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ReLEx SMILE Laser
ReLEx SMILE laser is the newest, i.e., 3rd generation laser refractive surgery. While LASIK requires a large incision to apply the laser, this incision is reduced to 2 mm in ReLEx SMILE.
ReLEx SMILE treatment represents a revolutionary advancement in blade-free laser procedures and yields particularly good results in cases of high myopia. All surgical steps are performed with a single laser and without a blade. It is realized as the extraction of a disk (lenticule) with a much smaller incision compared to the Femto LASIK method. This results in advantages such as safer treatment for high-number patients, less stinging, burning, faster recovery, and reduced dry eye problems.
ReLEx SMILE laser surgery is performed using the VisuMax femtosecond laser, patented by Carl Zeiss Meditec, and is approved by the FDA. During the SMILE procedure, the surgeon uses femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped tissue (lenticule) in the cornea. Following this, a small arcuate incision is made on the corneal surface with the same laser, and the surgeon extracts the lenticule through this incision. When the tiny lenticule is removed, the myopia is corrected, and the shape of the cornea is altered. The corneal incision heals without stitches within a few days and sharp vision is achieved very quickly.
Who are Candidates for ReLEx SMILE Laser?
If you have an active lifestyle or job, SMILE may be a better option for you than LASIK or similar procedures. If you are quite active, you may accidentally displace the corneal flap, causing problems. Since SMILE does not involve creating a flap in the cornea as LASIK does, it eliminates the complications that may arise after flap creation.
For this reason, the ReLEx SMILE Laser method emerges as the most suitable surgical method for individuals with an active lifestyle and professional athletes.
Who Can Undergo ReLEx SMILE Laser?
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Your eye prescription should not have changed in the past year.
- Your myopia must be between -1.00 to -10.00 diopters, and your astigmatism should not exceed -5.00 diopters.
- Your overall eye and corneal health must be appropriate.
- You should have realistic expectations regarding what ReLEx SMILE can or cannot do for you.
Who is Not Eligible for ReLEx SMILE Laser?
- Patients with fluctuating prescriptions.
- Hyperopia patients (research for hyperopia treatment with SMILE is ongoing; it is anticipated that it may be applicable to hyperopia patients in the future.)
- Individuals under 18 years old.
- The presence of skin or other diseases that may affect recovery.
- Excessive scar or keloid formation.
- Those with corneal degeneration or disease.
- Individuals with advanced glaucoma disease.
- Those with cataract discomfort affecting vision.
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
- Individuals with a history of certain eye infections.
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What to Expect During ReLEx SMILE Laser?
Before the surgery, a very detailed eye examination and tests should be conducted to evaluate whether your eye structure is suitable for SMILE surgery. There is a laser procedure that lasts about 27 seconds during the operation. After placing a vacuum ring to prevent eye movement, the laser is applied, and your doctor removes the created piece from inside the cornea through an incision of only 2 mm. It is recommended to rest on the day following the surgery.
It is completely normal to experience tearing, light glare, and sensitivity in the eyes throughout the day, and this can be alleviated with the drops used.
What are the Benefits of ReLEx SMILE Laser?
Since a large incision is not made to create the corneal flap, complications related to flap tissue are not expected. Complications such as flap folding or misalignment are also not anticipated immediately after the surgery. Additionally, the risk of the flap being displaced in any trauma to the eye in the long term is eliminated. Because a smaller corneal incision is created, the number of cut nerves is lower, and the resulting eye dryness related to sensation loss is minimized. As a result of the procedure, the patient regains visual comfort.
SMILE can be used for high visual impairments (up to -10 in myopia, and up to -5 in astigmatism), providing high visual quality. In patients with greater degrees of impairment, satisfaction will still be achieved post-procedure as the degree will still decrease.