ReLEx SMILE is a groundbreaking, flapless procedure for correcting myopia and astigmatism with exceptional precision and minimal discomfort. Experience a new level of vision freedom with this advanced laser technique.
ReLEx SMILE is the latest evolution in laser vision correction that offers patients a minimally invasive, flapless procedure to address myopia and astigmatism with exceptional precision. Developed with advanced femtosecond laser technology, this innovative technique reshapes the cornea by removing a precise lenticule through a tiny incision, providing outcomes similar to traditional LASIK yet with less discomfort and faster recovery.
ReLEx SMILE stands for Refractive Lenticule Extraction – Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. Unlike traditional flap-based procedures such as LASIK, this state-of-the-art technique creates a small incision, typically about 4mm in length, and removes a precise lenticule of corneal tissue. By changing the cornea’s curvature, ReLEx SMILE not only corrects myopia (nearsightedness) but also addresses astigmatism, providing patients with clear, crisp vision.
This revolutionary, flapless procedure is performed using only a femtosecond laser – a highly controlled and accurate instrument that significantly reduces the risk of complications associated with flap creation. The entire process is designed to be quick, with most procedures taking around 10 minutes per eye, and patients experience minimal discomfort with no disruptive sounds, pressure, or burning sensations during the operation.
These benefits make ReLEx SMILE a compelling choice for patients who are candidates for correction of myopia and astigmatism and are seeking a safe and innovative solution for improved vision.
The laser carefully creates a lenticule, a disc-shaped slice of tissue, within the cornea’s deeper layers. This step only requires approximately 20 seconds of laser time per eye.
Using a tiny, 4mm incision, our refractive eye surgeon extract the lenticule manually. The removal of this tissue changes the cornea’s shape and corrects refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism.
By adjusting the curvature of the cornea through this precisely measured tissue removal, light entering the eye is focused accurately on the retina, resulting in improved vision.
This innovative process minimizes disruption to the ocular surface, which is why many patients experience less post‐operative dryness and a quicker recovery compared to traditional procedures such as LASIK and PRK.
With no corneal flap created, the procedure preserves the integrity and strength of the cornea. This results in fewer complications and a more stable structural outcome.
The small incision heals quickly, and most patients notice significant vision improvements within the first day. Many experience 75% of their corrected vision by the following day.
Because the corneal nerves remain largely undisturbed, there is a lower chance of experiencing severe dry eye symptoms after the surgery.
The precise femtosecond laser technology affords excellent accuracy. Studies show that more than 95% of patients enjoy stable, long‐term results, with a very low percentage needing enhancements.
Patients report minimal discomfort, with only a fleeting sense of pressure rather than pain during the operation.
Unlike LASIK, which involves creating and repositioning a corneal flap, ReLEx SMILE is entirely flapless, thereby reducing risks like flap displacement, flap‐related infections, and nerve damage that can lead to dry eyes.
The entire surgery is conducted using one laser system – the femtosecond laser. This eliminates the need to move between multiple laser stations, as is common with LASIK procedures that use both a femtosecond and an excimer laser.
By avoiding the formation of a large flap, more of the cornea’s natural strength is maintained. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who engage in contact sports or activities where eye impact is a concern.
Because fewer corneal nerves are disturbed, patients generally experience less dry eye syndrome after ReLEx SMILE compared to LASIK.
Ultimately, your suitability for ReLEx SMILE versus another procedure will depend on your individual eye characteristics and lifestyle factors, which our refractive eye surgeon will thoroughly evaluate during your consultation. ReLEx SMILE is not for everyone, but it does offer a promising solution for a broad range of patients. Ideal candidates for this procedure are typically adults who have a stable prescription for at least one year. That means your vision has not significantly changed for at least the past 12 months. If you have any concerns about your suitability for ReLEx SMILE, our refractive eye surgeon is ready to guide you through a comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation to ensure this procedure is the best fit for your visual needs.
Here are the candidacy criteria for ReLEx SMILE:
Candidates should be at least 18 years old, though those under 21 will need parental consent.
