ReLex SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE: The 3rd Generation Laser Vision Correction
In a relatively brief span of 30 years, refractive surgery (removing spectacles or eye glasses) has evolved through three generations of procedures: PRK, LASIK, and now SMILE. Each generation has made strides to make the procedure safer and with lesser side effects. This is especially true following the introduction of the Bladefree femtosecond laser as a substitute for the blade Lasik.
A new type of refractive vision correction technique is now available as ReLEx SMILE.
ReLEx Smile is an alternative to Lasik and beyond Lasik. SMILE is a safer, quicker procedure and leaves the anterior lamellae of cornea intact. Excimer Laser and Femtosecond laser is not required in ReLEx technology for the correction of vision. SMILE uses the CPA (Chirped Pulse Amplification) technology for which Arthur Askin and Donna Stickland have been awarded Nobel Prize in Physics 2018.
Steps in ReLex SMILE Procedure:
Steps in ReLex SMILE Procedure:
Step-1
SMILE is a single step laser treatment. View of Cornea.
Step - 2
Laser creates lower layer of lenticule inside Cornea.
Step - 3
Laser creates upper layer of lenticule inside cornea.
Step - 4
A 4mm small incision being created to remove lenticule into the cornea.
Step - 5
The surgeon removes the lenticule through the small access from cornea.
Step - 6
SMILE removes the disadvantages of discomfort and long recovery of other surface treatments like LASIK. Experience the new clear world without spectacles.
Some FAQs
play_arrowWhat is SMILE? It is an acronym for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE). It is a minimally invasive and innovative procedure wherein instead of the excimer laser ablating the cornea, the femtosecond laser is used to create a lenticule which is then extracted through a keyhole corneal incision (2-4mm incision compare to 20mm used in Lasik).
play_arrowWhy should I prefer SMILE? It is completely painless and flapless procedure. 99% of complications in LASIK and Bladefree LASIK are due to the flap. Since SMILE has no flap, there are no flap related complications. It gives high stability in the long term with less chance of number coming back.
play_arrowWhat are the key advantages of SMILE? Shorter recovery time, No dry eyes, No flap related complications and safer procedure for patients engaged in active sports.
play_arrowIs this procedure accurate? YES. Not only it is highly accurate, it is also highly predictable and stable.
play_arrowIs it safe?It is very safe.
play_arrowAm I a suitable candidate? Advanced Cornea imaging tests are required to confirm if you are a suitable candidate. Some patient who may not be suitable for conventional Lasik can also be treated with SMILE. You have to visit Grewal Eye Institute for a detailed examination.
Advantages of ReLex SMILE?
A study published in the Journal of Refractive Surgery showed "considerably higher" postop tensile strength with SMILE than with either LASIK or PRK. Three disadvantages of LASIK are a) the increase in the tendency for dry eyes b) the small possibility of a flap displacement and c) weakening of the cornea because the flap does not contribute to the corneal strength. SMILE has a much shorter treatment time compared to LASIK.
International Quality Accreditated by
Joint Commission International, USA (JCI)
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