ReLEx SMILE, LASIK and PRK: Can You See After These Laser Eye Surgeries?

Laser eye surgery is a groundbreaking solution for those desiring freedom from glasses and contacts. It gained popularity for its effectiveness in addressing various vision issues and promising enhanced eyesight and quality of life. 

Many people are curious whether laser eye surgery results in clear vision, even though the process is fast and usually painless. Patients can expect a noticeable improvement in their vision following the procedure, usually within six hours after surgery. 

Over the subsequent days and weeks, a continuous improvement in vision unfolds, reaching its full transformative potential within approximately three months. 

This article examines the laser eye surgery experience, from the operating room to the stages of recovery and newfound visual clarity.

Understanding Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. The most common types of laser eye surgery are:

• ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

These procedures correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The expected outcomes for vision after these procedures are generally positive, with a high percentage of patients achieving improved vision without needing glasses or contact lenses. 

However, individual responses may vary, and some patients may experience temporary visual disturbances during the initial healing period, such as glare, halos, or dry eyes.

The ReLEx SMILE Surgery Procedure

The ReLEx SMILE procedure involves creating a lenticule, a small, disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue, within the cornea. The surgery uses a femtosecond laser, which precisely defines the shape, size, and location of the lenticule. 

After the doctor creates the lenticule, they extract it through a tiny incision. This process reshapes the cornea, correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia).

Expected Outcomes for Vision

• Swift Recovery: SMILE is associated with a relatively fast recovery. Patients may experience improved vision within a day, with optimal results apparent in a few weeks.
• Less Invasive: The absence of a corneal flap distinguishes SMILE as a less invasive option, appealing to individuals seeking a procedure with fewer potential complications.
• Reduced Dry Eye Symptoms: Compared to LASIK, SMILE may result in fewer cases of dry eyes post-surgery. The smaller incision size contributes to reduced disruption of corneal nerves.
• Immediate Post-Surgery Vision: SMILE combines some of the advantages of LASIK and PRK. Patients usually experience a faster recovery compared to PRK, with many reporting improved vision within the first day or two. However, the immediate post-surgery experience can vary among individuals.
• Medium-Term Effects: In the medium term, patients undergoing SMILE can expect a further reduction in side effects and a more pronounced enhancement of vision. Many individuals experience a smoother transition to clearer eyesight.
• Long-Term Effects: SMILE’s long-term effects echo the efficiency of LASIK and PRK, with sustained visual improvement and diminished reliance on corrective eyewear. The minimally invasive nature of SMILE contributes to a favourable long-term outcome.

The LASIK Procedure

LASIK is the most widely performed laser eye surgery. The procedure involves creating a thin flap in the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. The surgeon then lifts the flap to expose the underlying corneal tissue, and an excimer laser reshapes the cornea. After reshaping, the flap is repositioned, acting as a natural bandage. The entire process takes only a few minutes per eye.

Expected Outcomes for Vision

• Rapid Visual Recovery: LASIK’s visual recovery makes it a leading choice for those eager to witness immediate improvements in their vision.
• Minimal Discomfort: Patients typically report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. The corneal flap created during LASIK promotes a swifter healing process.
• High Success Rate: The procedure boasts a high success rate, with most patients achieving a 20/20 vision or better.
• Immediate post-surgery vision: LASIK is renowned for providing quick visual recovery. Many patients experience a significant improvement in vision shortly after the procedure. In some cases, patients may notice a dramatic enhancement in their eyesight immediately or within a day.
• Medium-term effects: The medium-term impact of LASIK usually manifests within the first week. Patients may experience stabilized vision and diminishing side effects, contributing to an overall sense of clarity.
• Long-term effects: LASIK’s long-term effects have a sustained visual improvement. Many patients achieve optimal vision within a few weeks, enjoying reduced dependence on corrective lenses for an extended period.

The PRK Procedure

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) removes the cornea’s outer layer (epithelium) completely before reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the epithelium regenerates over time. PRK is for individuals with thinner or other corneal issues that make LASIK less suitable.

Expected Outcomes for Vision

• Suitable for Thin Corneas: Patients with thin corneas who may not be candidates for LASIK may consider PRK a viable option.
• Gradual Visual Recovery: Unlike LASIK, PRK’s vision recovery is gradual. Patients may experience blurred vision for a few days, with optimal results emerging over several weeks.
• No Risk of Flap Complications: Since PRK does not involve the creation of a corneal flap, there is no risk of flap-related complications. It makes PRK a preferred choice for some patients.
• Immediate Post-Surgery Vision: PRK involves longer recovery periods compared to LASIK. Since PRK removes the corneal epithelium entirely, patients may experience more discomfort initially. Immediate vision improvement is often less pronounced than in LASIK, and it may take a few days for visual acuity to improve.
• Medium-Term Effects: Medium-term effects for PRK encompass a gradual reduction of side effects, with improved vision becoming more apparent over the initial weeks post-surgery.
• Long-Term Effects: PRK’s long-term effects align closely with LASIK, delivering sustained visual improvement. Patients typically experience reduced reliance on corrective lenses, with long-term benefits becoming prominent.

Essential Factors Affecting Surgery Outcomes

The success of laser eye surgery contains various factors that play a crucial role in determining the outcomes. Here are some key factors that impact the results of laser eye surgery:

• Pre-Existing Eye Conditions: Conditions like glaucoma or cataracts may pose risks or make some individuals unsuitable for surgery.
• Individual Healing Response: Diverse healing processes can lead to varying levels of discomfort and recovery speed.
• Post-Operative Care: Adherence to care instructions, medication use, and activity restrictions significantly influence healing.
• Level of Vision Correction Required: LASIK is most effective within specific ranges of refractive errors. Achieving positive outcomes becomes more challenging with more severe vision problems.

Importance of Pre-Surgery Evaluations

According to a recent study, many LASIK patients report improved functionality, quality of life, and satisfaction. However, the study emphasizes the importance of managing patient expectations through proper counselling. 

Pre-surgery evaluations help the surgeon tailor the procedure to the patient’s needs by identifying risks and contraindications. This step is crucial for setting realistic expectations and ensuring a safe and successful outcome.

Improve Your Vision with Clearview Vision Institute’s Expert Laser Eye Surgery in Toronto

At Clearview Vision Institute, our commitment to professionalism sets us apart, ensuring that your experience is not just a procedure but a personalized and guided journey to enhanced vision. 

Book a consultation with our eye surgeons today by calling 647-493-6371 or contact us here. Trust our expert team for seamless laser eye surgery in Toronto