What’s the most non-invasive laser eye surgery?

Hi, it’s Dr Russell from VSON. When I tell people I’m a LASIK surgeon, some ask me: “What’s the most non-invasive laser eye surgery?”.

Laser eye surgery using lenticule extraction technology is the most modern approach to laser eye surgery.

You might have heard of this procedure called “ReLEx” SMILE. Let me first explain that each term, ReLEx and SMILE, are acronyms. They are used by the laser manufacturer ZEISS. ReLEx stands for ‘refractive lenticule extraction’, and SMILE stands for ‘small incision lenticule extraction‘. Both are tradenames for the procedure called lenticule extraction.

SmartSight is also a trade name for lenticule extraction, used by SCWIND, which is the maker of the laser we use.

Developed in 2011, lenticule extraction requires only a small keyhole incision in the cornea. It is minimally invasive and completely flapless.

By using a state-of-the-art laser, SmartSight can conduct the entire procedure from start to finish, and SmartSight can only be performed with the SCHWIND femtosecond laser.

The SmartSight lenticule extraction procedure is less likely to increase in pressure on the eye than LASIK or SMILE; the patient feels nothing during the procedure.

Laser pulses place a series of small bubbles within the cornea, which outlines the tissue to be removed, and creates a tiny tunnel through which it can be removed, using advanced 3D positioning to guide the laser.

While it sounds like a very complicated process, it takes less than four minutes to complete.

SmartSight is faster, runs smoother and is ultimately a more comfortable procedure than LASIK or surface procedures like PRK and TransPRK.

In addition to this, the healing time is shorter than that of traditional LASIK, there are fewer side effects, and it is suitable for patients with higher than average prescriptions, dry eyes, and thin corneas.

To learn more about laser eye surgery, or if you have any questions, schedule a free assessment at VSON.