Over 1 million SMILE treatments have been done by over 1,300 surgeons in more than 65 countries. This makes SMILE a big deal in laser eye surgery worldwide. It’s a new, safe way to fix short-sightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism.
SMILE is a better choice than traditional LASIK surgery. It heals faster, feels more comfortable, and has fewer risks. This is because it’s a keyhole surgery that doesn’t use blades.
The surgery uses top-notch ZEISS technology. This makes SMILE a top pick for those wanting to fix their vision for good. More and more surgeons are choosing SMILE because of its great results and how it keeps the cornea strong.
Key Takeaways
- SMILE is a minimally invasive, bladeless laser eye surgery that can correct short-sightedness and astigmatism
- Over 1 million SMILE treatments have been performed worldwide by over 1,300 surgeons
- SMILE offers faster recovery, enhanced comfort, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional LASIK
- SMILE is performed using state-of-the-art ZEISS technology, making it a leading choice for vision correction
- Surgeons worldwide are increasingly choosing SMILE due to its benefits, such as corneal stability and excellent patient outcomes
What is SMILE Laser / RELEX Eye Surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a new, safe way to fix short-sightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism. It uses a Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser to reshape the cornea. This makes recovery faster and more comfortable than other surgeries.
The SMILE Procedure
The VisuMax laser creates a series of pulses in the cornea’s centre. It marks the tissue to be removed. Then, the laser makes a tiny tunnel to take out this tissue, reshaping the cornea without blades.
- SMILE is a minimally invasive laser treatment, making it better for more people than LASIK and LASEK.
- It doesn’t have flap complications like LASIK, lowering the risk of problems and discomfort after surgery.
- SMILE takes about 20-30 minutes, which is quicker than other vision correction methods.
Clinical trials in the UK, Germany, France, and Denmark show SMILE’s benefits. Vision improves by 80% in a few hours and fully in weeks. SMILE also causes less dry eyes than LASIK because it doesn’t have a flap.
| Key Benefits of SMILE Laser / RELEX Eye Surgery | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimally Invasive | SMILE is a bladeless procedure that doesn’t require a corneal flap, making it gentler than LASIK. |
| Quick Recovery | Patients can usually go back to normal activities like exercise and swimming within a week after SMILE surgery. |
| Reduced Dry Eye Risk | SMILE is less likely to cause dry eyes after surgery compared to LASIK because it doesn’t have a corneal flap. |
SMILE laser eye surgery is a safe, effective, and comfortable way to correct myopia and astigmatism. It gives patients long-lasting, clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
How Does SMILE Laser / RELEX Work?
The SMILE procedure uses a Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser to fix vision problems. This laser makes tiny pulses in the cornea’s centre. It shows exactly how much tissue needs to be removed to improve vision.
Next, the laser makes a small tunnel. Through this tunnel, the surgeon takes out the needed tissue. This flapless laser corneal reshaping changes the cornea’s shape. It fixes the vision problem and improves eyesight.
The SMILE Laser Eye Surgery Process
- The VisuMax laser makes precise pulses in the cornea’s centre. It shows where tissue needs to be removed.
- The laser then creates a small, keyhole-sized tunnel through the cornea.
- The surgeon carefully removes the lenticule of corneal tissue through the tunnel. This reshapes the cornea.
The SMILE laser eye surgery process is a quick and safe method. It corrects myopia (short-sightedness) with or without astigmatism. It does this without the need for a corneal flap, unlike traditional LASIK surgery.
Benefits of SMILE Laser / RELEX
The SMILE laser eye surgery has many advantages over traditional LASIK. It’s a minimally invasive method that only needs a small incision. This leaves most of the cornea untouched.
Because of this, recovery is quicker. Many patients see better in just 24 hours. They can go back to their usual activities soon after.
SMILE also lowers the chance of dry eye syndrome. It keeps more of the corneal nerves intact. These nerves help keep the eyes moist. This is great for people who are active in sports or other physical activities.
Another benefit is that SMILE keeps the cornea stable. This makes it a more lasting and reliable way to correct vision. The precise laser cutting ensures accurate corrections, reducing the risk of vision problems.
“SMILE has advantages over traditional refractive techniques due to femtosecond cutting, unaffected by ambient conditions, providing excellent predictability for corrections.”
