diff --git a/examples/eme_bend.py b/examples/eme_bend.py
index e5eaebd..75be3e1 100644
--- a/examples/eme_bend.py
+++ b/examples/eme_bend.py
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ def main() -> None:
     skrf = require_optional('skrf', package_name='scikit-rf')
 
     grid, epsilon, dxes_2d, omega = build_geometry()
-    epsilon_slice = epsilon[:, :, :, 2]
+    epsilon_slice = epsilon[:, :, :, 1]
     rmin = RADIUS + grid.xyz[0].min()
 
     straight_modes, straight_wavenumbers = solve_straight_modes(epsilon_slice, omega=omega, dxes_2d=dxes_2d)
diff --git a/meanas/test/test_examples_smoke.py b/meanas/test/test_examples_smoke.py
index b3797de..feefcb3 100644
--- a/meanas/test/test_examples_smoke.py
+++ b/meanas/test/test_examples_smoke.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 from pathlib import Path
 import os
+import re
 import subprocess
 import sys
 
@@ -46,6 +47,10 @@ def test_eme_bend_example_smoke_runs(tmp_path: Path) -> None:
     assert 'straight effective indices:' in result.stdout
     assert 'cascaded bend through power' in result.stdout
 
+    straight_index_match = re.search(r'straight effective indices:\s*([0-9.]+)', result.stdout)
+    assert straight_index_match is not None, result.stdout
+    assert float(straight_index_match.group(1)) > 1.6
+
 
 def test_eme_taper_cmt_example_smoke_runs(tmp_path: Path) -> None:
     result = _run_example('eme_taper_cmt.py', tmp_path)