ReLEx SMILE (Pro): Safely correct myopia & astigmatism

During the preliminary examination, the eye is examined in detail and various diagnostic devices are used to determine the key data that will later be required to adjust the laser.
These include, among other things:

• Visual acuity
• Spectacle strength
• Corneal thickness
• Corneal topography

You will also be informed transparently about the risks of ReLEx SMILE treatment so that you can decide to take the step with confidence.
An individual treatment plan will be developed together with your doctor, you will be given rules of conduct for the days leading up to the treatment and the procedure will be scheduled.

At EyeLaser Vienna and Linz, at least, we are happy to take time for you and can collect all the data in around two hours, select the best possible procedure and then answer all your questions.

• Preparation of the surgery

You should allow around two hours for the entire procedure.
The face is disinfected and cleaned.
You will also be given anesthetic eye drops to make ReLEx SMILE a pain-free procedure.

• Lenticles and cut

The femtosecond laser forms the pre-calculated lenticule in the cornea within seconds and makes an incision (length: 2-3 millimetres).
The lenticule is shaped in such a way that the cornea changes so that the visual defect disappears.

• Lenticular extraction

The lenticule is removed from the eye through the tiny incision.
The incision no longer needs to be closed, but grows back on its own.
You will be injected with an antibiotic to prevent inflammation in advance.

Immediately after the procedure, it is normal for your eyes to water, burn and itch.
After just 30 minutes, you can do light sport and shower again.
However, take it easy on your eyes for a few days so that the incision can heal and the cornea can regenerate.
Three regular follow-up appointments are scheduled at EyeLaser Vienna:

However, we are also available to answer any questions or problems you may have outside of check-up appointments and will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Among other things, the prescribed medication ensures smooth and complication-free healing:

• Antibiotics/cortisone against inflammation (preventive)
• Painkillers as required
• Eye drops according to the drip schedule

It can take a few weeks for the healing, adaptation and stabilization of the eye to be fully completed.
However, you will have clear vision immediately after the procedure.
After three days, you should be able to see more clearly than ever before.

Not always.
In some cases, Femto-LASIK 7D is preferable to SMILE treatment.
Especially if farsightedness is to be corrected.
This is not yet possible.
In many other case groups, lenticule extraction is the best option, as the incision is significantly smaller and therefore the risk of complications and healing time can be significantly reduced.
ReLEx SMILE is more precise and gentle on the tissue due to the exclusive use of the femtosecond laser and a flap is not created as with Femto-LASIK 7D.
This eliminates all flap-related risks.

During your preliminary examination, we will determine whether a Lentik extraction or LASIK treatment is more suitable for you based on your measurements and circumstances.

It depends on the provider – usually between 1,800 and 3,000 euros per eye.
When it comes to laser eye surgery, you shouldn’t save money at the wrong end.
The one-off procedure gives you lasting freedom and independence – which is priceless.

At EyeLaser, we rely on SmartSight when it comes to lenticule extraction.
Accordingly, we cannot quote a price for the ReLEx SMILE method ourselves.
Normally, the price difference between SmartSight and ReLEx SMILE is not particularly high, provided that the operation is performed by a provider with comparable conditions (location, experience, equipment, medical standards, etc.).
It is important to ensure that the treatment costs cover the entire procedure, including preparation and follow-up appointments.
preparation and aftercare appointments.
Otherwise, additional costs must be added in order to compare prices.

The modern procedure ensures that you can see much better immediately after the operation.
In order for you to enjoy clear vision, the brain has to get used to the altered visual impression.
It usually takes a few days for this to happen – usually a maximum of 3 days.
After that, you can enjoy the finer things in life without glasses or contact lenses.

Immediately after the operation, you should take care of your eyes and ideally wear sunglasses.
Do not drive yourself on the day of the operation and refrain from operating heavy machinery.
Unlike with many other procedures, light exercise and showering are permitted immediately.
You should wait two weeks before going to the sauna, swimming pool or solarium.
Depending on your profession, you may be able to return to work just a few days after the procedure.
This may not apply if you work in a very “dirty” environment and/or there is a risk of physical impact on the treated eye.

Your surgeon will provide you with comprehensive and customized information before and after the minimally invasive operation about what you should pay attention to so that healing can take place quickly and without complications.

Yes.
All lenticule extraction procedures are painless for the patient.
Before the lenticule is formed and removed, the patient is given anesthetic eye drops.
These work so well that there is no pain during the procedure – a slight feeling of pressure is normal.
As soon as the anesthetic wears off, the eyes may water, itch and ache slightly.
However, these after-effects subside quickly and, if necessary, patients are given appropriate eye drops, antibiotics and painkillers.

The ZEISS VISUMAX 500 is the predecessor model of the VISUMAX 800.
The treatment procedure remains the same, although the newer model is equipped with a number of features that make the procedure even safer, more precise and easier.
The main difference is also that the laser pulse rate is significantly higher with the VISUMAX 800.
In principle, however, both femtosecond lasers can be used to perform effective lenticule extraction.