Your eyeglass or contact lens prescription should have remained stable over the previous year to ensure the procedure’s effectiveness.
ReLEx SMILE is particularly effective for treating myopia ranging from -1 to -10 diopters, and it can also correct astigmatism up to a certain threshold. Individuals with high degrees of nearsightedness or minor astigmatism are prime candidates for the procedure.
Your corneas must be of normal thickness and shape. Patients with very thin, irregular, or steep corneas may not be eligible.
Candidates should be free from eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or significant dry eye syndrome. If these conditions are present, our refractive eye surgeon will conduct a detailed evaluation to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Understanding the steps involved in ReLEx SMILE can help you feel more comfortable and confident going into the procedure. Our refractive eye surgeon follows a carefully designed process to ensure both safety and efficacy.
Here’s a closer look at what happens during the surgery:
Prior to the surgery, you will undergo a detailed eye examination. This includes assessments such as corneal thickness measurements, visual acuity tests, and pupil dilation. It is advised that you discontinue the use of contact lenses several days in advance to ensure accurate readings.
On the day of the surgery, numbing eye drops are administered so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. There is no need for general anesthesia, which contributes to the minimally invasive nature of the treatment.
You will lie down comfortably as your eye is positioned under the femtosecond laser. A gentle suction device helps stabilize the eye, ensuring optimal alignment and preciseness during the procedure.
Once the eye is in the correct position, the laser works its magic by creating a lenticule—a thin, precise disc of corneal tissue—inside the cornea. This step is incredibly quick, taking only about 20 seconds of laser time per eye.
The same laser then creates a tiny, approximately 4mm incision on the corneal surface, providing access to the lenticule.
Through this self-healing incision, our expert surgeon carefully removes the lenticule. Removing this disc of tissue modifies the cornea’s shape, unleashing a clearer way for light to hit the retina.
Following the procedure, you will be given detailed instructions on eye care and follow-up appointments. The incision heals naturally without the need for sutures, and you can go home shortly after your post-procedure checkup.
This entire sequence typically takes about 30 minutes for both eyes, making it a quick and efficient solution for vision correction. The blend of advanced technology with a precise surgical technique ensures that you experience minimal downtime and get back to your daily routine swiftly.
Post-surgery recovery is an important phase that can dramatically influence your overall experience with ReLEx SMILE. Thanks to the minimally invasive nature of this procedure, most patients report a smooth and speedy return to normal activities. Your individual recovery pace may vary, but by adhering to the postoperative guidelines provided by our refractive eye surgeon, you can help ensure a swift and safe healing process.
Here is what you can anticipate during recovery:
Right after the procedure, your vision might be slightly blurry, but you should notice significant improvement within a few hours. The healing process of the small incision is typically fast, and there’s no need for stitches.
You may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure, although this is usually fleeting. Most patients report recovering about 75% of their vision by the next day, with the remainder stabilizing over the following weeks.
To ensure the best outcomes, you will have scheduled follow-up visits with our refractive eye surgeon. These appointments generally occur 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after the procedure to closely monitor your progress and address any concerns.
To facilitate optimal healing, you will receive specific care instructions. These typically include avoiding rubbing your eyes, not splashing water directly on the eyes, and refraining from applying makeup around the eye area for about two weeks. Protective eyewear may be recommended to shield your eyes during the initial recovery phase.
Unlike some other procedures, there is no need for any special diet restrictions following ReLEx SMILE. You may enjoy your regular meals without worry.
ReLEx SMILE combines the latest in laser technology with a surgical technique that reduces the risk of complications. While every surgical procedure has inherent risks, the rates of complications with ReLEx SMILE are very low. Our refractive eye surgeon always conduct a thorough preoperative evaluation to ensure that you are an ideal candidate for the procedure and to minimize risk as much as possible. With over 10 million procedures performed worldwide and studies demonstrating high rates of successful outcomes, the procedure has established a reputation for consistent and long‐lasting results.
The laser’s accuracy in creating the lenticule and small incision minimizes the overall energy delivered to the cornea. This results in lower chances of collateral tissue damage and less post-operative discomfort.
