Introduction
ReLEx SMILE surgery is the third-generation ocular surgery for myopia and astigmatism. Although there is an increasing trend of Lasik surgery for correcting eye problems, ReLEx SMILE surgery is also increasing. There are various advantages of ReLEx SMILE surgery over Lasik surgery.
Relex SMILE Surgery
ReLEx SMILE surgery is a novel procedure for eye surgery. The doctors use this surgery to correct the eyesight problems. It has various advantages over Lasik surgery. Carl Zeiss Meditec had developed this procedure. This surgery is painless, bladeless, and minimally invasive. The medical professionals consider this surgery as third-generation ocular surgery. The first generation comprises PRK surgery, while Lasik surgery is the second-generation surgery. ReLEx SMILE surgery uses the VisuMax femtosecond laser, which provides accuracy and precision to the procedure. ReLEx SMILE stands for “Refractive Lenticule ExtractionSmall Incision Lenticule Extraction.
What To Expect Before The Relex SMILE Surgery?
Your doctor will discuss with you in great detail the advantages and limitations of ReLEx SMILE surgery. He may have your expectations from the surgery. You may undergo a detailed ocular examination to determine if you are fit for surgery. The examination may include analyzing the status of ocular health, diagnosing eye disease such as infection, measuring the thickness of the cornea, calculating pupil size, and evaluating the extent of myopia and astigmatism. To get the best experience while opting for ReLEx SMILE surgery, you should visit the best ophthalmologist in India.
How Doctor Performs Relex SMILE Eye Surgery?
ReLEx SMILE surgery takes around 15 minutes to complete. The doctor discharges the patient within the same day of surgery. ReLEx SMILE surgery comprises of two steps:
- Creation of the lenticule: During the procedure, the doctor will make your eyes numb through the eye drop. The doctor then places the eyelid holder to prevent your eyes from blinking. The doctor then uses the suction ring to avoid eye movement. The doctor adjusts the laser according to your eye’s measurement. The VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule on the inner corneal layer.
- Removal of the lenticule: In the next step, the laser causes a corneal incision. This allows your doctor to access the lenticule. The doctor removes the lenticule, thereby reshaping your cornea.
What Are The Conditions Treated With Relex SMILE Surgery?
There are various conditions that the doctor can treat through ReLEx SMILE surgery. Clinical trials are underway to determine the efficacy of ReLEx SMILE surgery in other eye conditions. ReLEx SMILE effectively treats myopia. ReLEx SMILE surgery also treats patients who have astigmatism power of up to 6 diopters.
What Are The Advantages Of Relex SMILE Surgery?
ReLEx SMILE surgery has various advantages over Lasik surgery. Some of the advantages are:
- Flapless procedure: Unlike Lasik surgery, which involves the creation of flaps, ReLEx SMILE surgery does not comprise of flap formation. Instead, the ReLEx SMILE surgery causes lenticule formation, which the doctor removes to reshape the cornea.
- Minimally Invasive procedure:ReLEx SMILE surgery is truly a minimally invasive procedure. It makes only a 2 mm incision, in contrast to Lasik surgery, which creates a 20 mm incision.
- Bladeless and Painless:ReLEx SMILE surgery does not use blades for the incision. As the procedure is under anesthesia, it is virtually pain-free.
- Fewer complications: As there is no flap formation, the complications of ReLEx SMILE surgery are fewer than Lasik surgery.
- Fast recovery:As there is no flap formationand the patient experiences fewer complications, the recovery period in ReLEx SMILE surgery is fast.
When Should I Opt For Relex SMILE Surgery?
ReLEx SMILE surgery is also effective in people who are not the candidates for Lasik surgery. You may opt for ReLEx SMILE surgery if you:
- Have dry eye syndrome
- Have thin cornea
- If you are playing a contact sport and require fast recovery to participate in such sports.
What Is The Eligibility To Undergo Relex SMILE Surgery?
Unfortunately, not all people are eligible to undergo ReLEx SMILE surgery. The doctor analyses your eye health and advises if ReLEx SMILE surgery is safe and effective for you. The doctor may also provide you information about other treatment options. Following is the eligibility criteria for ReLEx SMILE surgery:
- Above 18 years of age.
- Stable eye prescription for the last year.
- No ocular disease like an eye infection.
- The cornea in a healthy state.
Why Doctor Recommends Not To Go With Relex SMILE Surgery?
There are certain cases where the doctor does not recommend for ReLEx SMILE surgery. Following are some of those cases:
- Suffering from certain diseases like diabetes, advanced glaucoma, and excessive scarring.
- Corneal abrasions.
- History of eye surgeries
- Pregnancy
- Diseases that may affect the healing of wounds, such as allergic diseases.
Conclusion
ReLEx SMILE surgery is safe and effective. It is a bladeless and painless surgery with fast recovery. It has fewer post-operative complications and takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete.