How does Relex SMILE work?
Since 2011 SMILE has been performed worldwide on a large scale. More than 3 million eyes have been treated with this technique. It is a minimally invasive procedure: a femtosecond laser creates a precisely shaped piece of tissue (the so-called 'lenticule') inside the cornea. This disc is then removed through a small tunnel of 2 to 4 mm. The volume of the lenticule depends on the refractive error to be corrected.
Because no flap is made, the surface of the cornea remains largely intact. That gives a stronger postoperative cornea and a lower risk of dry eyes in the long term.
Recovery after SMILE
After the treatment you may experience an irritated feeling for a few hours. Vision recovers within 24 hours. After about 6 weeks the vision is completely stable. We usually plan for 2 days of work incapacity: the day of the treatment and the day after, on which the first check-up also takes place.
Daily activities can be resumed from day 2. Sports and swimming are allowed after 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the discipline.
For whom is SMILE suitable?
SMILE is particularly suitable for patients with short-sightedness (myopia) up to −10 dioptres and astigmatism up to −5. The technique is excellent for athletes, people with dry eyes or contact-lens wearers who often experience discomfort.
For long-sightedness or a cornea that is too thin, Femto-LASIK or LASEK is often chosen instead. During the pre-assessment the optimal technique for your eyes is determined based on objective measurements.
