Facts about ReLEx SMILE
| Treatment method: | Femtosecond laser |
|---|---|
| Suitable for: | Visual impairment; individual suitability determined by preliminary examination |
| Treatment duration: | Only about 10–15 minutes for both eyes |
| Anesthesia: | Local anesthetic eye drops |
| Clinic stay: | Outpatient |
| Aftercare: | Protect the eyes from any contamination (water, sweat, etc.) for 1 week |
The precise and minimally invasive procedure represents the gentlest and safest eye laser treatment.
Fast procedure, highest safety, quick recovery: just some of the advantages offered by the most modern generation of eye laser treatment. The SMILE method allows correction of visual impairment without fully opening the cornea. This means no flap is created.
SMILE – highly precise, innovative, safe
The SMILE method is the new generation of laser eye treatment: effective and gentle at the same time.
In the SMILE procedure, a so-called lenticule is created using a femtosecond laser, which is precisely tailored to correct the specific refractive error. The lenticule is removed through a small incision of about 2 mm at the edge of the cornea. This small incision closes by itself afterwards and does not require further treatment.
The VisuMax® femtosecond laser from Carl Zeiss Meditec AG produces the precisely calculated lenticule. Using a high-precision laser process, the lenticule is separated from the surrounding tissue by tiny air bubbles. Additionally, the laser creates a small opening at the corneal edge. Through this minimal opening, the surgeon can remove the separated lenticule—and with it, the eye’s refractive error.
Advantages of ReLEx Smile
- Highly precise
- Gentle and safe
- Fast healing
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Suitable for dry eyes
- High biomechanical stability
Procedure of an
Eye Laser Treatment
We take your needs seriously!
Our team will support you throughout the entire treatment process and take care of you.
1
Preliminary Examination
Thorough preliminary examination –
Am I suitable?
Every eye laser treatment is preceded by a careful preliminary examination. During this, the physiology of the eye and the current refractive error are precisely examined. In a detailed consultation, we then inform you about all treatment options including the respective chances and risks in detail. Suitability for eye laser treatment is determined very responsibly, taking into account individual needs and conditions.
To avoid influencing the examination results, please refrain from wearing contact lenses before the preliminary examination: soft contact lenses should be discontinued at least 7 days before the exam, and hard contact lenses should be avoided for 3 weeks.
2
On the day of treatment
Preparation for the treatment
Please avoid wearing contact lenses for 2 days prior to the treatment. On the day of the treatment itself, no cosmetic products such as creams or makeup should be applied around the eyes.
After you arrive at our practice at the scheduled appointment time, the treating doctor will calmly review all details with you once again. It is completely normal to feel a bit nervous. If you do not feel calmer during the discussion, we are happy to provide a mild sedative tablet upon request to help you relax.
The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only about 15 minutes for both eyes.
3
The treatment
Relax and SMILE 🙂
After complete briefing and preparation, you will be taken to the treatment room in our practice. Before the operation, anesthetic eye drops will be applied to numb your eyes locally. Additionally, the surgeon will place a lid speculum so you don’t have to keep your eyes open yourself during the procedure. A special contact glass will be gently placed on the eye to be treated, and the correction can begin.
The laser eye treatment is performed lying down and takes only a few minutes. Your only task is to relax. Under the constant supervision of the surgeon, the laser performs the refractive correction automatically as soon as the eye is properly positioned. Immediately after this minimally invasive procedure and after care with eye drops, the second eye can already be treated.
4
After the procedure
See clearly without glasses
After the treatment, the laser eye correction is already fully completed. It is best to have a trusted companion bring you home and rest for a while. Improved vision usually occurs within a few hours, but it can sometimes take a few days for your new eyesight to fully develop.
For the first 24 hours, avoid rubbing your eyes or washing your hair. We also recommend refraining from hobbies like swimming or sauna visits for 1–2 weeks to minimize the risk of infection.
Complete recovery and treatment success will be confirmed in a follow-up examination about 4 weeks after the operation.
Possible Risks
The ReLEx SMILE laser eye treatment is considered one of the safest surgical procedures available. However, as with any surgery, there is a rare possibility of inflammation. If you strictly follow the recommended instructions related to the treatment, this risk is minimal.
In very rare cases, a slight correction of the vision may be necessary if the result is not completely optimal.
Other possible occurrences:
- Vacuum loss can occur due to head movements; in most cases, the treatment can be continued immediately.
- Infections can occur but are rare if the recommended post-operative care is followed, such as using eye drops and attending follow-up checks.
Frequently Asked Questions about ReLEx Smile
What is ReLEx Smile?
ReLEx Smile is the most advanced laser eye treatment, offering a particularly safe and gentle way to correct vision impairments. Compared to other laser methods, this innovative procedure allows treatment without fully opening the cornea. In other words, no flap is created.
Why do you use the ReLEx SMILE method when many other practices do not?
In addition to ReLEx SMILE and PRK, we also use the Femto-LASIK method. The so-called SMILE method is currently the most advanced laser technique in ophthalmology: safety (a minimally invasive procedure without a flap, using a cold laser), wound healing, and visual outcomes have all been rated top marks in numerous studies, and our own experience has been consistently positive.
How does the laser device actually know what vision impairment I have?
All the specifications recorded during the pre-examination are entered into the computer of the ReLEx Smile eye laser, checked carefully, and only then is the eye corrected. Your doctor has constant control and guides the device throughout the treatment.
When will I see clearly after the ReLEx Smile treatment?
You can see again immediately after the treatment, although vision may be quite blurry at first. By the next day, you will already have a realistic impression of the final result. Usually, full sharpness of vision is achieved after a few days.
What requirements must be met?
The ReLEx Smile method is suitable for people with nearsightedness up to a maximum of -8 diopters and astigmatism up to a maximum of 5 diopters. Patients must also be at least 18 years old.
Before the ReLEx Smile laser eye treatment, we will first examine you at our clinics in Linz and Vienna to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
What should be considered before ReLEx SMILE treatment?
You should stop wearing soft contact lenses for 7 days and hard contact lenses for 3 weeks prior to the treatment. Additionally, on the day of the procedure, please avoid wearing makeup and do not apply any creams around the eye area.
What should I keep in mind after ReLEx SMILE eye laser surgery?
After the eye laser treatment, you should take it easy and avoid showering or rubbing your eyes during the first 24 hours. Hobbies such as swimming or going to the sauna should also be avoided for one week.
How much does eye laser surgery with ReLEx SMILE cost?
The cost of laser eye surgery at our clinics starts at €2,000 per eye, depending on the method used. During the preliminary examination, we’ll be happy to inform you of the exact price for your individual case.
CONTACT
Ophthalmology Clinic Linz
Weissenwolffstraße 13, 3rd Floor
4020 Linz
Office Hours
Phone Consultation Hours
MON, WED, THU 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM
TUE 09:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FRI 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Appointment Days
By appointment only
Ophthalmology Clinic Wien
Habsburgergasse 10, 4th Floor
1010 Wien