I am so excited to share my experience getting SMILE eye surgery. It was truly life-changing and I am so grateful for Vold Vision!
*Pictured: Headed to get my SMILE PROCEDURE!
What is SMILE eye procedure?
Excerpt from Vold Vision website: "ReLEx SMILE is the latest advancement in laser vision correction surgery. Similar to other laser treatments, such as LASIK, SMILE can create clearer vision in a matter of minutes, drastically improving vision and reducing or eliminating the need for contacts and/or glasses. This exciting, new groundbreaking technology offers a faster recovery and a seamless in-office experience. Vold Vision is proud to be the very first vision facility in the state of Arkansas to offer SMILE to patients. In fact, Dr. Vold was one of the very first surgeons in the entire United States to perform SMILE since it gained FDA approval. Every patient that experiences SMILE, leaves Vold Vision smiling. It is truly a life-changing procedure and we are so thrilled to journey with our patients as they achieve crystal clear vision! SMILE is probably one of the most advanced laser vision correction procedures to enter the market. It truly redefines ease and comfort in the field of laser eye surgery. It's a "kind and gentle" laser surgery, which patients love because of how easy the procedure is. The technology focuses on the area of the cornea where vision has been lost. The cornea itself has five layers, but only the middle layer is used to focus. The laser is applied to that middle layer for less than 30 seconds to reshape it back to its optimal form in one simple step. This is accomplished with one laser per eye, which is performed microscopically and blade-free. Approved and safe to use as validated by the FDA, SMILE dramatically reduces contact time with your cornea. Patients are comfortable during the entire process and when it is over, they are left with the amazing ability to see."
Why SMILE eye surgery?
During your Pre-Op, you do lots of different tests with fancy machines. They look at different factors and let you know which you are a candidate for. LASIK is another very popular option. I chose SMILE, just based on my doctors opinion and how minimally invasive it is. LASIK and SMILE are both incredible options, both providing you with CLEAR VISION without corrective lenses.
Are you a candidate for SMILE eye surgery?
*Pictured: Me during pre-op after dilating eyes.
Excerpt from Vold Vision: "Laser vision correction surgery using SMILE is especially beneficial for people who are short/near-sighted, with astigmatism or higher prescriptions, and people who have a tendency towards dry eye, since this procedure dramatically reduces treatment time. It is also effective for those with corneal surface issues from overusing contact lenses. Our team of experienced eye doctors will guide you through the refraction process and vision tests to determine if you are a suitable SMILE candidate. The technique is only advised for those older than 18, whose vision has been stable for over a year, meaning that their eye exam results should be the same for that amount of time. Should some conditions for treatment not be met, we will guide you through alternative treatments. Our laser vision correction department offers outstanding options for patients based on your unique vision needs."
After your treatment
Excerpt from Vold Vision: "Fortunately, SMILE greatly reduces discomfort and the recovery times of other corneal surface treatments. Due to the minimally invasive nature of this procedure, the one incision that is made should heal in a day or two. Any itchiness or watery eyes should also dissipate in a couple of days. Most patients can get right back to swimming, running, or other sports within a week. Antibiotic and lubricating eye drops will be prescribed to assist in the healing process. You can use a computer, watch TV or play video games the next day, as long as you take breaks as necessary. Resuming the ability to drive will probably 1-3 days. Our in-house laser vision correction concierge will be with you every step of the way, assisting you before the procedure, and to answer any concerns after. Many patients have questions about what they can or can't do, and they will be your trusted resource to ensure your recovery is safe, seamless, and exciting!"
My Experience with Vold Vision
I have been saving up for the last year for Vold Vision. I wanted to pay at once, but they do have payment options! After I had saved up, I contacted Vold Vision and they quickly got me on the schedule. I wanted to get my eye surgery during Spring Break. They recommend you take the day off after your surgery. I did my pre-op appointment on the same day as my surgery. It worked really well for me, since I don't live in Northwest Arkansas. I also had less time to be anxious! I went in for pre-op and they did lots of tests and measurements. They talked through the options I had and I went with SMILE. I got my eyes dilated during this time. The pre-op appointment took about 1.5 hours. After, I grabbed a light lunch and went to pick up my Valium prescribed to me for surgery. We (my husband and I), headed back to Vold Vision. Obviously, you will need a driver! I went upstairs to the surgery area and was then able to take my Valium (bless up). This was when I got very anxious, but they offered water and I distracted myself with TikTok. They called me into the surgery room and I laid down. The rest was quick and easy. I basically just stared at a dot and followed the directions of Dr. Vold. It lasted just a few minutes...literally only a few. There was NO pain only a little. pressure. It is a little weird having your eyes brushed on, etc. Absolutely no pain at all. After, I stood up and could tell I COULD see without contacts/glasses. It was blurry, but I knew I could see. After, I walked out with sunglasses on (a must) and my husband drove me home. I slept most of the rest of the day. The next day, I woke up and could see. Things weren't blurry! It was truly an incredible moment for me. Waking up and not stumbling off to find my contacts. I used prescribed drops, eye drops, and vitamins until instructed not to. The first couple weeks I had dry eye especially when waking up. My eye doctor instructed me on what to do. Every step they helped me through when needed. You have a one day post-op, one week post-op, one month, three month, six month, and one year post-op appointment. I am at 6 months and have NO issues at all! I truly cannot say enough about how AMAZING and easy this surgery truly is. Dr. Vold is the only doctor I trusted to perform my eye surgery.
If you have ever wanted to get correct eye surgery, don't hesitate to reach out to Vold Vision!
