Vision Defect Treatments with ReLEx SMILE

Eye defects are a common issue faced by many people today. Those suffering from vision problems may encounter numerous challenges in their daily lives. Nowadays, these eye defects can be corrected through refractive eye surgery methods.  

 

ReLEx SMILE is an FDA-approved eye laser surgery method used in the treatment of eye defects such as myopia and astigmatism that prevent the use of glasses or lenses. It is performed using the patented VisuMax femtosecond laser technology by Carl Zeiss Meditec. The basic principle of the ReLEx SMILE method is to create a piece of tissue called a lenticule by making an incision in the cornea and reshape the cornea by removing this piece. During the procedure, a small incision of a few millimeters is first made inside the cornea under a microscope. Then, the inner layers of the cornea are separated through this incision, and the refractive defect is corrected with the laser device. Finally, the corneal layers are reattached, and the procedure is completed. This way, eye defects can be corrected, and patients' visual acuity can be enhanced. 

However, the ReLEx SMILE method is not suitable for everyone. Your eye doctor will examine you to determine whether your condition is suitable; if not, they may suggest an alternative treatment option. The ReLEx SMILE method is generally suitable for patients over the age of 18 who have a stable eye prescription and are in good general health. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with chronic illnesses, eye infections or inflammation, other eye conditions like keratoconus, and those whose eye prescription is outside the required range for the procedure may not be suitable candidates for ReLEx SMILE. 

There are certain precautions patients need to consider before undergoing ReLEx SMILE. The patient should ensure that their eye prescription has been stable for the last year, wait for the treatment of problems such as eye infections, inform their doctor of any medications that might adversely affect the procedure, and follow all the instructions provided by the eye doctor.

 

ReLEx SMILE has some advantages over other laser-based eye surgery methods. However, the doctor who conducts your examination should determine the most advantageous procedure for you. Since ReLEx SMILE is performed by creating an incision in the inner part of the cornea, the corneal tissue is less disrupted, allowing for a shorter recovery period. As only one laser incision is made during the procedure, the operation duration can be shorter. The risk of complications associated with the local anesthesia procedure is quite low. Since the ReLEx SMILE method does not reduce the thickness of the cornea, it provides more options if another eye surgery is needed in the future and helps preserve vision quality even in high myopia cases.

 

Since no large incision is made to create a corneal flap with ReLEx SMILE Laser, complications related to flap tissue are not expected. Similarly, risks like the displacement of the flap in any trauma to the eye in the long term are eliminated. As a smaller corneal incision is made, the number of cut nerves is fewer, minimizing eye dryness associated with sensory loss. As a result of the procedure, the patient regains visual comfort. Right after the ReLEx SMILE operation, vision may be blurry. However, it generally improves on its own within a few hours. The small corneal incision heals without stitches within a few days, and patients can easily return to their daily activities.

 

After the ReLEx SMILE procedure, you should pay attention to a few things to rest your eyes and speed up the healing process:

 

• For the first few days, rest your eyes as much as possible and avoid exertion.

• Avoid touching your eyes and protect them from excessive light and wind.

• Be careful while showering and washing your face during the first few days, and ensure that no water enters your eyes.

• Use your eye drops and medications regularly, following your eye doctor's recommendations.

• Avoid strenuous exercises for the first few weeks.

• The doctor who performed your procedure is the one who will make the best recommendations for your condition. Follow your doctor's advice.

 

No, the ReLEx SMILE procedure is not painful. Since it is performed with local anesthesia, the patient does not feel any pain during the operation. After the procedure, temporary reactions such as mild stinging, burning, and watering may occur, but these effects usually dissipate quickly.