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SMILE eye surgery in Barrie

SMILE, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is an advancement in laser vision correction for near-sightedness and astigmatism. At Lumea Barrie, located at 5 Quarry Ridge Road, Suite 206, Barrie, ON L4M 7G1, patients can learn whether SMILE is a suitable option based on their prescription, corneal thickness, eye health, goals and more.

SMILE offers accurate outcomes and rapid recovery, with the added advantage of being a flap-free procedure. For patients in Barrie and surrounding Simcoe County communities, it may be an option for reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses while maintaining a minimally invasive approach to vision correction.

Patients who want to understand the full range of available options can review Lumea’s surgeries and procedures.

What is SMILE?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure for near-sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. During the procedure, a femtosecond laser creates a thin layer of corneal tissue, called a lenticule, within the cornea. 

The surgeon removes the lenticule through a tiny incision of less than 4 mm, allowing the cornea to be reshaped without creating a flap.

Because the surface of the cornea remains almost entirely untouched, SMILE carries a lower risk of dry eye compared to LASIK and preserves more of the cornea’s structural integrity over time.

SMILE is used to treat myopia, also known as near-sightedness, and astigmatism. A full consultation is required to confirm whether the procedure is appropriate.

Find out if you're a candidate

Is SMILE right for you?

Why patients in Barrie consider SMILE

Patients in Barrie often choose to explore SMILE because they want a clear vision for their daily life, work, driving, sports, and outdoor activities.

SMILE may be considered by patients who want:

  • A flap-free laser vision correction procedure.
  • Treatment for near-sightedness or astigmatism.
  • A minimally invasive approach.
  • A generally fast recovery timeline.
  • Reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Ideal candidates for SMILE

Ideal candidates for SMILE may include patients who are:

  • Under 45 years of age.
  • Near-sighted up to -9.0D.
  • Diagnosed with astigmatism up to 5.0D.
  • Found to have suitable corneal thickness.
  • Involved in contact sports or active routines.
  • Interested in a flap-free vision correction procedure.

A candidacy assessment helps determine whether SMILE is safe and suitable. The assessment may include a review of your prescription, corneal measurements, tear film, eye health, and lifestyle.

When another procedure may be recommended

SMILE is not the right option for every patient. Depending on your prescription, corneal thickness, age, dry eye symptoms, lens health, and long-term visual goals, your surgeon may recommend another procedure.

Some patients may be better suited for LASIK, PRK, ICL, RLE, PRESBYOND LASIK, Light Adjustable Lens, or refractive cataract surgery.

The goal is to choose the procedure that best matches the patient’s eyes and visual needs.

Are you a candidate

Possible side effects of SMILE

Possible side effects of SMILE are mild and usually temporary. Patients may experience dry eyes, irritation, or a foreign body sensation during the early healing period. Some patients may also notice temporary night glare or halos for a few days. These symptoms often improve with normal healing.

Possible temporary side effects include:

  • Dry eyes.
  • Irritation.
  • Foreign body sensation.
  • Temporary night glare.
  • Temporary halos.

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Possible risks and complications

Every surgical procedure carries some risk. This is why pre-operative testing and post-operative follow-up are important parts of the process.

Possible risks include:

  • Infection
  • Temporary swelling
  • Inflammation
  • Delayed healing
  • Need for additional follow-up care

SMILE recovery

Recovery after SMILE is typically straightforward, though individual healing timelines can vary.

Surgery length 15 minutes
Anaesthesia Local with oral sedation
Initial discomfort 6 to 12 hours
Vision recovery 1 to 2 days
Return to exercise 5 to 7 days
Eye makeup 7 to 14 days
Final visual outcome <1 to 2 weeks
Dry eye resolution Typically, 4 to 8 weeks

Your surgeon will provide post-operative instructions specific to your procedure and healing progress. After an initial 24-hour follow-up at Lumea Barrie, ongoing recovery care is managed in collaboration with your regular optometrist.

Our Team

Our Barrie surgeons

SMILE procedures at Lumea Barrie are performed by fellowship-trained ophthalmologists. Dr Paul Sanghera (MD, FRCSC) and Dr Baseer Khan (MD, FRCSC) are cataract and refractive surgeons with specialist training in complex anterior segment surgery. You can learn more about the full surgical team on our Barrie clinic page or view all doctors.
Dr Paul Sanghera

