ReLEx SMILE though newer has been in practice for the last 10 years. As it is still a laser-based vision correction technique, it adheres to the same principles of achieving its goals by way of reshaping the cornea, very much like how Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK, Epi-LASIK & TransPRK) and Femtosecond-LASIK work.
In many ways, ReLEx SMILE tries to address some of the limitations of the earlier generations of laser procedure (flap creation in LASIK & longer visual recovery time in Advanced Surface Ablation).
In addition, ReLEx SMILE achieves these goals by reducing the incision size by 5 times compared to LASIK. Many surgeons are drawn to ReLEx SMILE primarily from the perceived increased safety from a smaller incision. So far, the data has been encouraging and with more time, we will have a better grasp of whether these perceived advantages hold true.
ReLEx SMILE does have 1 limitation though and that it is currently unable to correct hyperopia. Thus far, results for correction of myopia and astigmatism, comfort and speed of recovery has been similar to that of LASIK.
Our view of ReLEx SMILE is that it is not so much an entirely new technique but rather a refinement of the previous techniques by way of lessons learnt over the last 30 years.
Dr David Chan
