• Relex Smile
    Health

    Pre and Post operative Instructions for Relex Smile

    November 29, 2016 - By 

    Relex Smile is a laser procedure that help achieve spectacles or contact lens independence for patients who are suffering from myopia and or astigmatism. Just like in LASIK, the treatment isachieved by reshaping the cornea of the patient through the use of a laser. The treatment process is similar to that of a LASIK surgery. The difference between ReLEx SMILE surgery and LASIK is that one uses femtosecond laser and other uses excimer laser. Also with ReLEx SMILE, there is no flap created thus leaving the entire cornea strength stronger.

    The procedure

    The surgery is completed within 20 to 30 minutes for both eyes. The patient’s eyes will be anesthetized with local anesthesia eye drops. Anxiolytic pre-medication are also given prior to the operation to calm the patient. The femtosecond laser will be used to shape the membrane/ lenticule under the cornea surface. This procedure takes only 24 seconds regardless of the prescription. The shaped stromal lenticule is then removed via a keyhole incision and then the treatment is over.

    Relex Smile

    For your post-surgery care, your doctor or surgeon will prescribe you with antibiotic eye drops, steroidal eye drops and lubricating eye drops. Be sure to follow the recommended treatment strategy.You are also advised to avoid rubbing the eyes for about 3-5 days to avoid any trauma to the eye.

    If you are considering ReLEx SMILE surgery, you need to be fully aware of its pros and cons. This is to help you decide whether the pros outweigh the cons or it’s the other way around. To help you decide, we have compiled the list of advantages as well as disadvantages of this procedure. These are the advantages of ReLEx SMILE:

    • It is a painless, comfortable, and quick procedure
    • Since there is an absence of the flap, there is no risk of flap dislodgement or complication
    • Keyhole surgery reduces the risk of infection and inflammation and promotes rapid healing time
    • Better long term stability of results
    • Lesser disruption of corneal nerves thus the lacrimal reflex will be maintained
    • Lower probability of having dry eye problem
    • Patients can go back to work three to five days after the surgery

    While there are many advantages associated with the Relex Smile, there are also cons that come with it.

    These include:

    • Not advisable for people with long-sightedness.
    • It can only be performed for patients who suffer from shortsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism. It is not suitable for low myopia corrections below 150 degrees.
    • ReLEx SMILE is a one-time procedure. In an event if there is a need for subsequent enhancement, it has to be done on the surface through procedures like PRK.

    All of the medical procedures have their advantages as well as disadvantages. It is better to be fully informed of them so you can decide if a procedure is really right for you. To have more information on the pros and cons of Relex Smile, be sure to contact Atlas Eye. Their staff members are knowledgeable and skilled in delivering quality services. Visit their website for more information about their eye care services or to schedule an appointment.