Femto SMILE – Treating Vision Impairment at All Levels
At Batal Eye Specialty Center, various laser technologies are used to treat different degrees of vision impairment, depending on each patient’s condition and the severity of their refractive error.
The Difference Between LASIK, Femto LASIK, and Femto SMILE
LASIK Vision Correction Surgery
LASIK is the oldest and most commonly performed procedure for correcting vision problems. It is used to treat refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
LASIK is considered a surgical procedure in the literal sense, as it involves using a surgical blade to create a corneal flap (unlike Femto LASIK, which uses laser technology instead). The procedure typically takes 30 minutes or less.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Farsightedness is common in both children and adults and is one of the most prevalent eye conditions. Its severity ranges from mild to severe, and in mild cases, it may not significantly affect vision and can sometimes go unnoticed during routine eye exams, as distant vision is usually clear.
In mild to moderate cases, farsightedness can be treated without surgery using prescription glasses or contact lenses. However, in certain cases, surgical intervention is required. Here, LASIK proves to be highly effective in correcting vision, with a very high success rate, often eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses after the procedure. For this reason, LASIK is considered one of the preferred treatment options by ophthalmologists after comprehensive eye examinations.
Comprehensive Eye Examination at Batal Eye Specialty Center
Batal Eye Specialty Center offers comprehensive and accurate eye examinations performed by highly qualified specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment plan after diagnosing symptoms such as:
Eye strain and fatigue
Difficulty seeing nearby objects
Blurred vision when focusing on close objects
After LASIK Surgery
After LASIK surgery, you can often stop using glasses and contact lenses immediately. During the first few days, you may experience mild itching, burning, excessive tearing, or blurry vision. However, vision typically improves quickly, although it may take two to three months for the eyes to fully heal and for vision to stabilize completely.
Some patients may need pain relievers or eye drops immediately after LASIK surgery to support healing and comfort.
Femto LASIK Surgery
Femto LASIK is a procedure similar to conventional LASIK, in which vision is corrected using laser technology to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors. It is considered an effective solution for certain cases of nearsightedness that may not be suitable for traditional LASIK. Its main competitive advantage is that it relies entirely on laser technology without the use of a surgical blade, unlike conventional LASIK. In addition, the procedure usually takes less time and has fewer side effects when performed in a trusted and safe facility such as Batal Specialized Medical Center in Al Rawdah, Jeddah. Doctors at Batal Center have successfully performed hundreds of Femto LASIK procedures, earning patients’ trust through their high level of expertise, professionalism, and advanced medical practice.
Femto SMILE Surgery
Femto SMILE is one of the latest laser technologies used in ophthalmology for treating eye conditions and correcting vision. This advanced procedure uses cutting-edge laser technology to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism in a single step, combining the accuracy and results of traditional vision correction techniques with enhanced comfort and precision.
Femto SMILE delivers results comparable to LASIK but through a very small and precise incision. One of its key advantages over LASIK is that it requires a smaller and less invasive corneal incision, helping preserve corneal tissue and resulting in a shorter recovery period.
Femto SMILE is a relatively new procedure, which means fewer surgeons are specialized in performing it. The procedure requires extremely high precision and advanced surgical expertise, and it delivers excellent results when performed in a trusted and professional medical center.
Due to the precision of the procedure, our doctors recommend several important post-operative guidelines to avoid complications, including:
Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Stay away from heat sources such as ovens and high-temperature environments, as they may cause eye dryness.
Avoid water and dust exposure to the eyes for at least one week.
Use prescribed eye drops for an extended period after surgery to prevent dry eye symptoms.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Dr. Ahmed Al Batal stated that advances in laser technologies in ophthalmology have transformed the dream of eliminating glasses and contact lenses into a reality, with multiple treatment options tailored to each patient’s condition.
Advantages of Femto SMILE Surgery
One of the key advantages of Femto SMILE is that it is suitable for treating certain vision problems that may not be appropriate for LASIK or Femto LASIK.
Other advantages of Femto SMILE surgery include:
Minimally invasive procedure with a small incision
Preserves more corneal tissue
Faster recovery time
Less risk of dry eye symptoms
High precision and stable visual results
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At Batal Specialized Medical Complex, we understand the high precision and sensitivity of the Femto SMILE procedure. Therefore, we recommend it for treating nearsightedness (myopia) only in the following cases:
When the corneal thickness does not allow LASIK or Femto LASIK procedures.
In cases of severe myopia, when the degree of nearsightedness to be corrected is very high.
When the degree of astigmatism is low.
If tear production is weak (dry eye tendency).
If the patient does not require frequent night driving.
When Does Vision Return to Normal After Femto SMILE?
It is very common to experience blurry or hazy vision after Femto SMILE, and this does not indicate that the procedure was unsuccessful. This is a normal part of the healing process and usually disappears completely within 24 hours after surgery. Do not worry if you experience some blurriness or visual haze during the first 24 hours.
Although clear vision does not mean that the cornea has fully healed, visual clarity improves gradually. Most patients report that their vision improves 100% within one to two weeks after the procedure.
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The best thing you can do to help your eyes recover faster is to rest. It is recommended to avoid straining your eyes or focusing on TV and computer screens for a few days after the procedure.
You can drive your car two days after Femto SMILE surgery and resume sports activities after 3 to 4 days. Ultimately, you can decide when to return to work once you feel comfortable and your vision feels stable.
The only activity you should avoid for up to one month is swimming, as it is important to keep the eyes dry and away from any potential sources of infection until they fully heal.
When Does Vision Stabilize After Laser Eye Surgery?
The recovery period varies from one person to another. In general, full visual healing and stabilization can take three to six months. Some mild and temporary symptoms are normal during the first days to weeks, including:
Mild discomfort or burning sensation in the eyes
Watery eyes during the first 24 hours, which may last up to a week
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
One of the main advantages of laser vision correction is that patients can resume their normal daily activities within 48 hours after the procedure. Most patients also notice significant improvement in vision as early as the first day after surgery.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions, attend regular follow-up visits, and report any issues to ensure optimal visual results and eye health after laser treatment.
Dr. Baraa Faham
Dr. Issa Baissa
Consultant in Ophthalmology & Vision Correction
Dr. Saud al-Jahani
fellowship in the subspecialty glaucoma and cataracts operations
Dr. Mohamed hantira
the certificate of the Scientific Council of Ophthalmology Glaucoma, laser vision correction and corneal surgery
Dr. Mohammed Al-Mousa
Consultant in Corneal Surgery, Vision Correction & Cataract
Vision Correction Doctors at Batal Eye Specialty Center
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