ReLEx SMILE Surgery & Procedures

How ReLEx SMILE works

1. We first administer numbing drops to eliminate any discomfort.
2. Using the ZEISS VisuMax ® femtosecond laser, we make a small incision and create a pre-calculated mini lens tissue (or lenticule) inside the cornea.
3. We then remove the lens tissue through the tiny incision.
4. Once we remove it, the shape of the cornea changes which results in the correct refractive outcome.
5. Your vision is corrected.

What’s special about SMILE?

Minimally invasive

• SMILE’s minimally invasive surgery is increasingly becoming the standard of care in many medical fields, including ophthalmology.
• SMILE is a gentle Laser Vision Correction procedure that requires only a small incision.
• Most of the upper layers of the cornea are unaffected with SMILE. This offers the potential for more biomechanical stability of the eye¹² and fast healing³⁴.
• SMILE is a comfortable treatment. Patients generally feel no discomfort during the procedure⁵⁶⁷.
• SMILE marks an exciting stage. It is a true advancement.

High predictability

SMILE has very good predictability of the visual outcome resulting in a low rate of post-surgical corrections.⁸⁹.

Requires no flap

• SMILE requires no flap, and therefore, patients do not experience the fear associated with the flap.
• SMILE minimizes the damage of the outer corneal layers (stronger cornea, more stability).
• There are no flap-related complications and side effects generally associated with LASIK (e.g. flap detachment, flap displacement, foreign body sensation).
• Low incidence of dry eye syndrome
• Low risk of infection
• In SMILE, the incision transects fewer corneal nerves¹⁰¹¹¹², which are responsible for stimulating tear film production. Thus, recovery of corneal sensitivity is fast and tear function normal.
• SMILE is an attractive option for athletes engaged in contact sports, flight crews, military and rescue personnel.

Generally fast visual recovery

• Patients having SMILE typically experience full visual recovery within a few days following surgery.
• Most patients experience good functional vision shortly after SMILE surgery. Normally, the vision fully stabilizes within a week.
• SMILE is so gentle that it is normally possible to go to work, drive, apply makeup or take a shower within a few days following surgery.

Greater eligibility

Patients with a contact lens intolerance or dry eyes can benefit from the minimally invasive SMILE procedure ^{13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23}.

Supports a comfortable, convenient, stress-free patient experience

• The surgeon performs the entire procedure on a single laser, thereby saving time.
• Odorless and noiseless, the laser works silently.
• SMILE delivers predominantly excellent visual results²⁴²⁵²⁶.
• Supports a convenient treatment experience.
• Very short laser application time
• The procedure itself takes only a few minutes.
• The procedure is virtually pain-free.

How do you know ReLEx SMILE is right for you?

Clearview Institute is at the forefront of this minimally invasive and flapless SMILE technology. As our patient, we can assure you that we will tailor the right visual solution for you. It is easy to find out for sure if you are a good candidate by contacting Clearview Institute.

What does ReLEx SMILE look like?