Know About the ReLEx SMILE Technique Used for Laser Eye Surgery

ReLEx SMILE is the newest, third-generation laser eye surgery procedure for treating short-sightedness. It stands for ‘Refractive Lenticule Extraction’ and ‘Small Incision Lenticule Extraction’, and the technique can be performed on a patient who has or does not have astigmatism. The surgery provides all the good things about LASIK, such as minimal discomfort and rapid healing, but without the corneal flap. Here are some of the other facts that you need to know about ReLEx SMILE: 

• The procedure – It uses advanced femtosecond technology for creating the high-precision lenticule, the thin circular disc of the tissue, which is then removed with a small incision in the intact cornea. This way, it reduces the approximate 20mm side cut in a LASIK procedure to a smaller incision that is less than 4mm. 

• It causes minimal discomfort – No worries, as your eye is anaesthetised with specially formulated eye drops, and a lid speculum will be positioned gently to prevent accidental blinking. Laser eye surgeons who are highly trained and experienced in ReLEx SMILE can remove the lenticule using small keyhole incisions. 

• How long it takes – The entire procedure often takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, as the actual laser is used only for a short moment throughout the duration of the surgery. You can leave the clinic once the surgeon has conducted the quick post-operative examination.
  
• Recovery – Recovering from ReLEx SMILE is comfortable, just like LASIK, but visual recovery may be slower. So, you could experience hazy vision, but you should be able to navigate through simple tasks, like walking around your home. For your safety, consider taking a few days off from work and avoid driving or going out by yourself. You will need to fulfil follow-up appointments the next day, too. 

• Where to have the procedure - Only a handful of clinics offer the treatment in the UK, and the procedure can be pricey, too, which prompts discerning individuals to seek this laser eye surgery abroad. Reputable eye surgeons in the Czech Republic are certified and trained in ReLEx SMILE, in case you want to have this eye surgery at a more reasonable cost. Reputable medical tourism providers can help you schedule your consultation with a good eye surgeon in Czech Republic.