Since no large corneal flap is created, issues such as flap dislodgment, epithelial ingrowth, or flap‐related infections are virtually eliminated. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who participate in sports or activities where eye trauma might be a concern.
By preserving the integrity of the corneal layers, ReLEx SMILE offers excellent long-term stability with a reduced likelihood of regression. Studies indicate that more than 95% of patients continue to enjoy good vision years after their procedure.
Thanks to its flapless nature, this procedure causes significantly less disturbance to the corneal nerves, which minimizes the risk and duration of post-operative dry eye syndrome. This is a critical benefit for patients who may have experienced discomfort with other techniques.
ReLEx SMILE is primarily used for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness) and can also address astigmatism. It is not suitable for farsightedness or pure astigmatism without underlying myopia.
The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye, with the actual laser time being only around 20 seconds per eye. Including the preparation and post-checkup, you can anticipate spending roughly 2 hours at the eye clinic.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort, reporting only a slight pressure sensation during the procedure. The use of local anesthetic drops keeps the process virtually pain-free.
If you're considering ReLEx SMILE, reach out to our expert refractive eye surgeon today for a personalized consultation. This innovative procedure could be your path to clearer vision without the hassle of contacts or glasses. Don't wait—schedule your appointment now to take the first step towards a brighter future!
Your vision will be a bit blurry immediately after the surgery, but rapid improvement is expected. Significant recovery is usually seen by the next day, with complete stabilization within 3 months for most patients.
Yes, our refractive eye surgeon will provide detailed postoperative care instructions. These include avoiding rubbing your eyes, using prescribed eye drops regularly, and refraining from applying eye makeup for about two weeks.
Candidates for this procedure are typically adults over 18 years old with a stable prescription for at least 12 months, healthy corneas, and a refractive error within the treatable range. A comprehensive evaluation will determine your candidacy for the procedure.
ReLEx SMILE is a flapless procedure that minimizes corneal disruption, thus reducing dry eye symptoms and flap-related complications seen in LASIK. It provides equivalent, if not superior, long-term visual outcomes for patients with myopia and astigmatism.
The cost of ReLEx SMILE varies depending on several factors, including the preoperative evaluation, follow-up care, and region. Our refractive eye surgeon will provide a detailed consultation to help you understand the cost structure and guide you through your options.
Before scheduling a ReLEx SMILE procedure, a thorough consultation with our refractive eye surgeon is essential. This appointment will help determine your candidacy and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. After your consultation, our refractive eye surgeon will inform you about the suitability of ReLEx SMILE for your particular case. If you proceed with the treatment, you will be scheduled for the procedure, and a comprehensive follow-up plan will be put in place to monitor your recovery.
During your consultation, expect the following:
This includes a range of tests such as corneal mapping, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure measurements. Pupil dilation will be performed to allow for a detailed examination of your eye structure.
Our refractive eye surgeon will assess your overall health, review your ocular history, and discuss any pre‐existing conditions. This step is crucial to ensuring that your eyes are in good health and that your prescription has been stable over time.
Factors such as your occupation, hobbies, and exposure to potential eye injuries are taken into account. Since correction of your vision can significantly enhance your quality of life, this discussion will help us recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you.
You will receive guidelines that include discontinuing the use of contact lenses for a few days prior to the evaluation. These instructions help ensure accurate measurements and a smoother surgical experience.
ReLEx SMILE is designed with not only an impressive immediate outcome but also with long-term stability in mind. Our refractive eye surgeon emphasizes the importance of proper aftercare to ensure that your vision remains clear and stable.
Postoperative care guidelines include:
You will be prescribed eye drops to manage any inflammation and to prevent infection. Consistent use as directed is critical for optimal healing.
Especially during sleep, custom eye shields may be provided to avoid accidental rubbing or pressure on the eyes during the critical early recovery phase.
For the first 10 to 15 days following the surgery, it is important to avoid activities that might put undue strain on your eyes. This may include avoiding heavy exercise or exposure to dusty environments.
