ReLEx SMILE Laser Eye Surgery

ReLEx SMILE® Eye Laser Procedure

The ReLEx SMILE Difference

For 30 years, refractive laser surgery has been used to correct vision impairments such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. After the initial laser refractive procedures like PRK and LASIK, ReLEx SMILE, as a groundbreaking treatment method, now leads the third generation of refractive laser surgery.

With ReLEx SMILE, the entire treatment is carried out without creating a flap, with a single laser, in a single step, with a single treatment plan, and a single laser process. This is the first and only method of minimally invasive vision correction. (source Ivarsen / Hjordal)

In FemtoLASIK surgery , firstly, a femtosecond laser is needed to create a flap, which is then lifted, and subsequently, a second laser, the excimer laser, is used for correction.

With ReLEx SMILE surgery, a single powerful femtosecond laser creates a lenticule in the cornea, which can then be removed through an access point only a few millimeters in size. The surface of the cornea and most corneal nerves remain almost untouched, so that dry eyes hardly occur.

ReLEx-SMILE® Procedure

When the ReLEx SMILE operation is performed with the Visumax® 800 which is the world’s latest variant of femtosecond laser, the name of the operation is SMILE Pro.

Smile PRO has introduced several additional advantages to the ReLEx SMILE surgery. It completes the laser procedure three times faster and reduces unwanted problems like suction loss to zero. Automatic centering and astigmatic control also provide significant safety. Lastly, the inclusion of hyperopia treatment has elevated Smile PRO to a much higher level.

The Advantages of the ReLEx SMILE® Procedure

Relex Smile Eye Laser Costs in Germany

In Germany, the Relex Smile procedure for eye correction is becoming increasingly popular. The technique, which is considered a less invasive alternative to conventional LASIK, attracts many people looking for a safe and effective solution for their vision problems. But what are the costs associated with this modern procedure?

The costs for a Relex Smile treatment vary in Germany depending on the clinic, region, and individual patient needs. On average, prices range between €2000 and €3000 per eye. This range is due to various factors such as the technology used, the experience of the surgeons, and the post-treatment packages offered.

Lasik-Welt offers the Smile PRO procedure for €2000 per eye. Additionally, Lasik-Welt provides financing options where the costs for Smile PRO are only €38 per month per eye. These prices include the entire treatment, including the preliminary examination, the actual procedure, the aftercare, the technology used, and the individually developed treatment plans for each patient. Additionally, Lasik-Welt grants its patients a 10-year guarantee on free laser re-treatments after the primary treatment for Relex Smile PRO.

Cost Influencing Factors

• Technological Standard of the Clinic: The use of the latest laser system can affect the costs.
• Qualification and Experience of the Surgeon: Highly qualified surgeons with a long track record can charge higher prices.
• Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailored solutions for complex vision errors can lead to higher costs.
• Aftercare and Additional Services: Extensive aftercare and possible additional services can increase the price.

Insurance and Financing

The costs for Relex Smile are usually not covered by statutory health insurance, as it is an elective service. With private health insurance, it depends on the tariff and contract. It is worthwhile to obtain detailed information in advance and check possible financing options.

Choosing the Right Clinic

Careful selection of the clinic is crucial. Potential patients should consider the qualifications of the surgeons, the technological equipment of the clinic, and the experiences of previous patients. It is recommended to conduct consultation sessions and obtain comparison offers.

In summary, while the costs for the Relex Smile procedure represent a considerable investment, for many people, the prospect of a life without glasses or contact lenses means a significant improvement in their quality of life. With the right clinic and a well-thought-out decision, Relex Smile can pave the way to improved vision.

Relex Smile – FAQ

What does Smile mean?

The term “SMILE” stands for “Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.” It is a minimally invasive and innovative procedure that, instead of removing corneal tissue extensively, lasers only a small amount to form a lens. This lens is then extracted through a small, approximately 3 mm wide corneal incision, akin to a keyhole. In comparison, the incision used to create the corneal flap in FemtoLASIK is a full 20 mm long.

What does ReLEx stand for?

This is also an acronym; the term stands for “Refractive Lenticule Extraction.” ReLEx is the third generation of refractive laser surgery procedures. This vision correction procedure, based solely on the most advanced femtosecond laser technology, is the least invasive on the cornea, which retains greater stability after the procedure. Simultaneously, the increased risk of dry eyes after a PRK/LASEK or LASIK treatment is eliminated or significantly reduced.

What does ReLEx SMILE cost?

Lasik-Welt offers professional ReLEx Smile PRO eye laser treatment starting at €2000 per eye. Here you can find more information about the costs of the eye laser treatment.

What are the advantages of Relex Smile?

The advantages of Relex Smile are as follows:

• Flap-free procedure
• Minimally invasive
• Better preservation of corneal architecture
• Lower incidence of postoperative complications
• Effective & efficient

How safe is the ReLex SMILE procedure?

The improvement of the safety of current laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK and PRK/LASEK and the acceleration of the healing process after an eye laser treatment is the idea behind the concept of ReLEx SMILE. The technology on which this type of treatment is based is not only effective, making the surgery outcomes highly predictable. The SMILE method is also clearly superior to earlier forms of laser surgery due to its increased safety and, as a result, greater stability of the treated cornea. Flap-related side effects, as possible with other types of laser correction, do not occur with SMILE. After ReLEx SMILE, a higher stability of the corneal biomechanics is observed due to the 80% smaller incision compared to the one used in FemtoLASIK for creating the corneal flap. Additionally, the use of SMILE technology significantly reduces the risk of postoperative dry eyes, which usually occur after PRK/LASEK and LASIK. It can rightly be said that ReLEx SMILE combines the advantages of the older laser methods mentioned while not exhibiting their drawbacks or risks or at least significantly reducing them.

