ReLEx Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, SMILE, is the newest and most advanced laser eye surgery entering the medical field. This modern and innovative procedure promises incredible results, particularly for stronger prescription candidates.
What is so special about ReLEx SMILE?
Tired of wearing glasses or dealing with the hassle of wearing contact lenses? Laser eye surgeries have been carried out for several years now, being constantly updated and improved, keeping up with the latest medical advances. However, ReLEx SMILE truly is a cutting-edge procedure in the field of eye surgery. It takes on board the previous methods, improves them, speeds them up, and essentially increases the patient’s comfort along with the healing process.
Talk me through it!
The procedure is similar in comparison to any other eye surgeries. However, this one takes a mere 10 to 15 minutes. It is known as a ‘keyhole’ laser eye surgery as it is less invasive than any of the previous generations of eye surgery. Small Incision Lenticule Extraction was first founded by Carl Zeiss Meditec, a multinational medical technology company. The use of the innovative, state-of-the-art Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser allows for placement accuracy. Therefore, no flap is created as in conventional laser eye surgery, making it much safer and considerably speeding up the healing time. Thanks to this innovative instrument, there is less surgical manipulation with the eye which is more comfortable and efficient both for the patient and the surgeon. The pain-free surgery is far less invasive than the previous generations of laser eye surgery. Furthermore, because of the advanced technology of the SMILE procedure, the patients who were once unsuitable candidates (such as higher myopic prescription) for eye surgery can now stand a chance.
What about the treatment during and after?
Immediately following the quick and painless procedure, the patient has to apply antibiotic drops every 3 hours after the surgery (5 times per day for 2 weeks). In case of discomfort, an analgesic, more commonly known as a painkiller may be administered. The majority of patients do not use these unless you are more sensitive.
However, the healing process is incredibly fast, and in the following days, life goes back to normal. The patient can go back to an office job, for a swim in the pool or enjoy a movie in the cinema without glasses unless one decides to go for a 3D movie, of course. As mentioned earlier, the recovery after this cutting-edge procedure is quick, and within less than a month the patient could not tell that they had anything done.
And the results?
The ReLEx SMILE procedure guarantees that the patient’s vision will instantly, right after the surgery, improve up to 80%. Later on, within a couple of days, reaching 100%. The patient’s reviews of this surgery are thoroughly positive, and the recommendations are flooding the internet as not only is this laser eye correction procedure more comfortable for the patient, but also for the surgical team.
Contributing writer: Julie Mahlerová