As part of our continued care, you will have scheduled check-ups at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after the procedure. These visits allow our refractive eye surgeon to monitor your progress closely and address any questions or concerns you might have.
Long-term, studies have shown that the vast majority of patients maintain excellent vision well beyond the initial recovery period, with only a small percentage requiring an enhancement procedure after several years. This provides confidence in the stability and effectiveness of the treatment. For many patients, the goal of laser vision correction is to regain independence from glasses and contact lenses. ReLEx SMILE offers a solution that is not only effective but also minimally invasive and comfortable. Imagine waking up each morning without the hassle of cleaning lenses or dealing with the constant reminder of glasses on your face.
With a rapid recovery and predictable results, this procedure enhances both your vision and your quality of life. The technology behind ReLEx SMILE is designed to provide you with stable, clear vision while preserving the natural strength of your cornea. Whether it’s for daily tasks or more demanding visual requirements, the procedure caters to a wide range of lifestyles and visual demands. Our refractive eye surgeon is excited to help you realize a clearer, brighter vision and invite you to reach out for a personalized consultation if you think you might be a good candidate.
While ReLEx SMILE presents numerous benefits, it is important to be aware of a few key considerations to ensure the best results:
A stable vision prescription and overall good eye health are crucial. These measures are designed to ensure that the advantages of ReLEx SMILE are fully realized while mitigating any potential risks. Our refractive eye surgeon will work with you to tailor these precautions to your specific situation. Those with uncontrolled diabetes, history of eye infections, or significant eye diseases may need to address these issues before proceeding with surgery.
ReLEx SMILE is specifically designed for correcting myopia and astigmatism. It is not recommended for patients with hyperopia (farsightedness) or those requiring treatment for presbyopia. Our refractive eye surgeon will discuss alternative treatment options if your refractive error falls outside the ideal range.
In a small percentage of cases, if there is an under- or over-correction (in the range of approximately +/-0.75 diopters), an enhancement may be necessary after the initial healing period. These enhancement procedures typically occur once the refractive error has stabilized, ensuring the best vision correction outcome.
Although there are no dietary restrictions after the surgery, you will need to follow specific guidelines regarding eye care. Avoiding smoking, refraining from vigorous eye-rubbing, and reducing exposure to irritants are all part of maintaining the best possible recovery environment.
Choosing the right procedure for vision correction can be challenging, but the advantages of ReLEx SMILE make it a standout option for many patients. With its minimal invasiveness, rapid recovery, and reduced risk of complications, it is quickly becoming the preferred method among individuals seeking a permanent reduction in their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
The one-laser system used in ReLEx SMILE ensures that each step is precisely controlled, reducing the risks associated with multiple laser transitions.
The entire process takes just a few minutes per eye, meaning you can have the procedure done and return home the same day without significant downtime.
With more than 95% of patients enjoying sustained clear vision, you can be confident in the effectiveness and stability of this innovative technique.
The flapless nature of ReLEx SMILE means there is no risk of flap displacement, making it especially attractive for individuals who participate in contact sports or work in environments where eye safety is paramount.
Reduced likelihood of dry eyes and nerve-related issues translates into a more comfortable recovery experience.
Choosing ReLEx SMILE means you are opting for a procedure that is at the forefront of laser vision correction technology. Our refractive eye surgeon is passionate about providing you with care that not only addresses your vision needs but also considers your overall comfort and lifestyle. If you’re ready to explore a new way to enjoy life without the limitations of glasses or contacts, reach out and schedule a consultation to see how ReLEx SMILE can enhance your vision and your life. Begin your journey to clearer vision by scheduling a consultation with our refractive eye surgeon. Your personalized evaluation will help determine if ReLEx SMILE is the right solution for you—contact us today for more information.
If you're considering ReLEx SMILE, reach out to our expert refractive eye surgeon today for a personalized consultation. This innovative procedure could be your path to clearer vision without the hassle of contacts or glasses. Don't wait—schedule your appointment now to take the first step towards a brighter future!
ReLEx SMILE offers a cutting-edge solution for myopia and astigmatism correction with minimal invasiveness and quick recovery. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you today!