Consultations are free.
*Pictured: Right before surgery and after the Valium.
Q&A from Vold Vision
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Because the cornea is numbed or anesthetized with a topical drop, patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience a gritty, scratchy sensation and sensitivity to light for
- LASIK/SMILE: 24-28 hours (light sensitivity may continue for some patients for 4-6 weeks)
We ask everyone to go home and take a nap immediately after his or her procedure. For any discomfort that remains after your nap, Advil or Tylenol is usually sufficient.
- LASEK: 3-4 few days (light sensitivity may continue for some patients for 4-6 weeks)
Q: When will I be able to see and return to work, drive and normal activities?
A: Each patient experiences an individual pace of recovery, so be sure to ask the Doctor during your consultation for clear expectations. Many patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision and have functional vision the very next day. For women, eye makeup cannot be worn for one week and they should purchase new mascara. Swimming or contact sports such as basketball or racquetball should be delayed for two weeks.
- LASIK: Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours. Full visual results are typically reached in 1 to 7 days and continue to improve in two weeks.
- SMILE: Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours. Full visual results are typically reached within 4 – 8 weeks and can continue to improve past 6 months.
- LASEK: Full visual results are typically reached within 1 to 3 months, and can continue to improve past 6 months. Most patients can resume most normal activities such as driving and working within 4-5 days. There are rare cases where some patients experience a delayed recovery and do not feel comfortable driving or working for a longer period of time (in extreme cases up to 2-3 weeks). Please be aware when planning your procedure.
Certain prescriptions such as farsighted or high astigmatism usually experience a prolonged recovery.
Q: Are there any risks with Laser Vision Correction?
A: As with any surgery, laser vision correction involves a degree of risk. Dr. Vold gives patients the information regarding those risks and answers any questions that they may have. Results of clinical studies indicate that the chances of having a vision-reducing complication are less than 1 percent. Recent studies have suggested that Laser Vision Correction is safer than contact lens wear.
Q: Will It Work on Me?
A: If you are over 21 with healthy eyes, have a stable prescription and are not pregnant or breastfeeding, you are probably a great candidate for Laser Vision Correction. Our laser corrects the highest prescription range in the region as well as astigmatism, so even if you were told that you were not a candidate in the past or at another center, you may be able to have Laser Vision Correction at Vold Vision.
Q: Will I need to wear glasses after?
A: Patients who have undergone Advanced Laser Vision Correction at Vold Vision typically no longer need glasses for their daily activities. However, if you’re over 40 and did not elect for a MonoVision procedure, in most cases you will need reading glasses because presbyopia, the natural aging process of the eye. Clear Lens Exchange may be a better procedure alternative for patients over 40 who wish to also say good-bye to reading glasses.
Q: How Long does it Last? Do you need to have Laser Vision Correction again?
A: Laser Vision Correction corrects your current prescription, so it should be expected to last until there is a vision change – such as a cataract or the natural aging process of the eye (this condition, presbyopia, typically occurs in your mid-40s) when you may need reading glasses. There are other forms of correction that can be offered at that time such as Clear Lens Exchange or Premium Cataract Surgery to correct this and achieve clear vision for near,
intermediate and far vision. You do not typically need Laser Vision Correction a second time – however, should youneed a ‘touch-up’ or enhancement due to any over or under-healing it is complimentary the first year after your procedure. This is almost never necessary and typically occurs if a patient has not followed their post op instructions or taken their drops diligently.
Q: What is the Difference between SMILE, LASIK and LASEK?
A: LASIK: A flap is made on the surface of your eye, a second laser reshapes your cornea.
SMILE: A small laser opening is made on the surface of your eye, a thin layer just below your eye’s surface is removed.
LASEK: The epithelium is removed, a second laser reshapes your cornea and the cells of your
eye are re-generated
Q: How Long do I Need to be Out of Contacts before Laser Vision Correction?
A: For your initial consultation, you do not need to be out of contacts in advance. You should quit wearing your contacts for 7-10 days (for soft contact lenses and longer for hard lenses unless the doctor instructs you otherwise) before the pre-op and procedure.
Q: What if my eye moves during the treatment or I blink?
A: During the procedure a device will gently hold your eyelids open, which will prevent you from blinking. In addition, the laser we use involves advanced eye tracking technology. Every laser pulse is completely controlled from it’s generation to the point when it contacts the cornea with utmost precision. To further enhance the safety and precision of your treatment, we use an advanced high-speed eye tracker to follow the eye’s fastest movements.
Q: How Much Does it Cost?
A: Vold Vision has special payment plans that make it affordable for almost everyone – starting at $99/mo*! Many patients use their FSA plan at work to enjoy pre-taxed deductions taken out of their check all year long. Laser Vision Correction is $4,495-4,895 total and includes BOTH eyes and all your appointments for 1 year. Ask about insurance or corporate discounts. *Offered by a 3rd party, based on approved credit and $4,000 purchase amount.
Q: Does Insurance Cover the Procedure?
A: Typically, no. There are certain plans that will offer a discount of 5 - 20% towards the total cost, so ask us about your insurance plan offerings.
Q: Is There a Warranty?
A: Should you need an Enhancement (see above) it is complimentary during first 12 months after the procedure. Remember to continue to schedule yearly routine eye exams post procedure. Even with perfect vision you still need to have your eyes examined for glaucoma and other potential problems on a regular basis. Routine eye exams will help ensure that your vision remains stable after your procedure.
Use my code, TIA for $500 off your procedure!
happy vision,
Tia Teague
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