ReLEx SMILE laser treatment, which is one of the most advanced stages of eye health technologies, has become one of the safest and most comfortable methods in recent years for correcting myopia and astigmatism. Since it minimizes the amount of incision in the eye, offers a fast healing process, and is applied without pain, it is considered a revolutionary innovation in laser surgery. Op. Dr. Diclehan states that this method works with high precision while preserving the corneal tissue, thus maximizing patient satisfaction both in the short and long term.
ReLEx SMILE Laser is the abbreviation of the English term “Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.” It can be translated into Turkish as “Laser Eye Correction with a Small Incision.” This method uses femtosecond laser technology to correct refractive errors in the eye. Instead of creating a large incision in the cornea as in traditional methods, only a small 2–3 millimeter micro-incision is made. Through this incision, a thin piece of tissue called a “lenticule,” created by the laser, is removed.
With this procedure, the refractive error of the eye is corrected and visual clarity increases. Since ReLEx SMILE Laser reduces the amount of incision, it affects the nerves on the eye surface less; therefore, dryness and discomfort after the operation are minimized.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that the ReLEx SMILE method is the laser type that least affects the cornea and preserves its natural structure the most.
There are three main methods in laser eye treatments: PRK, LASIK, and ReLEx SMILE. In PRK and LASIK, a wide incision is made on the corneal surface for treatment, whereas in ReLEx SMILE, only a small micro-incision is sufficient.
In PRK, the epithelial layer is removed and laser is applied, and the healing process is longer. In LASIK, a corneal “flap” is created, and the laser is applied underneath this flap. In ReLEx SMILE, however, no flap is created, eliminating flap-related complications.
Op. Dr. Diclehan summarizes the difference by stating, “The ReLEx SMILE technique is one step ahead of LASIK in terms of both safety and comfort.”
ReLEx SMILE Laser is especially effective in the treatment of myopia and astigmatism.
Myopia: Blurred vision of distant objects
Astigmatism: Distorted or shadowed vision
This method can be applied to individuals over the age of 18 whose eye prescription has been stable for at least one year, whose corneal thickness is sufficient, and who have overall healthy eyes. It is not yet routinely used for hyperopia treatment.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that detailed eye examination is extremely important in selecting suitable patients and that corneal mapping and dry eye analysis must be performed.
Pre-Examination and Suitability Assessment
Before the treatment, a detailed eye examination is performed. In this examination, eye prescription, corneal thickness, eye structure, intraocular pressure, and dry eye condition are evaluated. Corneal topography is used to map the eye surface. Thus, the treatment plan is prepared individually.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that ReLEx SMILE treatment should only be performed with advanced technological devices and experienced specialists, and that the pre-examination process plays a decisive role in treatment success.
On the day of treatment, anesthetic drops are applied to the eye so that the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. The patient is placed on the laser table, and a special vacuum system is used to keep the eye stable.
At this stage, the laser device determines the target area in the eye with millimetric precision. The patient’s gaze is fixed and the laser process begins.
Using femtosecond laser technology, a thin tissue layer called a lenticule is created inside the cornea. This tissue is shaped according to the degree of myopia or astigmatism. This process only takes a few seconds.
One of the biggest advantages of ReLEx SMILE technology is that this process is completed using a single laser device. While LASIK requires two devices, ReLEx SMILE performs both cutting and correction in a single step.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that thanks to the high precision of the laser, the margin of error is almost zero.
After the lenticule is formed, this piece of tissue is removed through the small 2–3 millimeter incision created by the laser. This step corrects the refractive error of the eye. The procedure is completely computer-controlled and does not involve manual surgical cutting.
Since this incision preserves the nerves on the corneal surface, the rate of postoperative dryness is very low. Also, since the incision is very small, stitches are not required.
After the lenticule is removed, the cornea takes its natural shape. The eye is rinsed and the procedure is completed. The operation takes about 10–15 minutes for both eyes.
