ReLEx smile
Minimally invasive laser eye surgery with ReLEx smile
Minimum-risk eye laser treatment
ReLEx smile laser eye technology, since 2010. Medifocus is one of the first centers in the world to use it. In ReLEx smile laser eye surgery, the top layer of the cornea remains intact. So no epithelial flap need be made, as is the case with LASIK technology. This keeps the risk to a minimum.
How does ReLEx smile work?
In the ReLEx smile technique, we create a small piece of tissue under the surface of the cornea, called a lenticle. This disc has the shape and strength of a contact lens: the higher the diopter strength corrected, the thicker the disc. It takes less than thirty seconds to make the disc. Then, it is removed from the cornea through a tiny 2 mm incision. The eye is now definitively corrected, making glasses and contact lenses unnecessary.
The safest laser eye technique
The surface of the cornea is the most sensitive and fragile part of the eye. With ReLEx smile, it remains untouched. This makes ReLEx smile the safest laser eye technique. This new technique represents a milestone in laser eye surgery: the familiar principle of the older techniques is combined with state-of-the-art technology.
Superlative result
With ReLEx smile, we use the VisuMax femtosecond laser. Compared to the excimer laser, used for LASIK and PRK, this is less effected by such external factors as humidity and temperature. So, after treatment, the eyes come even closer to zero in terms of diopter strength. This makes the likelihood that a second treatment will be required to improve the result extremely small (<1%). With Femto-LASIK and PRK/LASEK, this chance is greater (2%).
Less dry eyes with ReLEx smile
Unlike with LASIK, the eye is not more fragile after ReLEx smile. This makes the process the number one choice of athletes, military personnel, pilots, police, security and fire personnel. The eye recovers faster because no flap is made on the ocular surface. As a result, the chance of dry eyes is much smaller after the procedure. For people who already suffer from occasional dry eyes before the surgery, we recommend ReLEx smile over Femto LASIK or PRK.
Which conditions are treated with ReLEx smile?
ReLEx mile is used to treat myopia and astigmatism.
Who is eligible for ReLEx smile?
We use ReLEx smile for the age group from 20 to 50. The most important condition is that you have a stable prescription for 2-3 years. Possible contraindications include pregnancy, diabetes or rheumatism. A lazy eye cannot be treated with laser surgery either.
With ReLEx smile, myopia up to about -8 diopters can be treated. Astigmatism is corrected in the same treatment. You have a stable prescription. This means that you are 18 years or older and have the same deviation or refractive error for at least 1 year, preferably even 3 years. You have had a preliminary examination. During this examination, we determine all technical parameters that indicate whether it is possible to treat your eyes.
What can you expect during and after surgery?
Fast, comfortable procedure
In experienced hands, a ReLEx smile laser eye treatment takes no longer than 3 minutes per eye. It is a simple and comfortable procedure. Our testimonials confirm this.
It is not possible to blink accidentally during the procedure. Also, thanks to the built-in safety systems, it is impossible to look in the wrong direction.
Very fast recovery
Your vision is blurry for the first few hours after the procedure, but most of your vision returns within the first 24 hours. After 48 hours, you can work, exercise, drive and use a computer again. So you will miss very little work.
Further recovery takes place mainly in the following weeks. Expect complete recovery (in particular, night vision) to take a few months.
Why ReLEx smile?
The safest laser eye technology
Rapid recovery
Leaves the cornea intact
Minimal risk of dry eyes
Permanent result
Frequently asked questions about ReLEx smile
Is the effect of the ReLEx smile technique permanent?
What should I be aware of before the ReLEx smile procedure?
- Do not wear contact lenses for 3 days before the procedure.
- Do not use makeup for 7 days before the procedure.
- Also, strictly adhere to any other agreements made with the surgeon.
- Are you coming by car? Then arrange for a driver to take you back, since you will not be able to drive yourself.
What must I be aware of after the procedure?
After treatment, we will agree on follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. You can contribute to smooth recovery from laser eye surgery by following these guidelines for aftercare.
- Refrain from rubbing your eyes. You may dab around the eye with a tissue, if you wish.
- Follow the instructions and use the prescribed eye drops. They promote healing of the ocular surface and minimize the risk of infection.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before using eye drops or touching the area around your eyes.
- Do not use a swimming pool or sauna for 1 week.
- Do not use makeup for 1 week.
- If you are light sensitive, you may wear sunglasses for comfort. This is not a necessity.
Read more about aftercare.
Will I suffer from dry eyes after laser eye surgery?
When can I function again?
Your vision will remain rather blurry for the first few hours after the procedure. Driving and computer monitor work is then difficult. Most of your vision will return within the first 24 hours. After 48 hours, you can function completely again: work, exercise, drive and use a computer. So you will miss very little work.
Is laser eye surgery with the ReLEx smile technique safe?
Because with the ReLEx smile technique your cornea remains completely intact, this is the safest eye laser technique available today. The eye recovers faster because no flap is made on the ocular surface. As a result, the chance of dry eyes is much smaller afterward.