ReLEx SMILE

ReLEx SMILE

• ReLEx (Refractive Lenticule Extraction) SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the most advanced treatment for correction of refractive errors including myopia and astigmatism by removing excessive corneal tissue in the form of a lenticule through a small incision of 2-3 mm. utilizing state-of-the-art femtosecond technology from Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany.

• ReLEx SMILE is currently the most advanced and further development of LASIK and FemtoLASIK.

ReLEx SMILE Technology

• Using the Visumax femtosecond laser from Carl Zeiss, Germany.

ReLEx SMILE Procedure

• The Femtosecond laser penetrates into the cornea and creates an inner lenticule without destroying the outermost layers.

• A small incision (2-3 mm.) on the side of the cornea is created with the Femtosecond laser.

• The lenticule is removed.

Advantages of ReLEx SMILE

• With ReLEx SMILE, the cornea retains its natural shape because no flap is created.

• High precision and predictability with the lowest enhancement rates compared with other procedures.

• Fewer side effects (such as eye dryness, night glare).

• Able to correct myopia and astigmatism combined up to -12.00 Diopter).

• Quickest recovery.

• Pain-free procedure.

• Bladeless and all femtosecond technology.

• Small incision and flapless procedure.

Limitation of ReLEx SMILE

• ReLEx SMILE cannot be used to correct farsightedness.

The qualifications of a suitable candidate for ReLEx SMILE at TRSC generally include

• People who are at least 18 years of age and have had stable vision for at least one year. (All minors under age 20 are required to have a legal guardian present to give consent for medical treatment. TRSC has the right to refuse service if there is no guardian present)

• People who have no corneal diseases or other eye diseases, for example; significant retinal degeneration, severe eye dryness.

• People who have no complicating diseases, which may affect the eye’s healing process, such as SLE (lupus), Sjogren’s syndrome, Psoriasis and diabetes (not well-controlled) or other auto-immune diseases.

• Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Not taking any psychiatric medications or being under the treatment for psychological disorders.

• Must have the pre-operative eye examination performed by TRSC in order to make certain that all measurements meet our standards and a good candidate for laser eye surgery.

• People who have a complete and detailed understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of ReLEx SMILE and have realistic expectations of the outcomes.

Preparation for the preoperative eye examination (WU) and ReLEx SMILE at TRSC

• Refrain from wearing contact lenses prior to the pre-operative eye examination. You may use your glasses during the time you are not wearing your contact lenses. The amount of time required to stay out of contact lenses is the following.

  • Soft lenses: At least 3 days before the examination.

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses or Semi-hard lenses: At least 14 days before the examination.

• Stop the use of certain medications. Please be aware that certain medications need to be discontinued for a certain period of time before the examination and surgery.

  • Oral isotretinoin medication for acne treatment such as Roaccutane, Acnotin, Isotretneed to be stopped at least one month before you can have the preoperative examination and surgery. Roaccutane causes dry eyes which can interfere with the surgery results.

  • If you are taking any medication, please notify your doctor, especially if you are taking medications for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, thyroid and all kinds of sleeping pill. You may still take medication as usual.

• The preoperative eye examination will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

• Please note that the doctor who conducts the examination will be your surgeon. If you have preferred doctor, please specify.

• The results of your preoperative eye examination by a surgeon will be divided into the following 3 categories:

  • Your eyes are healthy and you are a suitable candidate for ReLEx SMILE surgery. You have a very good chance of success and the risks involved are minimal and fall in the normal range. You may make an appointment for ReLEx SMILE right away or at your convenience.

  • You are not a candidate for ReLEx SMILE surgery. The reasons could be due to your eye health, general health, or mental health. The doctor may advise other ways to treat your refractive errors such as PRK or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), which is an alternative option for your surgery. The doctor will provide additional details for your consideration.

  • You may be a candidate for ReLEx SMILE surgery. Depending on your examination results, you may be a candidate if your eyes are treated properly so that your eye health is normal and in good condition for surgery. Some examples include dry eyes, allergic reactions from contact lens wear, and eye diseases such as retinal problems or glaucoma.

ReLEx SMILE is an advanced laser eye surgery for correcting myopia and astigmatism using a minimally invasive, flapless technique. The procedure involves a small incision with a femtosecond laser to remove a corneal lenticule. It offers quick recovery and minimal side effects but is not suitable for correcting farsightedness.