Reasons to go for ReLEx SMILE surgery over Lasik
Since the advent of Lasik eye surgery for vision correction, advancements in technology have always been made. ReLEx SMILE eye surgery is one such advancement. The full form of SMILE is Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a highly advanced technology of blade-free laser vision correction that utilizes Femtosecond laser. In simple terms, ReLEx SMILE surgery is a one-step, one laser procedure that is less invasive than Lasik.
Eye conditions that can be treated with ReLEx SMILE surgery
SMILE surgery is a safe and useful procedure for correcting vision. Primarily performed to correct myopia, SMILE surgery can also be used to treat astigmatism with cylindrical power up to 5 Diopters. It is an automated procedure that gives long-lasting and stable results. It is an FDA approved procedure that is in existence since 2012. It is a safe and effective procedure that is done on patients from the ages of 18 to 40 years.
Benefits of ReLEx SMILE surgery
Smile is a Pin-hole minimally invasive corneal surgery that comes with a lot of benefits, like:
- Less invasive
The incision made during SMILE eye surgery is only 2mm, far less invasive than Lasik surgery, where at least 20mm is required. SMILE is far better than PRK procedures, being painless and offering quick recovery. Tiny incision reduces disturbances in corneal nerves that patients suffer in other surgical procedures.
- Uncomplicated
Since there is no creation of corneal flap required in ReLEx SMILE eye surgery, chances of post-procedure complications are rare. This helps the patient to heal faster and get back to his/her routine life.
- Blade-free and painless
During SMILE surgery, the eyes are anaesthetized, and so that the patient does not blink eyes, a lid speculum is used to prevent closing or blinking. The surgeon utilizes Femto laser technology to create precise lenticular surfaces in the cornea and, later, remove the lenticule through the incision.
- Quicker Surgery & Recovery
ReLEx SMILE eye surgery gets done in 15 minutes. It is done on an outpatient basis, and the patient can get back home the same day without discomfort.
Other key facts about SMILE eye surgery
- Flapless
- Beyond Lasik eye surgery
- Predictable results
- 3rd generation
- Safe and ensures quicker recovery
- Quiet, odourless, and blade-free
ReLEx SMILE surgery procedure
During SMILE eye surgery, the surgeon creates a precise, lens-shaped lenticule, which is a circular piece of tissue with the help of a Femtosecond laser. The surgeon then extracts the lenticule that was created in the eye and discards it.
When the lenticule is removed, the shape of the cornea is altered, and that’s how the refractive error is corrected.
The corneal incision heals itself in some days without stitches, restoring a sharp vision very quickly.
Why should I go for ReLEX SMILE eye treatment over other Lasik treatments?
Are you not a good candidate for Lasik? These are the three things that make you unfit for Lasik surgery, but SMILE can help:
- Thin corneas
- Chronic dry eye syndrome
- Patients who play high-intensity sports like boxing, etc, or work that involves direct contact with the eyes
The ideal candidate for ReLEx SMILE eye surgery
- Above 18 years of age
- Your eye prescription should not have changed in the last year
- Your corneas need to be healthy
- You should have realistic expectations from SMILE
What makes me unfit for SMILE eye surgery?
- An unstable refractive error
- Skin disorder or some other disease that can affect healing
- Excessive scarring
- Corneal abrasions
- Advanced glaucoma
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- History of eye surgeries
- Pregnant women
Your ophthalmologist will do a series of tests to check if your eyes are fit for SMILE surgery
- Check the overall condition/health of your eyes
- Measure the cornea
- Check pupil size
- Measure your astigmatism and nearsightedness
Centre for Sight is one of the best eye hospitals in India for ReLEx eye surgery. We have one of the best teams of doctors, surgeons, consultants for your treatment. Through thorough testing, the condition of the patient’s eye is diagnosed with accuracy, and then the correct treatment is suggested. Contact us for SMILE surgery treatment and consultation. CFS has an ultra-precise, ultra-safe and painless procedure that changes everything about vision correction.
We also specialize in various fields like cornea services, ocular surface & dry eye disorders,computer vision syndrome, paediatric ophthalmology & squint, cataract and glaucoma services.
Article: Reasons to go for ReLEx SMILE surgery over Lasik
Author: CFS Editorial Team | Jun 17, 2020 | UPDATED 01:19 IST
*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.