Dr. Paul Sanghera

MD, FRCSC

Cataract and Refractive Surgeon

Dr Baseer Khan

Dr. Baseer Khan

MD, FRCSC

Cataract, Complex Anterior Segment, Glaucoma and Refractive Surgeon

Dr Ghatorae

Dr. Pupinder Ghatorae

OD

Optometrist

Dr Belovey

Dr. Graham Belovay

MD, FRCSC

Cataract, Complex Anterior Segment and Glaucoma Surgeon

Dr Patodia

Dr. Yogesh Patodia

MD, FRCSC

Cataract, Complex Anterior Segment and Glaucoma Surgeon

Meet all our doctors

SMILE consultation at Lumea Barrie

Lumea’s Barrie clinic is located at:

5 Quarry Ridge Road
Suite 206
Barrie, ON L4M 7G1

The clinic serves patients from Barrie and nearby communities, including Springwater, Innisfil, Oro-Medonte, Midhurst, Angus, Essa, and the surrounding Simcoe County area.

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Contact information

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Reviews

Stories from our patients

A friend recommended Lumea to me, and I am so glad he did. From the get go, the team was fantastic. Very professional, comprehensive and kind. I had LAL lenses implanted, the surgery was fast and completely painless. Dr. Sanghera was amazing. 

Dr. G answered all of our questions in easy to understand terms, instilling the utmost confidence in my choice of clinics. My vision was great as soon as I woke up from sedation, and it’s getting better as I heal. I haven’t even had any adjustments yet! If you are thinking of lens exchange surgery, don’t wait and choose Lumea! Thanks Lumea team, you are the bomb!

Michelle Merizzi

From the initial consultation to the surgery this is a first class organization. The nurses and doctors are very knowledgeable and professional. I could not be more pleased with the outcome of my surgery. Highly recommend Lumea to anyone.

Jeff Crane

I had RLE surgery at Lumea 3 days ago. After wearing glasses for 45 years, I am now free of them. 20/20 vision on day 3, and it’s still improving. The staff are amazing, answering all my questions and working through the process with me. The surgery was 

quick and painless. I am thrilled with the results. I highly recommend Lumea.

Bill Dykstra

Fantastic experiences here from Consultation to Surgery to Follow up. A great team. I was put at ease throughout. Distance vision is perfect and working on near vision. Only 5 days since my surgery. Thank you all for your care and professionalism!

Barbara Powell

My son recently underwent LASIK eye surgery on both eyes, and we had an excellent experience throughout the entire process. The staff was consistently kind, supportive, and thorough in addressing all of our questions. We are truly grateful to the 

doctors and nurses for their expertise and care in making this journey such a positive one.

Juli Smith

I couldn’t have been happier with my assessment and consult at Lumea. Dr Ghatorae explained all the risks vs benefits and concluded he didn’t recommend surgery for me at this time. Talk about patient centered care! Professional and friendly service from all the staff members I engaged with that day

Tracie K

I just had my cataract surgery on Tuesday for both eyes in the Barrie clinic. The whole process from the consult in November to the surgery this past Tuesday has been great. Their whole team is awesome. They explain every step in the process 

including all cost options. Any written instructions are very clear. You are given multiple opportunities to ask questions. I had my surgery done in their clinic. Their clinic is bright and clean. The surgical suite is top notch and techniques are as good or better than any hospital (and I’m a nurse).

In regard to my vision I went from 20/200 overall to 20/20 and 20/25. My new favourite song is 🎶 I can see clearly now 🎶

Kim Douglas

Delighted with my consult here. Friendly and professional service from my first phone call. Dr. Ghatorae informed me that in my case, the limited improvement that could be achieved perhaps wouldn’t be worth the surgery and expense for me. I was

so impressed with his honesty, demonstrating that they care about their patients and their vision goals and not just the business’s bottom line!!! Highly recommend!

Jennifer Efford

Make an appointment today

If you are considering SMILE eye surgery in Barrie, the next step is a full candidacy assessment. Lumea Barrie can help determine whether SMILE is suitable for your eyes or whether another procedure may be recommended.

Book a SMILE consultation at Lumea Barrie

Frequently asked questions about SMILE in Barrie

Is SMILE available in Barrie?

A consultation at Lumea Barrie can help determine whether SMILE is appropriate for your eyes, prescription, and corneal measurements.

What does SMILE correct?

SMILE is used to correct near-sightedness and astigmatism.

How long is the recovery after SMILE?

Many patients experience discomfort for 6 to 12 hours. Vision often improves within 1 to 2 days, with final visual outcomes often reached within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can active patients consider SMILE?

SMILE may be considered for active patients, including those involved in contact sports, because it is a flap-free procedure. A consultation is needed to confirm candidacy.

Is SMILE a flap-free procedure?

Yes. One of the major advantages of SMILE is that it does not require the creation of a corneal flap.

How long does SMILE take?

The surgery length is approximately 15 minutes.

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