Laser Vision Procedure for Nearsightedness and Astigmatism Celebrates a Year of Success
by Annette Pinder
It’s been a year since Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare (Fichte) became the first Western New York ophthalmology practice to offer a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure called ZEISS SMILE® (SMILE) that corrects both nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism, and the results are in. Patients are thrilled. One patient, Daniel Frederick, who goes by Freddy, said, “The procedure was a piece of cake. I had no pain or discomfort, the staff was so reassuring, and it took seconds to complete. Just 4 minutes after it was over, I sat up and could read my phone.” Not only could Freddy read his phone, but upon returning the next day for his follow-up appointment, his vision was 20-20.
More than six million people worldwide have had the FDA-approved SMILE procedure, which is the most popular form of laser vision correction in some parts of the world. SMILE has also been studied extensively, with more than 600 published peer-reviewed articles.
SMILE is performed using a highly specialized VisuMax® femtosecond laser, which creates a thin, contact-lens-shaped layer just beneath the surface of the eye. Thereafter, a small opening is created through which the layer is removed to correct a patient’s vision. Since SMILE is a single-laser process that does not require a flap, intra- and postoperative flap-related concerns are not an issue, resulting in faster recovery times. In fact, patients can often wear makeup, go to the gym, and even resume swimming in as little as one day.
Upon the one-year anniversary of using the most advanced refractive laser correction technology in Western New York, Fichte’s Director of Marketing, Kathy Otto, says, “We couldn’t be happier with the outcomes. With patients experiencing less post-operative dry eye and a swifter return to normal daily activities, SMILE now comprises 75% of our laser vision correction procedures.”
“What a wonderful time to be a laser eye surgeon,” says Dr. Michael J. Endl. “In addition to the amazing Lasik procedures we have been performing for more than a decade, we now have the ability to improve a patient’s vision without creating a flap, resulting in decreased post-operative dry eye, and the ability of patients to resume their activities without glasses or contacts the next day.”
Meanwhile, Colin Anderson, MD, says, “If you’re looking for the latest advancement in laser vision correction, come in for a free SMILE consultation. We love this state-of-the-art procedure, and we think you’ll love it too!”
ZEISS SMILE® patients must be 18 years old or older and have a stable glasses prescription. Learn more about the procedure, meet the surgeons, and get your questions answered at an open house at Fiche, Endl & Elmer Eyecare, 2825 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst 14228, on either Thursday July 13, or Thursday August 10. Doors open at 5:30 pm, dinner will be provided, and the presentation begins at 6 pm. Attendees can enter to win a free SMILE procedure valued at $5,300. Call 800-309-2020 or visit www.fichte.com to learn more.
