Laser eye surgery is one of the most commonly used procedures in modern laser surgery. After all, it is becoming increasingly important for more and more people to be able to see perfectly without contact lenses or glasses. Affected individuals undergo surgical correction of visual acuity, for which the LASIK method is usually used/
However, the ReLEx Smile procedure is considered safer. This laser method is used for the surgical treatment of astigmatism or myopia.

ReLEx-Smile: Particularities of the method

The ReLEx Smile technique is a so-called keyhole method that can correct astigmatism up to 5 diopters or myopia from -2 to -10 diopters.

Nowadays laser eye treatment with smile operation has proven to be the safest and gentlest variant of laser eye treatment.

The abbreviation “ReLEx” stands for Refractive Lenticule Extraction. In this procedure, visual acuity is corrected by extracting and removing the refractive lens from the intact cornea.
The name “Smile” as an abbreviation of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction means that eye surgeons only remove lenticules minimally invasively through a two millimeter opening.

Details on the Smile Laser methodology

With the ReLEx Smile method, surgeons first cut a thin lens into the cornea in order to remove it through the minimally invasive approach. With this technique, the cornea retains its natural structure. With this technology, tear film production remains unchanged.
Thanks to the gentleness of the procedure, this method is suitable even for patients for whom the conventional LASIK technique is out of the question. This is the case, for example, in patients with particularly dry eyes. As a rule, the treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

The procedure only takes a few minutes and is painless. At first, the eyes still water and itch a little. A day later, vision is completely restored. Vision eventually stabilizes after four to six weeks.

Do patients have to meet certain requirements?

The ReLEx Smile method is now used by many ophthalmologists. Doctors all over the world now use this procedure, including in Turkey, for example. WHO Experiments with the Relex Smile method collect and still do not want to pay too much money for treatment can turn to these experts with confidence. After all, patients everywhere must meet the same treatment requirements.

For treatment to be successful, patients must have myopia of -2 to -10 diopters or corneal curvature no greater than 5 diopters.

At the same time, it is important that the cornea is not too thin for treatments in Turkey or other countries and that you are not pregnant. In addition, patients must not have suffered major changes in their ametropia in recent years.

Main advantages and disadvantages at a glance

It does not matter in which country the processing takes place. Anyone who turns to a professional and experienced ophthalmologist in Turkey, Germany, or another country is always in good hands. This thesis is also confirmed by patients who have already undergone the treatment carried out on them in the context of a so-called health trip.

In general, those affected can rely on the fact that the procedure completely dispenses with so-called flaps and is therefore particularly low-risk. Short rehabilitation times allow treated people to return to daily life in a very short time. Light sports activities and showers are allowed again a few minutes after the procedure. Endurance sport is after two weeks, and sauna and swimming are permitted after three to four weeks.

Thanks to the gentle procedure, the flow of tears remains intact. Therefore, the treatment is also suitable for people with very dry eyes. The painless, odorless, and quiet procedure also proves to be pleasant. ReLEx Smile is currently one of the safest methods with no known serious drawbacks or other complications. However, no long-term observations are available.

How much does smile laser surgery cost?

Unlike the LASIK method, the Smile procedure is relatively expensive. While a LASIK treatment costs at least 1,000 euros, the people concerned by this intervention must count at least 2,000 euros per eye.

This is why many patients choose to seek treatment in other countries such as Turkey under more favorable conditions.

In return, however, it is possible to deduct the PO’s financial costs from income tax. In this way, the overall costs would also be reduced. If the persons concerned even have private supplementary insurance for the glasses, they should find out from the provider whether the insurance company reimburses the costs of the procedure.