In summary, SMILE laser eye surgery has many benefits. It’s minimally invasive, has a quick recovery, lowers dry eye risk, and keeps the cornea stable. It’s a good choice for those looking for advanced vision correction.
The SMILE Laser / RELEX Procedure
The SMILE laser eye surgery process uses the Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser. It removes a small, lentil-shaped piece of corneal tissue, called a lenticule. The laser makes pulses in the cornea to mark the lenticule.
Then, it creates a tiny tunnel to remove the lenticule. This reshapes the cornea and corrects vision. Unlike LASIK, it doesn’t need a corneal flap.
Over 100,000 eyes worldwide have had SMILE. It’s the 3rd generation of laser vision correction. The procedure takes just 28 seconds.
It’s known for being stable and preserving corneal strength. ReLEx SMILE is 100% bladeless and flapless. It’s great for those with high powers, dry eyes, or quick recovery needs.
| Procedure | Duration | Flap Creation | Corneal Biomechanics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMILE | 28 seconds | Flapless | More stable |
| LASIK | Longer | Flap created | Less stable |
SMILE uses one laser machine, cutting down on time and costs. ReLEx SMILE is safe for myopic patients. It preserves corneal biomechanics for better results.
“ReLEx SMILE can treat patients with thinner corneas and high prescriptions of up to -14 in some cases.”
Suitability for SMILE Laser / RELEX
Most people can have SMILE laser eye surgery. At your first meeting, a skilled eye doctor will check your eyes, prescription, and if you’re right for the surgery. If SMILE is the best choice, they’ll tell you and explain everything.
Factors Affecting SMILE Candidacy
At times, the doctor might suggest LASIK or PRK instead. This depends on your needs and how your eyes work. Things that might change your SMILE suitability include:
- Corneal thickness and shape
- Prescription strength (myopia and astigmatism)
- Overall eye health and any pre-existing conditions
- Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or nursing
The success of SMILE surgery needs careful planning and the right technology. The doctor will check if you’re a good fit and suggest the best SMILE laser eye surgery or another treatment for you.
“ReLEx SMILE, introduced in 2011, eliminates the need for both surface ablation and the creation of a corneal flap, requiring just a keyhole to perform the procedure.”
SMILE Laser / RELEX Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from SMILE laser eye surgery is quicker and more comfortable than other eye surgeries. Many see better vision within 24 hours. Full vision recovery usually takes a few weeks.
After surgery, rest and avoid eye rubbing. Also, limit screen time and bright lights. Your surgeon will give you care tips and check-ups. Most can go back to normal activities, like sports, in one to two weeks.
Recovery Timeline
- Vision starts to improve hours after surgery, near normal in 24 hours.
- Full recovery and 100% vision is usually achieved in a few weeks.
- Patients can return to normal routine 2-3 days after surgery.
- Hair wash is recommended after 2 days post procedure.
| Procedure | SMILE Laser Eye Surgery | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 15-30 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Laser Time | Fraction of total duration | Fraction of total duration |
| Recovery Time | 3-6 months for full healing | 1-3 months for full healing |
| Side Effects | Minimal | More common |
The cost of SMILE eye surgery is about £2,495 per eye. Prices can vary based on age, eye health, and prescription.
“SMILE laser eye surgery has made Laser Eye Surgery an option for more people than ever before.”
Potential Side Effects of SMILE Laser / RELEX
SMILE laser eye surgery is safe and effective, but it has some risks. These can include corneal disorders and visual issues like halos or glare. You might also feel temporary discomfort or pain in your eyes. In rare cases, vision recovery can be delayed.
Night vision problems like glare and halos can appear years after surgery. Debris from the procedure can cause irritation and inflammation. Though rare, infections can happen, but early detection is key.
Inflammation is a common side effect that can affect your vision. It might make objects seem hazy. Double vision, or seeing a ghost image, might need further surgery to fix.
Dry eyes are common after laser surgeries. Using lubricating drops can help. If vision isn’t corrected right, you might need more treatment.
Though rare, serious complications like cornea bulging or blindness can occur. It’s crucial to talk about these risks with your surgeon before surgery.
Most side effects are mild and short-lived, with most people recovering well. A skilled surgeon will assess each patient and try to avoid complications during the procedure.
