What Is ReLEx Smile Surgery?

If you’re dealing with nearsightedness on an everyday basis, we have the remedy for you. There are many permanent ways to treat this vision problem. One of the most advanced technologies out there today is SMILE eye surgery. ReLEX or SMILE surgery stands for Refractive Lenticule Extraction or Small Incision Reticule Extraction. This solution is a more advanced version of the Femto-LASIK treatment and is very popular as it corrects short-sightedness and astigmatism through bladeless technology.

Want to learn more about SMILE eye surgery? Keep reading.

What is ReLEX SMILE surgery?

This treatment uses the Visumax femtosecond laser to create a corrective lens of tissue within the cornea. This is then extracted through an incision which helps preserve the nerve endings in the cornea. Since the cornea’s surface is so sensitive, it is essential to treat that region with particular attention and care. Even the slightest sensation on the cornea may bring immediate discomfort and make us aware of the problem area. Thus, SMILE is an excellent solution as it reduces the risk of such irritation and dry eye-related symptoms.

In addition, the area also contains nerve endings which are critical to producing a feedback loop and generating tear production. With the SMILE surgery, there is less probability of affecting these nerves, as the surgery does not involve a circumferential incision like traditional LASIK surgery. This, in turn, causes less disturbance to the feedback loop and gives the patient a higher recovery time.

Benefits of SMILE Eye Surgery

There are numerous benefits of this surgery. The most important advantage is that SMILE is minimally invasive, as it uses a surgical technique that needs the smallest of incisions. In addition, the topmost layers of the cornea remain unaffected by the surgery. This is beneficial for biochemical stability within the eye and makes for quick recovery times as well. Most patients attain full visual recovery within a couple of days after surgery. Complete vision stability is typically optimized within a week, which is a quick postoperative recovery time compared to other alternatives.

Another benefit of SMILE is that it is a comfortable treatment, with minimum discomfort during the procedure. It also has a high rate of predictability, as most patients’ visual outcomes can be determined beforehand. There are also minimal postoperative corrections.

The procedure also requires no flap – which is an advancement in technology and technique that many other methods aren’t following. This removes any potential for flap-related complications such as displacement, detachment or foreign body sensation. The cornea retains its strength and stability, which lowers the risk of infection and dry eye syndrome.

The night vision acuity also increases, with less incidence of optical aberrations.

How does the procedure work?

SMILE surgery begins with creating a 2 mm incision in the cornea, upon which the lenticule is created. The VisuMax laser takes approximately 30 seconds to create the lenticular while leaving the cornea’s surface untouched. Then, the lenticule is removed while keeping the cornea stable and unchanged.

The removal of the lenticule through the incision is completed without much disruption to the workings of the cornea. However, the slight changing of the shape of the cornea (through the lenticule) helps create the required refraction correction. It changes the way light bends which allows the patient to see clearly. The incision heals itself within a week, and the patient typically makes a successful recovery.

Eligibility for SMILE

Individuals should have a stable eyeglass prescription of a minimum of 12 months. SMILE helps correct myopia, and astigmatism. If you are looking to improve visual acuity for issues other than myopia and astigmatism, consider treatments such as LASIK or PRK.

It is particularly suitable for those individuals who suffer from chronic dry eye, high ametropia or thin corneas.

However, all individuals considering the surgery are advised to come in for a complimentary assessment with our doctors. This can minimize the risk of infections and other complications while maximizing all the benefits from this fantastic surgery.

Difference Between SMILE and Lasik

LASIK is another popular treatment for achieving visual acuity. Both procedures are excellent, and choosing one over the other will depend on the individual and their needs. Both techniques are effective in reducing refractive error.

However, LASIK surgery utilizes a large incision to reshape the cornea, whereas SMILE surgery uses a tiny opening. LASIK also involves flap surgery, where the flap is folded to achieve the results. This can result in more tears and disrupt the flow of tears. SMILE, on the other hand, requires no flap. Therefore the cornea remains stable and undisturbed. This leads to retaining the strength and stability of the cornea without disrupting the flow of tears.

Both procedures are safe, precise and are recognized as having a high efficacy rate. The surgery you pick will come down to your needs, so be sure to consult with your physician on the right surgery for you.

Are you considering getting SMILE to reach your best vision today? That’s a great decision. Over one million people worldwide have had the surgery, which has a ten-year track record of success. It also accounts for 10% of all vision correction treatments worldwide and is growing in its popularity due to the minimal discomfort and quick recovery time.

If you’re planning to get your SMILE eye surgery soon, be sure to check out Clearview Institute. As the first institute in Canada to offer SMILE, we are well-equipped to handle a successful surgery while prioritizing patient care and comfort.

To learn more about SMILE eye surgery, call Clearview Institute today at 647-493-6371 or contact us here.