Patients usually begin to see clearly a few hours after the procedure. Visual quality increases rapidly within the first few days.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that not only the operating room time but also the recovery period is very short, and most patients return to their social lives the next day.
Recovery Process After ReLEx SMILE Laser
First 24 Hours
After the procedure, mild stinging, tearing, and light sensitivity may occur. This usually disappears within a few hours. The eyes should not be rubbed or touched.
Antibiotic and moisturizing drops prescribed by the doctor must be used regularly. Sunglasses are recommended outdoors to protect the eyes from dust and wind.
First Week
During this period, dry eye sensation may occur. Regular use of drops reduces this complaint. Long-term screen exposure should be avoided.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that the most critical point after the operation is not interrupting the use of eye drops.
At the End of One Month
By the end of one month, visual quality is usually fully stabilized. Since the natural structure of the cornea is preserved, long-term stability is ensured. Because the incision is small, complication risk is low.
Most patients return to work within 2–3 days and can resume sports after about one month.
Small-incision application: Only a 2–3 mm micro-incision is made.
No flap creation: This preserves corneal integrity.
Painless procedure: Local anesthetic drops prevent pain.
Fast recovery: Dryness and burning complaints are minimal.
High visual quality: Vision improves rapidly within days.
Low complication risk: No flap displacement or tearing.
Preservation of natural corneal structure: Long-term stability is achieved.
Op. Dr. Diclehan highlights the reliability of the method by saying, “ReLEx SMILE Laser has created a revolution in eye surgery in terms of both patient comfort and tissue preservation.”
This treatment is not suitable for everyone. ReLEx SMILE is not applied to:
Individuals under 18
Those whose eye prescription has changed in the last year
Those with insufficient corneal thickness
Those with glaucoma or keratoconus
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Therefore, the pre-examination stage is extremely important. Op. Dr. Diclehan states that in patients who are not suitable for this method, other laser types or alternative treatments should be considered.
Avoid touching the eyes
Avoid eye makeup for at least 1 week
Avoid the sea and pool for 1 month
Use eye drops exactly as prescribed
Eye shields may be used while sleeping
Attend regular follow-up appointments
ReLEx SMILE has been successfully applied to millions of patients worldwide. Clinical studies show that this method provides extremely stable long-term results.
Since corneal structure is preserved, the risk of prescription regression is very low. Also, because most nerve fibers are preserved, dry eye occurs up to 80% less frequently than with other methods.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that ReLEx SMILE preserves long-term visual quality and is therefore especially preferred among younger patients.
Disadvantages of ReLEx SMILE Laser
As with any surgery, ReLEx SMILE has certain limitations.
It is less effective for hyperopia
It may not be suitable for very high prescriptions (e.g. over −10 diopters)
It may be more costly than classical laser methods
However, postoperative comfort, low complication rate, and fast recovery more than compensate for these differences.
Mild blurriness may be felt in the first hours after the procedure. However, visual clarity usually improves significantly the next day.
Within one week, about 90% of full clarity is achieved. Once the eyes are fully healed, the patient continues life without needing glasses or contact lenses.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states that the majority of his ReLEx SMILE patients achieve full vision within a week and that satisfaction rates are very high.
ReLEx SMILE Laser Eye Treatment is one of the most advanced technologies in modern eye surgery. Since it is applied with a small incision, the healing period is short, pain is minimal, and visual quality is high. By preserving the natural anatomy of the eye, it provides stable long-term results.
This method has a high success rate in both myopia and astigmatism patients. Op. Dr. Diclehan summarizes its place in modern medicine by saying, “ReLEx SMILE Laser is not only a treatment, but also the beginning of a new era in eye health.”
This procedure, which is performed in a short time, offers a safe and permanent vision solution when applied to the right patient by an experienced surgeon. With its comfort, safety, and success, ReLEx SMILE Laser has created an important revolution in eye health as the laser technology of the future.
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