Lenticule-Based Eye Surgeries

Lenticule-Based Eye Surgeries for Specs Removal: SMILE, SILK, and CLEAR Explained

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Kaushal Kumar Patient operated for Contoura Vision LASIK

Thank you, Dr.Aditi, I am grateful to you. I had a very nice experience with you having done my LASIK surgery by Contura vision, I have got 6/5 vision after my specs removal surgery. Very helping staff & caring follow-ups done by the Dr. Again & Again thanks to you Dr. Aditi.

Ravinder Yadav Operated for Bladefree iLASIK

Had a very good experience from the first consultation to the follow-up visits for my LASIK surgery. Dr. Aditi provides good information and details things really well. The staff is helpful and ensures timely reminders wherever needed. Best wishes to keep providing quality care services to their patients.

Srujani Panda Visited for Cataract Surgery

I went in to get a simple eye check up done for myself and extended it to my mother’s cataract surgery as well. We couldn’t have asked for a better doctor and clinic team. Dr. Aditi put my mother at ease and took care of her. Such a humane touch to treating patients. Thank you so much.

Pritika Bedi Operated for Contoura Vision LASIK

I recently got my Lasik surgery done by Dr. Aditi. It was a great experience as she ran several tests before the procedure to ensure that I was the right candidate for the surgery. She patiently answered all my queries and thoroughly …More

Abhimanyu Rathi Operated for Contoura Vision LASIK

Highly qualified Doctor, professional in nature, knows all the tricks of trade. Compassionate and helpful, willing to go beyond call of duty to help the patient with valuable advice. Doctor is trained to perform lasik with latest femtolasers and contoura vision software. Good experience.

Ashwini Anand

I was very happy with the thoroughness of the retinal exam I got and the attention to detail that the doctor showed during the entire process. I did not sense any kind of overcharging or excessive prescription of tests. I would go to Dr Aditi again if the need were to arise.

Ms. Vaishali Dhingra Operated for LASIK

I had been wearing glasses for the past 8 years. I went to Dr.Aditi for surgery for removal of glasses. The doctor explained the entire procedure to me well, I went ahead with the surgery for LASIK. I could see 6/6 from the second day itself and my experience was very good.

lalit Ahuja Visited for keratoconus treatment

Superb!! Dr. Aditi Manudhane is one of the best ophthalmologists in India. She is competent, humble and thorough professional. We went there for C3R process of my niece. We are fully satisfied.

Types of LASIK Surgery

Spectacle independence has long been a dream for many who struggle with refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

While LASIK and PRK have dominated the field of laser vision correction for decades, recent advancements in lenticule-based eye surgeries are revolutionizing the landscape.

Gurgaon is the Hub for Advanced Eye Treatments and attracts patients seeking best LASIK surgery in Delhi NCR and North India as well as from Abroad.

Gurugram has some of the Best Eye Hospital in Delhi NCR for LASIK and Laser Specs Removal.

In Gurugram you can find tamong the Best Eye Clinic for LASIK as well as Best Eye Hospital for SMILE , SILK , Contoura Vision and ICL and all forms of Specs Removal Surgery

In this article we will discuss the Lenticule Based surgeries available for Laser Specs removal in Delhi.

These procedures are:-

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction),

SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis)

CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive Correction)

All of these are flapless, minimally invasive, and provide faster recovery with greater biomechanical stability compared to traditional LASIK.

Lets explore the advantage of Lenticule Based Surgeries over other techniques of Laser Vision Correction –

What Are Lenticule-Based Surgeries?

Lenticule-based refractive surgeries use advanced femtosecond laser technology to reshape the cornea and correct vision errors.
Instead of creating a corneal flap (as in LASIK) or removing the surface layer of the cornea (as in PRK), these techniques involve creating and extracting a small piece of corneal tissue (called a lenticule) through a tiny incision.

The advantages of lenticule-based approaches include:
– No corneal flap: Lower risk of flap-related complications.
– Minimal incision (2–4 mm): Faster healing and reduced dry eye symptoms.
– Greater biomechanical stability: Preserves the cornea’s strength better than flap-based methods.
– Predictability and precision: Latest-generation lasers create highly accurate lenticules tailored to individual prescriptions.

1. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is the first and most widely known lenticule-based eye surgery, introduced by Carl Zeiss Meditec in the early 2010s.
It has since gained global recognition as a proven, USFDA-approved technique for Specs Removal.

How SMILE Works

– A femtosecond laser creates a lenticule (a disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue) inside the cornea.
– The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a 2–3 mm incision.
– The removal changes the curvature of the cornea, correcting refractive errors.

Key Features of SMILE

Minimally invasive – No flap, just a tiny incision.
Reduced dry eye risk – Corneal nerves are less disrupted compared to LASIK.
Faster recovery – Patients often resume normal activities in 1–2 days.
Biomechanical stability – The cornea retains more of its natural strength.
Approved range – Can treat up to -10.00D myopia and up to -3.00D astigmatism.