ZEISS Technology in SMILE Laser / RELEX
SMILE laser eye surgery uses the Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser system. This shows ZEISS’s skill in advanced medical tech. It lets surgeons make precise changes to the cornea, reshaping the eye and fixing vision problems with great accuracy.
The ZEISS VisuMax laser has special optics, digital cameras, and light systems. These work together to make the treatment comfortable and safe for patients. ZEISS’s long history in medical lasers and optics helped create the SMILE procedure. It’s a top choice for those wanting permanent vision correction.
- SMILE from ZEISS might cause less dry eye than other surgeries.
- The incision area with ZEISS SMILE is about 1/3 smaller than with Femto-LASIK.
- ZEISS SMILE can treat myopia and astigmatism. It can correct vision from -0.50 to -10.00 D, and up to -12.50 D in some cases.
The laser settings for ZEISS SMILE are key to its precision and speed. It uses a 1043 nm wavelength, 220–580 fs pulse duration, and 500 kHz pulse rate. With ZEISS’s focus on improving vision correction, patients can rely on the safety and success of SMILE laser eye surgery.
“The ZEISS VisuMax provides a platform for all three generations of laser vision correction, enhancing individualized treatments.”
SMILE Laser / RELEX vs. LASIK
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) are top choices for laser eye surgery. They both aim to fix vision problems like short-sightedness and astigmatism. Yet, they differ in several important ways.
SMILE is less invasive, not needing a corneal flap like LASIK does. It uses the Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser to remove a small piece of corneal tissue. This method leads to quicker healing and fewer risks of dry eye compared to LASIK.
Also, SMILE keeps the cornea more stable, which is great for active people or those not good for LASIK. Studies show SMILE might be safer and give better vision than LASIK, with similar results.
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Incision Size | Smaller (3-4 mm) | Larger (up to 20 mm) |
| Corneal Flap | No flap required | Corneal flap created |
| Recovery Time | Faster | Slower |
| Risk of Dry Eye | Lower | Higher |
| Corneal Stability | Better | Lower |
LASIK has been around for over 30 years, with millions done. But SMILE has been approved in the U.S. since 2016. It’s popular for its smaller incision, less dry eye, and no flap issues compared to LASIK.
Choosing between SMILE and LASIK depends on the patient’s needs and lifestyle. An ophthalmic surgeon will decide based on the patient’s suitability and what’s best for them.
Conclusion
SMILE laser eye surgery is a big step forward in eye care. It’s a safe and effective way to fix vision problems, unlike traditional LASIK. This method uses advanced ZEISS technology to reshape the cornea.
It corrects short-sightedness and astigmatism quickly. Plus, it means a faster recovery and fewer risks. This makes SMILE a great choice for those who want clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contacts.
SMILE keeps the cornea safe and sound. This makes it a lasting solution for people who are always on the go. It’s a top pick for those looking for a permanent fix to their vision issues.
Studies show that SMILE works well for fixing vision problems. It’s safe and reliable for correcting myopia and astigmatism. SMILE is a good option for those who want to ditch their glasses or contacts for good.
FAQ
What is SMILE Laser / RELEX eye surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a new, minimally invasive laser eye surgery. It corrects short-sightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism.
How does SMILE Laser / RELEX work?
In SMILE eye surgery, a Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser creates pulses in the cornea’s centre. It outlines the tissue to be removed. Then, a tiny tunnel is made to take out this tissue, reshaping the cornea.
What are the benefits of SMILE Laser / RELEX?
SMILE laser eye surgery has many benefits. It has a faster recovery, less risk of dry eye, and better cornea stability. This makes it great for those with active lifestyles.
Who is suitable for SMILE Laser / RELEX?
Most people can have SMILE eye surgery. An ophthalmic surgeon will check if you’re a good candidate during a consultation.
What is the recovery process like after SMILE Laser / RELEX?
Recovery from SMILE laser eye surgery is quick and comfortable. Many see better vision within 24 hours. Full vision recovery usually takes a few weeks.
What are the potential side effects of SMILE Laser / RELEX?
SMILE eye surgery has some risks and side effects. These include corneal disorders, visual disturbances, and ocular pain. But, these are usually minor and short-lived.
How does SMILE Laser / RELEX differ from LASIK?
SMILE is more minimally invasive than LASIK. It doesn’t need a corneal flap. This leads to a faster recovery and lower risk of complications like dry eye syndrome.
