Dr. Bruce Rivers contributes to groundbreaking research on vision and performance in service members
In a prospective study led by Dr. Bruce Rivers, Medical Director of Envue Eye & Laser Center, highlights the impressive visual results and real-world performance benefits of SMILE (Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction) among U.S. military service members. The research, conducted at the Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program and Research Center in collaboration with the Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, evaluated how SMILE impacts both vision quality and military task performance.
Study Overview
- Participants: 37 active-duty U.S. service members
- Procedure: SMILE laser vision correction for myopia and myopic astigmatism
- Testing Periods: Pre-surgery, 1 month post-op, and 3 months post-op
- Assessments Included:
- Uncorrected & corrected distance visual acuity
- Low-contrast and night vision testing
- Contrast sensitivity
- Vision-related quality-of-life surveys
- Rifle marksmanship performance
Key Findings
1. Exceptional Visual Outcomes
- At 3 months post-op, 96% of eyes achieved 20/20 vision or better.
- The safety index was 1.03 and the efficacy index was 0.96, indicating high surgical precision and excellent outcomes.
2. Night Vision and Low-Contrast Vision Improved
Participants showed significant gains in low-contrast visual acuity, especially under night vision conditions, which are critical for military readiness.
3. Reduced Work and Activity Impairments
Before surgery, eye-related issues contributed to 10% work impairment and 20% activity impairment. By 3 months post-op, both numbers dropped to 0% (P = .001).
4. High Satisfaction and Willingness to Repeat
- Overall satisfaction was extremely high at 90.9%.
- 95% of participants said they would choose SMILE again.
5. Military Performance Preserved
In a subgroup of 14 participants who underwent rifle marksmanship testing, results showed no loss in performance. Median scores remained comparable before and after surgery (34 vs. 35, P = .247).
Conclusions
Dr. Rivers’ study demonstrates that SMILE not only delivers excellent visual outcomes but also preserves mission-critical performance for U.S. military service members. After recovery, participants maintained high visual quality and were able to perform both work-related and personal activities without limitation.
For athletes, first responders, parents, and anyone living an active lifestyle, SMILE offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option for laser vision correction — allowing you to see clearly and live fully.
At Envue Eye & Laser Center, we specialize in advanced vision correction, including SMILE Pro, the latest evolution of SMILE technology. If you want sharper vision without slowing down your life, SMILE might be your perfect match. Call or text 301-485-9533 to find out which procedure is right for you.
Read the study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34091553/
