Why is SMILE Such a Good Option for Laser Eye Surgery?
For a long time, LASIK was King when it came to Laser Eye Surgery – and in many ways it still is. But despite remaining the most common Laser Eye Surgery procedure around the world (including here in the UK), the latest innovation in Laser Eye Surgery is revolutionising the industry. So, why is ReLEx SMILE such as good option? Let’s find out!
A Brief History of Laser Eye Surgery
The first Laser Eye Surgery procedure in the UK was performed in 1989. These early procedures were known as “surface” procedures, a term which today refers to both PRK and LASEK. While the results of PRK and LASEK remain excellent, these procedures have gradually been performed less and less, thanks to the introduction of LASIK.
LASIK did away with the need to remove a whole section of the corneal epithelium, making for a less invasive procedure. It is still the most commonly performed Laser Eye Surgery procedure. It is suitable for most patients, boasts excellent results, and has fast recovery times. However, in 2011, the industry was revolutionised with the introduction of ReLEx SMILE.
What’s so special about SMILE?
The development of the ReLEx SMILE procedure (short for Refractive Lenticule Extraction, Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) widened Laser Eye Surgery’s suitability to more people than ever before. As our very own founder, Professor Dan Reinstein was involved in the development of the procedure, the London Vision Clinic became one of the first clinics in the UK to offer this revolutionary treatment.
But what really makes this treatment so special?
As mentioned above, LASIK was developed as a less invasive alternative to PRK and LASEK. LASIK involves the creation of a corneal flap on the surface of the eye. This gives the surgeon access to the tissue beneath, allowing them to reshape the cornea and correct a wide range of refractive errors. Once this stage is complete, the flap is simply put back in place where it begins to heal almost immediately. But ReLEx SMILE changed the game even further.
SMILE leaves the cornea intact
Thanks to technological advancements, in particular, the development of the Carl Zeiss Visumax Laser, ReLEx SMILE offers an even less invasive approach to vision corrective surgery. The Visumax laser is used to create a small “keyhole” incision on the surface of the cornea.
Through this tiny incision, the laser delivers a number of electrical pulses, creating tiny bubbles in the cornea. This allows the surface layer to detach from the tissue underneath, creating a tunnel through which corneal tissue can be drawn out, reshaping the corneal bed!
This process means that the cornea remains relatively undisturbed throughout the treatment. This means that more strength is retained in the cornea, compared to even a flap-based procedure like LASIK!
SMILE is suitable for more patients
Another prominent benefit to SMILE is that it opens up Laser Eye Surgery as an option for even more patients. As Professor Reinstein explains:
“Not only is the patient experience greatly enhanced, as there is less surgical manipulation of the eye – making it less invasive than traditional laser eye surgery – but it also makes vision correction available to people who would have previously been told that they were unsuitable candidates. It’s a major development.”
Dry eye is one of the most common side effects following Laser Eye surgery. For most patients, this can be effectively managed by avoiding screen time in the hours after the procedure and following an eye drop routine throughout their recovery. However, for patients who already suffer with dry eyes, this can be more of an issue.
In fact, corneal dryness can often make patients unsuitable for LASIK or PRK/LASEK. ReLEx SMILE offers a solution. As fewer nerve fibres are disrupted during the SMILE procedure, this can significantly reduce – or even eliminate – dry eye symptoms following Laser Eye Surgery. As a result, even patients with dry eyes could be suitable for treatment!
Finally, SMILE can also go safely beyond the prescription of LASIK, treating higher myopic prescriptions than previously thought possible!
Overall, it’s fair to say that ReLEx SMILE revolutionised the Laser Eye Surgery field. With Laser Eye Surgery now an option for more people than ever before, could it be the right option for you? Find out if you’re suitable for SMILE – or our other treatments – today. Get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation to learn more!
