Since its introduction and wide availability, ReLEx SMILE eye surgery has experienced constant advancements. A new technique for removing lenticules was introduced in 2012 called SMILE. The refractive surgery procedure uses femtosecond lasers. In SMILE, a tiny incision of 2 to 4 millimeters is made to cut and remove a thin corneal lenticule.
SMILE is an effective treatment for myopia. There have been over 750 surgeries performed worldwide. As far as hyperopia or pure cylindrical corrections are concerned, SMILE has not been studied. This procedure was approved by the FDA in 2016 for the correction of myopia up to 8 dioptres and cylinders up to 0.5 dioptres. Despite a revised approval in 2018, the FDA has not yet approved it for correcting hyperopia and pure cylinders.
Astigmatism and short-sightedness can be treated with SMILE.
ReLEx SMILE’s benefits
With SMILE, two lamellar planes are carved out of the cornea using a Femtosecond laser. The thickness of the lenticule determines the Specs power correction. The lenticule is usually removed from the eye through a 2 to 4-mm incision. Dry eye syndrome and corneal compromise can be reduced with this technology. According to some studies, it helps deal with these issues, but according to other studies, it doesn’t make much of a difference.
The Smile Procedure: How Does It Work?
Anesthesia drops are used during SMILE procedures to numb the eye. An eye speculum keeps the eye open by preventing blinking.
A lenticule is a thin, circular piece of tissue created by femtosecond technology. Incisions are made in the eye to remove lenticules.
During the procedure, there is only a brief period of laser time, so the whole process takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Once the laser treatment is completed, the eye doctor will examine the eye and release the patient after a few minutes of rest.
Recovery from Smile Eye Surgery
As reported by Dr. R.L Rebenitsch in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2018, SMILE patients lose out on the WOW effect of Lasik because visual recovery occurs more slowly than with Contoura. The WOW effect occurs relatively quickly after the laser procedure, usually within 30 minutes.
How safe is the ReLEx SMILE procedure?
The FDA has approved SMILE as a medical procedure. It is recommended that patients over the age of 22 undergo this procedure. Patients must undergo a series of tests to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure. Candidates for LASIK are also likely to benefit from SMILE.
A US FDA study found that only 84 percent of 348 SMILE patients had uncorrected vision acuity of 6/6 (20/20 or better). A moderate to severe level of glare, a moderate to severe level of halos, and dry eye were experienced following surgery.
