An advanced procedure Small incision lenticule extraction, or SMILE for short, is a minimally invasive treatment and requires no flap. A laser is used to create a thin, contact-lens-shaped layer just beneath the corneal surface and then a small opening through which that layer is removed. Some studies show that there is less disruption of the corneal surface and fewer immediate post-operative dry eye symptoms with SMILE as compared to LASIK.
Prior to the treatment Anesthetic eye drops are applied to the eye. An eyelid holder is used to prevent the eye from blinking during the procedure
The Treatment Steps:
STEP 1
A small piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) and a small incision are created inside the intact cornea.
STEP 2
STEP 3
Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, correcting the refractive error.
If you are considering ReLEx SMILE Eye surgery, you probably have many questions. Some of the most frequent ones are addressed here. This information is not intended to replace consultation with your eye doctor.