SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a gentle, minimally invasive option for laser vision correction that brings the best of both worlds: improvement of vision and quick healing. It’s an evolution in laser vision correction that could be just what you need to see your best!
It corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism using the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser to create a lenticule extracted through an incision of fewer than 4 millimeters.
The lenticule is then removed through the incision, correcting your vision. SMILE means a faster recovery for patients, meaning you can get back to the things you love in the blink of an eye.
Must be least 22 years old
Must have had a stable glasses prescription for at least a year
Must be nearsighted or have nearsightedness with astigmatism
Must be in good general health
Must have healthy eyes
Must not be currently pregnant or nursing
Must have realistic expectations about what SMILE LASIK can achieve
SMILE is often referred to as a flapless-LASIK but is a technically distinct procedure that provides many benefits over LASIK. During LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), a flap is created in the cornea, and an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing tissue underneath the flap. On the contrary, SMILE surgery does not involve flap creation, as the femtosecond laser creates the lenticule through an intact cornea. Your doctor then removes this thin layer of corneal tissue through a tiny side incision, thus reshaping the cornea and correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism.
If you are not a candidate for SMILE or LASIK, we also offer PRK and EVO ICL.
At Empire Eye, we are committed to providing exceptional eye care. As part of our commitment, we have partnered with Alphaeon Credit to provide a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to manage your healthcare expenses. Our goal is to improve the quality of people’s lives, and now, with Alphaeon Credit, we are making it more achievable than ever before. Alphaeon Credit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. Use it to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance, including SMILE, LASIK and more. Alphaeon Credit offers special financing options that you may not be able to get with other cards.
Empire Eye Physicians are leaders in medical eye care and eye surgery, with over 60 years of excellence in the Inland Northwest. We deliver the highest standard of medical and surgical ophthalmology services within a professional and compassionate patient-centered environment.
Our highly trained staff and outstanding physicians provide the highest quality of patient care. We continually stay up-to-date with the latest innovations in ophthalmology to provide our patients with the best service available using state-of-the-art technology.
Dr. Croskrey, is an ophthalmologist specializing in LASIK and cataract surgery and also treats glaucoma and various retinal diseases. He is passionate about restoring vision to his patients and enhancing their function to better enjoy life. Dr. Croskrey recently served in the U.S. Air Force as an eye surgeon at the Air Force Academy, where he used the latest technology to enhance the vision of our nation’s soldiers and pilots, including the Air Force Academy cadets.
Dr. Sturbaum, is an ophthalmologist with over 27 years of experience in the field of medicine. His practice emphasizes advanced anterior segment care, including expertise in cataract surgery, laser vision correction, complex or difficult refractive surgical cases, and specialized corneal transplantation. His unique training in corneal surgery is of great benefit to the patients of the Inland Northwest.
Dr. Kontos, is one of the most experienced ophthalmic surgeons in the Northwest and has taught refractive surgery techniques to numerous surgeons both locally and throughout the country. Over the past twenty years his focus has been to bring cutting-edge technology and surgical excellence to the practice of ophthalmology in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Kontos is the only laser surgeon in the region to be honored by VISX, Inc. in the top 5% of LASIK surgeons nationwide.
After you schedule an appointment, someone from the office will be in contact with you to confirm your appointment.