In 2022, Derrick Nnadi, Kansas City Defensive Tackle, contacted Dr. John Doane about improving his vision. Derrick wanted to know if he was a candidate for the life-changing SMILE Vision Correction surgery, an ideal choice for long-time contact lens and eyeglass users. With SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), Derrick can finally break free from the hassles of corrective lenses. This minimally invasive procedure corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism, providing quick recovery and less discomfort compared to traditional LASIK. Discover Vision’s team of experienced surgeons, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to personalized care helped to ensure a safe and effective transformation for Derrick’s vision. He was able to say goodbye to the daily grind of glasses and contact lenses which were inconvenient for him as a professional athlete. Discover Vision Centers empowered Derrick to see the world with newfound clarity and freedom.
If you’ve been dealing with nearsightedness or astigmatism, SMILE Vision Correction might be the answer to your vision concerns. This gentle and advanced procedure can help you regain clear vision without relying on glasses or contacts.
SMILE, which stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a minimally invasive eye surgery. During the procedure, your eye surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a tiny, precise incision in your cornea. This incision allows them to remove a small lenticule, which is a piece of tissue causing your vision issues. By doing this, the shape of your cornea is altered, correcting your nearsightedness and/or astigmatism.
The great thing about SMILE is that it provides a quick and almost painless process. One can return to full activities the following day. The laser technology ensures minimal discomfort, and most people experience a relatively short recovery period. You can typically expect improved vision within a few days. In fact, Derrick had his SMILE surgery during a bye week in season. After recovery, he was back on the field for the next Kansas City football game.
SMILE Vision Correction is especially appealing for contact sport athletes, military personnel and anyone who may have been hesitant about traditional LASIK due to the creation of a corneal flap. With SMILE, there is no flap created in the cornea, which reduces the risk of complications and enhances safety.
Before considering any vision correction procedure, it is crucial to consult with an experienced eye surgeon to determine your eligibility. They will assess your eye health and discuss the best options for you.
SMILE is one of the many exciting possibilities for transforming your vision and leaving glasses and contacts behind. Dr. John Doane and the Refractive Team at Discover Vision Centers were one of only five practices in the country involved in the research, development and clinical trials for SMILE Vision Correction. Dr. Doane has performed more SMILE procedures than any other practice in the US. He is the US National instructor for the SMILE certification course for surgeons getting credentialed to perform SMILE in the US. Dr. Doane also speaks regularly at industry meetings and instructs surgeons across the globe on advanced SMILE techniques.
“We did what’s called the SMILE procedure which is the latest advancement in LASIK essentially but a smaller incision. We’ve migrated to SMILE over the last several years just for advantages that we see. Probably the biggest one is hitting the target the first time – we’re better with SMILE than any other procedure and that’s one of the greatest attributes to the procedure in my mind.”
– John F. Doane, MD, FACS
Derrick Nnadi was a great candidate for the SMILE procedure. His correction fell in the middle of the treatment range and although he had worn glasses and contacts since he can remember, his vision had been stable for the past two years. He was motivated to move beyond contact lenses and eyeglasses. In his occupation as a football player at the highest level, spectacles and contact lenses are not an ideal solution.
With SMILE, Derrick could get back to full activities the next day with literally no restrictions. This makes SMILE an ideal scenario for a professional athlete at his level. With these ideas in place, Derrick performed as we would expect. He had the surgery during a bye week, was back to full activities the next day, and played in the next scheduled game. Derrick actively participated in Kansas City’s Super Bowl win and we love that he no longer feels restricted by his vision. Let’s go KC!
After the SMILE Vision Correction procedure, you can anticipate significant improvements in your vision. Nearsightedness and astigmatism should be noticeably reduced, if not completely eliminated, allowing you to enjoy clear, sharp eyesight without the need for glasses or contacts.
Like Derrick, many people experience rapid visual recovery, with optimal results often achieved within a few days. You’ll find daily activities, like reading, driving, and enjoying the world around you, become much more convenient and hassle-free.
The procedure’s precision and minimal discomfort make it an attractive option for those seeking a long-term solution to their vision challenges, offering the freedom and clarity you’ve been longing for.
In conclusion, SMILE Vision Correction delivers remarkable results by effectively reducing or eliminating nearsightedness and astigmatism. This minimally invasive procedure ensures rapid visual recovery, granting newfound freedom from glasses and contacts, enhancing your daily life with clarity and convenience. Say goodbye to vision woes and hello to a clearer, brighter future.
“Life after SMILE surgery has been great. Everything is so crystal clear. I can see everything. It’s magical.”
— Derrick Nnadi, Kansas City #91
The foundation aims to cultivate positive change in people’s lives, inspire children and families through meaningful interactions, and assist those in need. Derrick’s father taught him at a young age that ‘As Nnadi’s we don’t receive, we give’ and The Derrick Nnadi Foundation embodies that mantra through all of the work that it does.
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Derrick Nnadi has become an integral piece to the Kansas City defensive line. Checkout this recent article on how Derrick Nnadi is an “unsung defensive piece.”
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