Limitations of SMILE

– Cannot currently treat hyperopia.
– Enhancements (touch-ups) are more complex than LASIK.
– Technology is exclusive to Zeiss VisuMax platform.

Cost of SMILE in Delhi NCR and Gurgaon: The cost typically ranges between ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,30,000 for both eyes.

If you are looking to get LASIK surgery in Gurugram, CLIO Eye Care stands out as among the Best Eye Clinics for LASIK Surgery in Delhi NCR.
With internationally trained and experienced surgeons, CLIO Eye Care is among the Top Eye Hospitals of Gurgaon with the Best Doctors for SMILE Surgery in Delhi NCR Region.

2. SILK (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis)

SILK, developed by Johnson & Johnson, is a more recent lenticule-based procedure. SILK builds upon SMILE’s principles but incorporates advanced software refinements.

How SILK Works

– Similar to SMILE, SILK uses a femtosecond laser to create and extract a lenticule.
– The procedure is performed with Johnson and Johnson SILK femtosecond laser system.
– The lenticule is removed via a small side incision, preserving corneal architecture.

Key Features of SILK

Customizable profiles – Advanced eye-tracking and centration options, improving accuracy for astigmatism.
2. Shape of lenticule – SILK cuts a biconvex lenticule, avoiding nerve damage and reducing dry eye risk.
3. Smooth lenticule surfaces – Reduced risk of corneal irregularities post-surgery.
4. Independent platform – Not locked to a single system like SMILE.

Limitations of SILK

– Still relatively new with fewer long-term studies compared to SMILE.
– Slightly more tissue is sacrificed to make a biconvex lenticule.
– Limited availability worldwide.
– Not FDA-approved in the USA, though expanding in Europe and Asia.

3. CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive Correction)

CLEAR, developed by Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems, is another next-generation lenticule-based technique, aiming for broader correction and smoother outcomes.

How CLEAR Works

– Performed with Ziemer’s Femto LDV Z8 laser system.
– Creates the lenticule and access tunnel with ultra-low-energy, high-frequency laser pulses.
– Lenticule is extracted via a small incision, just like SMILE and SILK.

Key Features of CLEAR

Ultra-low energy laser – Promotes smoother healing.
2. Greater versatility – Can potentially treat myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia.
3. Multiple incision options – More flexibility for surgeons.
4. Compact system – Z8 is mobile and doubles for cataract surgery.

Limitations of CLEAR

– Still new, with fewer long-term studies.
– Steeper learning curve for surgeons.
– Software not yet USFDA approved.

Cost of CLEAR in Delhi NCR and Gurgaon: The cost typically ranges between ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,25,000 for both eyes.

Comparative Overview: SMILE vs. SILK vs. CLEAR

Feature	SMILE	SILK	CLEAR
Developer	Carl Zeiss Meditec	J an J	Ziemer Ophthalmic
Laser System	VisuMax	Elita	Femto LDV Z8
Incision Size	2–3 mm	~2 mm	2–4 mm (customizable)
Range of Correction	Myopia & Astigmatism	Myopia & Astigmatism (expanding)	Myopia, Astigmatism, Hyperopia
FDA Approval	Yes (widely used)	No (Europe/Asia only)	No (available in select markets)
Dry Eye Risk	Very low	Very low	Very low
Technology Exclusivity	Exclusive to Zeiss	Independent platform	Independent platform
Surgical Precision	High (proven)	High, with advanced algorithms	High with ultra-low energy pulses
Adoption	Global, well-established	Emerging	Emerging

Choosing the Right Procedure

The choice between SMILE, SILK, and CLEAR depends on multiple factors:

1. Type of Refractive Error
  - Myopia & Astigmatism: All three procedures are suitable.
  - Hyperopia: Currently only CLEAR shows promise.
2. Availability
  - SMILE is widely available and FDA-approved.
  - SILK and CLEAR are available in select centers, not globally present.
3. Technology Preference
  - SMILE: Most time-tested with largest safety database.
  - SILK: Offers better centration and treatment profiles for irregular corneas.
  - CLEAR: Most versatile laser platform, also useful in cataract surgery.
4. Surgeon Experience
  - Outcomes depend heavily on surgeon expertise and the learning curve with each system.

Conclusion

SMILE, SILK, and CLEAR are three pioneering lenticule-based surgeries that are transforming the way refractive errors are corrected.
While SMILE has the advantage of being the most established and widely practiced, SILK and CLEAR bring exciting innovations with greater flexibility, smoother profiles, and expanded treatment ranges.

For patients seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses, these procedures offer:
– Faster recovery
– Lower dry eye risk
– Stronger corneal biomechanics
– Long-term visual stability

If you are considering Specs Removal Surgery in Delhi NCR or Gurgaon, visit CLIO Eye Care.
With advanced technology and experienced surgeons, CLIO Eye Care is among the best eye hospitals in Delhi NCR for SMILE, SILK, CLEAR, and LASIK procedures.