 30,000 Laser corrections
Had his own vision corrected with Lasik

Smile Lasik

Smile Lasik (also known as ReLex Smile) is the newest version of Laser Vision Correction. Smile is a small-incision version of Lasik and requires only a single, painless, 30-second step. Smile can correct the vision for people who have nearsightedness and astigmatism, providing sharp vision that frees you from glasses or contact lenses. After Smile you will be able to see right away, without glasses, and most people are able to return to work or play the very next day. Over 5 million Smile treatments have been performed world-wide.

The Smile Procedure and How It Works

The VisuMax laser by Zeiss is the only laser that can perform the Smile procedure. This advanced femtosecond laser operates at a stunning speed of 500,000 spots per second. Approximately 30 seconds of painless treatment free up a very thin lens in the cornea’s center. This lens is similar to a very small contact lens. The laser also creates a tiny tunnel, which connects the lens to the outside eye. We then use that tunnel to access, loosen, and remove the thin lens we created. By removing this lens, we slightly change the curvature of the eye, correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism. It might be a small physical change, but the benefit for vision is huge!

Smile, the Newest in Laser Vision Correction.

Is Smile Lasik Right for Me?

During your appointment, we work with you to determine which vision correction surgery best suits your needs. Although most people with nearsightedness and astigmatism are candidates for Smile, not every person can be treated with Smile. For some people, all-laser Lasik or PRK will be a better choice. Each procedure has its benefits and limitations, and we weigh these when helping you choose how to best correct your vision.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Smile:

Benefits of Smile:

Flap-free: Smile does not require creating a flap. Instead, it works within the cornea’s interior. No need to worry about future problems with a flap, such as it moving or being disturbed.
Minimal downtime: Goggles? Don’t need them. Your vision will be dramatically improved rapidly and you should be able to return to driving and most other activities the very next day.
Less dryness: Smile results in much less short-term dryness than other methods. This means increased comfort and less time using drops after the procedure.

Limitations:

Enhancement is different: In about 4% of our patients, the vision is close to but not perfect. In these patients, we wish to perform a fine-tuning procedure to further refine the vision. This touch-up treatment cannot be performed with Smile, but must be performed using an all-laser Lasik or PRK treatment.

Why Choose Dr. Andrew Caster?

Dr. Caster has been performing laser vision correction treatments for more than 25 years. He has been involved in the laser vision correction industry since its very beginning, and has been involved in progress and new procedures all along the way. Dr. Caster specializes in all versions of laser vision correction, including Smile, and has performed more than 30,000 laser vision correction treatments! Few surgeons can boast the same level of skill and expertise proven over a lifelong career.

In addition, Dr. Caster has had his own nearsightedness and astigmatism corrected with Lasik over 25 years ago. So he intimately understands the goals and needs of patients. He understands your concerns and fears and will help to make this a truly worthwhile experience.

FAQ about Smile Lasik

Q. Why is it Called "Smile"? What about "ReLex"?

A. Smile is an abbreviated version of “Small Incision Lenticular Extraction,” which describes the method. ReLex similarly is a shortening of “Refractive Lenticular Extraction.” Both are medical ways to refer to the small lens we remove during the procedure.

Q. Can any patient have Smile Lasik?

A. Smile can correct nearsightedness and astigmatism, but not farsightedness. Also, very low levels of nearsightedness are better treated by other techniques, such as Lasik or PRK.

Q. What are the results of Smile compared to Lasik?

A. The results are essentially identical. Both techniques typically result in 20/20 vision!

Q. What is the recovery from Smile?

A. The recovery from Smile typically is amazingly quick and easy, without any pain! You usually can drive and go to work the following day.

Q. Do Smile Lasik lasers hurt?

A. Not at all. This procedure is entirely pain-free!

Schedule a Consultation

If you are ready to take back your vision, schedule your consultation today. With Smile Lasik, you can be on your way to 20/20 vision without any pain or a complicated recovery. Call us today to learn more and get started on clearer vision and a new perspective.