SMILE PRO Laser Eye Surgery for Hyperopia

Hyperopia treatment is now possible with the SMILE PRO laser eye procedure.

After many years of highly organized international clinical studies and hard work by ZEISS, SMILE Pro received regulatory approval for the treatment of hyperopia using the SMILE laser eye method. The hyperopic SMILE module is expected to be released in September 2024 for the VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser devices.

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a frequent refractive error where distant objects appear clearer than those nearby. This condition affects many people worldwide and makes everyday activities like reading, writing, and using digital devices difficult. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have introduced new and effective treatments for hyperopia, the most promising of which is the SMILE PRO laser eye surgery.

What is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature. This causes light entering the eye to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it, leading to blurred vision for close objects. Symptoms of hyperopia can include eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating on tasks that require near vision.

Introduction to SMILE PRO

The “SMILE Pro” laser eye procedure represents an advanced version of the ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedure. It includes several refinements and improvements to enhance the precision, safety, and outcomes of the original ReLEx SMILE technique. SMILE PRO has recently also been adapted for the treatment of hyperopia.

Originally developed for myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, the SMILE procedure has made progress and is now also a viable option for correcting hyperopia.

How SMILE PRO Works

SMILE PRO is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a Visumax 800 femtosecond laser to create a thin, disc-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a small incision, reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive error.

The key steps of the SMILE PRO procedure include:

Preparation: The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops, and a speculum is used to keep the eyelids open.

Lenticule Creation: The femtosecond laser creates a lenticule within the cornea.

Lenticule Removal: A small incision is made through which the lenticule is carefully removed.

Corneal Reshaping: Removing the lenticule reshapes the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina.

Benefits of SMILE PRO for Hyperopia

The overall prevalence of hyperopia in the European population is estimated at about 35%, being higher among middle-aged and older adults than in younger age groups.

For hyperopes considering refractive surgery, this has been more likely for many years. However, despite advancements in techniques and technology, the effectiveness, safety, predictability, and stability outcomes for hyperopic LASIK or FemtoLASIK still lag behind those of myopic or astigmatic LASIK.

A multicenter international study on hyperopic SMILE was recently completed, and the scientific analysis confirms that SMILE is a safe and effective option for correcting hyperopia. The state-of-the-art Visumax 800 femtosecond laser played a crucial role in these successful results. Its advanced technology not only enhances the precision and efficacy of hyperopic SMILE but also offers significant advantages in all corneal laser vision correction procedures. The innovative features of the Visumax 800, such as improved pulse frequency and optimized energy delivery, ensure exceptional accuracy and consistency, making it an invaluable tool for surgeons. These characteristics make it particularly suited for outstanding results in hyperopic SMILE, thus expanding the horizons of refractive surgery. This groundbreaking study underscores the potential of SMILE to revolutionize hyperopia treatment, providing patients with a reliable and minimally invasive alternative to traditional methods.

SMILE PRO also offers several benefits over traditional laser eye surgeries like LASIK and PRK:

Minimally Invasive: With a smaller incision compared to LASIK, there is less disruption to the corneal structure.
Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience quicker visual recovery and less postoperative discomfort.
Lower Risk of Dry Eyes: The smaller incision preserves more corneal nerves, reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome.
Precision and Safety: The femtosecond laser provides high precision, increasing the procedure’s safety and effectiveness.

Who is a Candidate for SMILE PRO?

Age: Typically between 18 and 40 years old, ensuring their vision correction has stabilized.
Stable Vision: Candidates should have a stable prescription for at least a year before the procedure. Significant changes in vision in the past year may disqualify a person until stability is achieved.
Refractive Errors: SMILE PRO is mainly for individuals with myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, and hyperopia. It can correct myopia up to -10.00 diopters, astigmatism up to -5.00 diopters, and hyperopia up to +6.00 diopters.
Corneal Thickness: Sufficient corneal thickness is required to ensure enough tissue is available to create the lenticule and maintain corneal integrity after the procedure.
Overall Eye Health: Candidates should have healthy eyes, free from conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, severe dry eye syndrome, or keratoconus. Infections or eye diseases should be treated before considering SMILE PRO.
General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health. Certain systemic diseases, like autoimmune disorders, can affect healing and outcomes and should be discussed with the surgeon.
Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the surgery outcomes. While SMILE PRO can significantly improve vision, results may vary, and some individuals may still need glasses or contact lenses for certain activities.
Not Pregnant or Nursing: Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait until after this period to undergo SMILE PRO, as hormonal changes can affect vision stability.
Evaluation Process: A thorough eye examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist are necessary to determine suitability for SMILE PRO. This includes detailed eye measurements, assessment of vision stability, and discussion of the patient’s vision goals and medical history.

Ideal candidates for SMILE PRO are adults with stable refractive prescriptions. A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary to determine suitability. Factors such as corneal thickness, overall eye health, and the degree of hyperopia are assessed.

Smile Pro Recovery

The SMILE PRO procedure typically takes about 5-10 minutes per eye. After the surgery, patients may experience minimal or no discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Most patients experience better vision within a few days, with the best results typically seen in a few weeks.

Compared to traditional laser eye procedures, SMILE Pro stands out with a minimally invasive approach requiring only a small incision. Patients can often resume normal activities the next day, as the cornea remains more stable and less prone to complications. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure also reduces the risk of dry eyes and other long-term complications, making SMILE Pro a preferred choice for many people seeking permanent vision improvement.

Postoperative care includes:

Using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing.
Avoiding strenuous activities and eye rubbing for a few weeks.
Attending follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process.

Conclusion

The SMILE PRO laser eye surgery represents a significant advancement in hyperopia treatment, offering a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution for those seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses. As with any medical procedure, it is important to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to discuss individual needs and expectations. With SMILE PRO, the future of hyperopia treatment is brighter and clearer than ever before.

At Lasikwelt Eye Laser Center Cologne, we are proud to be one of the first centers worldwide to offer the advanced Smile PRO procedure for hyperopic patients. Our commitment to high-quality service is demonstrated by our experienced team of professionals and the use of state-of-the-art technology. In addition to our exceptional care, we offer realistic and affordable pricing, making it easier than ever to achieve freedom from glasses and contact lenses. By choosing Lasikwelt, you opt for unparalleled expertise, innovative solutions, and accessible vision correction options tailored to your needs and budget.