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SMILE Surgery in Tijuana: minimal incision, step by step

By Dra. Ned Davila Avila — Cornea and Refractive Surgery

SMILE Surgery in Tijuana: minimal incision, step by step

Of the three refractive surgery techniques we offer at Vision Clinic —LASIK, PRK and SMILE— SMILE is the newest, and one I enjoy explaining most because it corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism through a minimal incision, without creating a corneal flap as in LASIK. That can translate into greater corneal stability and a comfortable recovery.

Why this matters to me: I hold certification from Carl Zeiss Mexico for the use of the VisuMax femtosecond laser in SMILE procedures —I'm one of the few certified specialists in Tijuana. That means the equipment I operate with is directly endorsed by the technology's manufacturer.

Here's the SMILE process, step by step

1
Consultation and candidacy evaluation. Corneal topography to confirm SMILE is the ideal technique for your cornea and lifestyle.
2
Complete eye exam. Includes pupil dilation and a personal explanation of your case.
3
Written quote and instructions. Costs and pre-surgery instructions, with no surprises.
4
Surgery day. A single step with the VisuMax femtosecond laser: a small corneal lenticule is removed through a tiny 2-4 mm incision, with no flap. It takes ~5 minutes per eye, with anesthetic drops.
5
No-cost post-surgical kit. Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops from the moment you leave the clinic.
6
One month of follow-up visits at no cost. Always with me, the same surgeon who performed your procedure.

Because there's no flap, the corneal surface is more stable from the very first moment, though I still recommend relative rest for the first few days. If you have an active lifestyle or are looking for a more conservative technique, SMILE could be your best option —we'll confirm it together at your consultation.

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