Brought to you by Gulfcoast Eye Care
Dr. Michael Manning has never been one to stop at “good enough.”
Despite being renowned as a pioneer for LASIK eye surgery in the Tampa area, he and his team at Gulfcoast Eye Care continue to move forward with the latest surgical methods and most advanced technology.
This was the driving force behind his practice’s investment in the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser, enabling Gulfcoast to be the only provider in Tampa to offer SMILE®. SMILE® stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and is looked at as the most exciting new refractive surgical procedure on the market.
The VisuMax is the only laser FDA-approved to be used in SMILE® because it enables surgeons like Dr. Manning to work with unmatched precision, providing better outcomes for patients.
Every year, millions of people nationwide get LASIK to improve their vision and reduce their reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses. For many patients LASIK may be the best option, but for some patients SMILE® may be even better.
“LASIK is great for many of my patients, but for others SMILE® may have some advantages for some eye types and lifestyles,” Dr. Manning says. The SMILE® procedure involves the use of the Zeiss VisuMax laser to create a small disc of tissue called a lenticule. This lenticule is then removed through a small opening to reshape the eye, eliminating the need for a flap. This may provide some advantages in reduced short-term side effects, such as dry eye, as well as in quicker recovery and resumption of normal activities following surgery. The procedure uses one laser and takes only approximately 30 seconds of laser treatment time per eye.
Owing to the potential for fewer dry eye symptoms while healing, patients who have dry eye syndrome may still be candidates for SMILE®. Patients resume normal activities the next day after their SMILE® procedure. “We recommend patients avoid wearing eye makeup for one day and avoid swimming for one week after their procedure,” Dr. Manning says. SMILE® is FDA-approved for patients with nearsightedness up to –10.00 D and –3.00 D of astigmatism.
“SMILE® represents another modern advancement in some key aspects of LASIK, which is why we offer it. It gives patients another option for clear, comfortable vision,” says Dr. Manning.
Tampa’s Best Laser Eye Surgery
For over 30 years, the team at Gulfcoast Eye Care has combined industry-leading technology and experience for the benefit of the patients they serve. Providing cataract surgery, refractive surgery, advanced treatment for dry eye and management of a variety of other eye diseases and vision conditions, Dr. Manning and his team are trusted throughout Tampa for blending surgical expertise with an unmatched patient experience. To schedule an appointment with Gulfcoast Eye Care, call (727) 263-3632 or click here.
