ReLEx SMILE surgery for myopia and astigmatism correction
SMILE stands for “small incision lenticule extraction”. It is a technique of laser vision correction for refractive errors. It is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no flap, and hence the outer corneal layer remains intact.
VisuMax Femtosecond System
Defining the pulse rate in refractive surgery
The VisuMax®, ZEISS is shaping the world of refractive surgery with its femtosecond laser technology, speed, and gentle treatment technique. The VisuMax is an ideal platform for therapeutic and refractive applications of corneal surgery, including:
- Flap – accurate flap cutting for Femto-LASIK
- Keratoplasty – for a broad spectrum of corneal transplant procedures
- Incision for ICR – for tailor-made intracorneal tunnel segments
- ReLEx SMILE – the step towards minimally invasive laser vision correction
BENEFITS of ReLEx SMILE
Minimally Invasive and Flapless
- only a small incision
- low risk of infection
- low incidence of dry eyes syndrome
Comfortable Patient Experience
- gentle
- virtually pain-free
Generally Fast Healing Process
- visual recovery normally within on week after surgery
- good functional vision within a short time
ReLEx SMILE Treatment Steps
Lenticule Creation
A thin lenticule, a lens shaped piece of corneal tissue, and small inclusion are created inside the intact cornea.
Lenticule Removal
The lenticule is removed through the incision with minimal disruption to the cornea.
Impairment is corrected
Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, thereby achieving a refractive correction.
Femto-LASIK vs ReLEx SMILE
ReLEx has changed the way surgeons do refractive surgery, on the grounds of its significant advantages in the patient’s comfort. Because the whole procedure can be done without the need for patient to move from his/her operation bed, it reduces procedure time down to only a few minutes.
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Femto-LASIK:
corneal flap with a thickness of roughly 120 micrometer is created before the laser correction. Once the flap has been folded back, an excimer laser is used to ablate the exposed corneal tissue.
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ReLEx SMILE:
A thin lenticule is prepared within the intact cornea. The volume and shape of the lenticule correspond to the degree of ammetropia to be corrected. This lenticule is then removed via a minimally invasive access. The cornea no longer needs to be opened up for this.
SMILE Advantages vs Femto-LASIK
- Because there is no flap created in SMILE, there are no risk of flap-related complications, like flap dislocation, flap striae, lost flap etc.
- There is less corneal nerve transaction during the surgery, hence there is less risk of dry eyes.
- SMILE maintains the stability of the cornea biomechanically
SMILE disadvantages
- Less accurate treatment for patients with high astigmatism.
- For patients that need enhancement, Femto-LASIK or epi-LASIK is done.
- 3% – 5% conversion rate to bladeless LASIK during surgery.
How much does SMILE cost?
Cost is very important and that’s why we want to provide you with all the information you need to make a decision about improving your eyesight. call us for pricing