How long is the recovery time after this eye laser procedure?

In ReLEx SMILE, no corneal flap is created. The small incision through which the lens is removed heals within a few hours. Since there is no risk of flap-related side effects, activities such as swimming or outdoor sports can be resumed the next day. Applying eye makeup is also possible the day after the procedure.

Can all refractive errors be corrected with ReLEx SMILE?

Yes, ReLEx SMILE can correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Why is a SMILE treatment advisable if other procedures are of good quality?

SMILE is FLAP-FREE. The absence of creating a corneal flap means:

• No flap-related complications
• Maximum corneal stability
• At least a significant reduction in dry eyes often arising after PRK/LASEK or LASIK, as most of the corneal nerves are preserved
• Return to usual activities and sports as early as the next day

Am I a suitable candidate?

Practically all patients suitable for FemtoLASIK, but also many patients who have been told that PRK/LASEK is their only option, can be treated with ReLEx SMILE.

What are the benefits of ReLEx SMILE?

• The method is painless
• The method is flap-free
• If complications arise in LASIK, 99% of them are due to the creation of the corneal flap. Since no such flap is created in SMILE, there are no flap-related side effects.
• The ReLEx Smile method has excellent prospects for success. According to an FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) study from January 2020, this eye laser method was successful in 304 out of 307 tested cases (source: AAO Journal).
• For patients practicing contact sports, there is no risk of flap displacement or tearing.

How long does the procedure take?

Typically 15-20 minutes for both eyes.

Can both eyes be treated in the same session?

Yes, the laser procedure is usually performed on both eyes simultaneously, as the eye is treated on the surface, making only a minimal intervention in the corneal biomechanics. Treatment at different times is also not advisable, as binocular visual recovery of both eyes is necessary.

Will I be awake during the procedure?

Yes. You will be awake during the procedure. However, we administer numbing eye drops to your eyes, and you will only feel numbness or heaviness in your eyes during the procedure but will not experience any pain.

Why is ReLEx SMILE so gentle on the eyes?

The opening required for lens extraction is much smaller (by 80%) than with the older LASIK method. Therefore, the structure of the cornea remains more stable.

Is SMILE precise?

YES. The technology is not only very precise but also delivers highly predictable results. There is no risk of tissue distortion with SMILE. According to studies comparing the results of SMILE with those of LASIK, the new method performed as well, if not better.

What about dry eyes?

Since the number of corneal nerves affected during the procedure is much lower than in LASIK, the resulting symptoms of dry eye are significantly less in patients with ReLEx SMILE or tend to be negligible.

Does the Relex Smile procedure have any disadvantages?

Since the Relex Smile procedure is still very young, there are no long-term studies on disadvantages. According to current knowledge, Relex Smile is one of the safest eye laser procedures, as no serious complications have been known so far.

However, there is always a small risk of undercorrection or overcorrection in an eye laser surgery. This means that a patient may need to wear glasses or contact lenses with low diopter values for certain activities such as driving after the surgery.

A re-treatment with Relex Smile is not possible. In the very rare cases where a re-treatment is necessary, another eye laser methods ( FemtoLASIK, PRK ) must be used.

The Next Generation of Laser Vision Correction

ReLEx SMILE is a new eye laser technology that allows for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Since we began our work in the field of refractive vision correction more than 20 years ago, it has always been our stated goal to offer our patients the safest and most effective treatments worldwide using the highest quality technology.

Performed only in selected, world-leading eye laser surgery centers, ReLEx SMILE represents the latest innovation in laser vision correction. To put it another way: this eye laser technology is currently the best available in the world.

In SMILE, a femtosecond laser is used to precisely separate a thin, circular layer of the cornea from the remaining tissue. This lens of corneal tissue, also known as a lenticule, is then carefully removed by your surgeon through a small (keyhole) incision. This reshapes the cornea, thereby enhancing its focusing power.

On the day of the surgery, your stay at the clinic will be about one hour, with approximately 20 minutes spent in the treatment room itself. After a brief routine check immediately following the procedure and an explanation of post-operative care instructions, you can head home. All ReLEx SMILE patients will have a follow-up examination the day after the surgery and then regularly over the next 12 months.

All forms of refractive laser surgery result in a slight weakening of the cornea. However, this effect is minimal with SMILE, as the procedure is performed deeper in the cornea and the surrounding tissue is less affected due to the tiny incision. This fact makes SMILE often the preferred treatment method for patients with higher myopia or with thinner-than-average corneas.

In addition, a SMILE treatment preserves the corneal nerves more than, for example, Femto-LASIK, which reduces the risk of dry eye symptoms. According to a study from 2015-2017, patients treated with the ReLEx SMILE method were even more satisfied with their newly achieved visual quality. (Source: US National Center for Biotechnology Information).

While all myopic (nearsighted) patients should at least consider this latest form of treatment, it should be noted that the recovery of vision after a SMILE procedure can be somewhat slower (possibly 1 to 2 days), so you should, if possible, avoid returning to work and driving (especially in the dark) immediately after the surgery.