ReLEx SMILE: The Latest Innovation in Laser Eye Surgery

Science and technology have made countless advancements over the last few decades, improving almost every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s planning a holiday or doing a food shop, most things you can think of are easier today than they were 40 years ago. But perhaps the most meaningful innovations of recent years have come in the form of medical developments – including in the Laser Eye Surgery field.

The latest medical innovations mean that more patients are now experiencing fewer complications, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays. Patients undergoing elective procedures like Laser Eye Surgery are no exception.

Laser Eye Surgery has been commercially available for over 30 years. In that time, millions of people around the world have ditched their glasses and contact lenses in favour of clear, uninterrupted sight. Much of this success is thanks to ongoing developments that have helped to keep Laser Eye Surgery at the forefront of surgical innovation.

By utilising state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge scientific research, Laser Eye Surgery is now an option for more people than ever before. One development, in particular, has helped to revolutionise Laser Eye Surgery: ReLEx SMILE.

So, what exactly is ReLEx SMILE and why was it so revolutionary?

What is ReLEx SMILE?

Short for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, ReLEx SMILE is the latest, minimally-invasive Laser Eye Surgery technique. The technique was developed by our very own founder and expert Laser Eye Surgeon, Professor Dan Reinstein, using the Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser in 2008. Three years later, in 2011, London Vision Clinic became the first clinic to offer the treatment. ReLEx SMILE has been successfully treating patients’ refractive errors ever since!

Unlike older Laser Eye Surgery techniques (like PRK/LASEK and LASIK), SMILE doesn’t require the removal of any epithelium from the cornea – even temporarily. Surgeons instead access the corneal bed through a “keyhole” incision made using an ultra-precise laser.

SMILE further builds on the success of LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap on the surface of the cornea. By reducing the invasiveness of the procedure, SMILE has introduced faster procedures, recovery times, and even post-surgery discomfort. To date, millions of people around the world have benefitted from this innovation.

Born of an influential partnership…

As many great innovations often are, the development of ReLEx SMILE was born with a strong and influential partnership. London Vision Clinic has been working closely with Carl Zeiss Meditec – a world leader in the field of optics – for over a decade. This partnership has been extremely influential in the Laser Eye Surgery field.

“I believe this long-term, strategic partnership will continue to help Carl Zeiss Meditec maintain its position as a technology leader.”

– Stefan Kaiser, Director Refractive Lasers, Carl Zeiss Meditec

Our close association with Carl Zeiss Meditec stems from the pioneering work of our founder and expert surgeon, Professor Dan Reinstein. Prof. Dan has been a key medical consultant for Carl Zeiss for years. During this time, he has played a pivotal role in the development of groundbreaking developments, including the Mel 90 Excimer Laser.

And as Professor Dan himself has said: “ReLEx SMILE represents the next generation in corrective vision treatments.”

How Does ReLEx SMILE Work?

In the early years of Laser Eye Surgery treatments, surgeons would use a microkeratome – an instrument with a tiny oscillating blade – to remove a small portion of the corneal epithelium. However, with the invention of the femtosecond laser, surgeons were eventually able to move away from this technique and embrace an all-laser approach to the procedure.

In SMILE, a VisuMax laser is used to create a small incision in the epithelium. The laser delivers pulses into the incision, creating tiny bubbles that allow the surface layer of the cornea to detach from the stromal layer underneath. The surgeon is then able to use a second laser to remove tissue from the cornea, drawing it out through the incision.

What are the benefits of SMILE?

Reduced recovery times

Accessing the corneal bed without the removal of epithelium from the surface of the eye allows for significantly reduced treatment and recovery times. In fact, the whole SMILE procedure can be completed in just a matter of minutes. Moreover, many patients can return to most activities in as little as 24 hours!

“Several great advances come from not having to create a flap or disturb the front of the cornea; the level of correction can be much higher without weakening the cornea, and people who are contact lens intolerant can now be candidates as there is little or no dry eye after ReLEx,” says Professor Reinstein.

The introduction of LASIK meant that patients were often able to have Laser Eye Surgery in the morning and be back at work the every next day. But ReLEx SMILE takes this to a whole new level. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure means patients can now expect even faster recovery times. With SMILE, vision reaches 80 per cent almost instantly and 100 per cent within a few days!

Increased patient suitability

One of the most significant benefits of ReLEx SMILE is its suitability range. Thanks to the development of this technique, a wider range of patients may be eligible for treatment – including those with very high prescriptions and thinner corneas.

Before SMILE, patients with extreme myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), or astigmatism may have been told they were unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery. And this is still the case at many clinics today. This is because treating higher prescriptions requires the removal of more tissue from the cornea. Therefore, in LASIK, the corneas need to be thick enough to accommodate the removal of this tissue and the creation of the corneal flap.

As SMILE doesn’t require the creation of a corneal flap, tissue can be removed from the corneal bed more safely, allowing surgeons to treat higher prescriptions than previously thought possible.

“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 they were unsuitable candidates. It’s a major development.” – Professor Dan Reinstein

SMILE’s minimally invasive nature has helped to make Laser Eye Surgery an option for more people than ever before. Since its introduction, many patients who may once have been found unsuitable can now undergo high-quality treatment and expect excellent results. Whether you have thin corneas, dry eyes, or are intolerant to contact lenses, Laser Eye Surgery may now be suitable for you.

If you’d like to learn more about this revolutionary treatment – or Laser Eye Surgery in general – get in touch with one of our friendly and knowledgeable clinic coordinators today. Alternatively, Book a Consultation to find out if you could be eligible for ReLEx SMILE.

Laser Eye Treatment Fees start from £6,200 for both eyes. Very complex treatments may cost more.

Interest-FREE finance available over THREE years, from £87 per month for both eyes, makes the best more flexible. Find out more.