ReLEx SMILE Laser, which is considered the newest and most advanced technology in laser eye treatments, has rapidly spread around the world as both a safe and comfortable method. Thanks to its advantages such as being applied with a small incision, having a painless process, and offering fast healing, this treatment has enabled many patients to get rid of glasses and contact lenses. However, as with every surgical procedure, ReLEx SMILE Laser also carries certain risks and situations that require attention. Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that ReLEx SMILE Laser is generally a very safe method, but different biological reactions may occur in each patient; therefore, careful evaluation before the procedure is necessary.

What Is ReLEx SMILE Laser?
ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive eye treatment method applied with femtosecond laser technology. Unlike traditional laser methods, a wide incision is not created on the corneal surface; the procedure is completed with only a small 2–3 millimeter micro-incision. The laser creates a small piece of tissue called a “lenticule” inside the cornea, and by removing this piece, the refractive error of the eye is corrected.

Op. Dr. Diclehan states that the biggest advantage of this method is that it is performed without creating a flap, which allows the natural structure of the cornea to be preserved.

Is ReLEx SMILE Laser a Safe Method?
ReLEx SMILE Laser has been successfully applied to millions of patients worldwide. It is an FDA-approved technology and its complication rate is quite low compared to other laser methods. Nevertheless, as in every medical procedure, there are some theoretical and rare risks. Most of these risks can be eliminated through proper patient selection, careful planning, and choosing an experienced surgeon.

Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes this by saying, “ReLEx SMILE Laser is a treatment with a high safety standard, but there is no zero-risk situation in medicine. Proper patient selection is the most important protection method.”

Possible Risks After ReLEx SMILE Laser

Dry Eye
ReLEx SMILE Laser is one of the laser methods that affects the corneal nerves the least. However, some patients may experience temporary dry eye after the procedure. This usually improves within a few weeks.

Dry eye is caused by partial effect on nerve endings during the procedure, leading to temporary reduction in tear production. With the regular use of artificial tear drops recommended by the doctor, it completely resolves.

Op. Dr. Diclehan states that dry eye after ReLEx SMILE is 80% less common compared to LASIK, but the use of drops should definitely not be neglected.

Fluctuation in Visual Clarity
In the first few days or weeks after the operation, patients may temporarily experience fluctuations in vision. This is related to the adaptation of the corneal tissue to its new shape.

Some patients report temporary blurriness, halos, or glare, especially in low light. These symptoms usually decrease within a few weeks.

Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that the eyes should not be overstrained during this period and prolonged screen exposure should be avoided.

Undercorrection or Overcorrection
The laser procedure is performed under computer control. However, rarely, because the healing process of the eye varies from person to person, the eye prescription may not be completely corrected or small residual refractive errors may remain. In such cases, an additional enhancement procedure may be required.

This risk is very low. With correct planning and corneal measurements, it can almost completely be prevented.

Op. Dr. Diclehan states that preoperative corneal topography and stability analysis of the prescription minimize this risk.

Temporary Light Sensitivity
Some patients may experience temporary light sensitivity in the first days after ReLEx SMILE. This usually results from the eye adapting to its new optical state.

Wearing dark sunglasses and avoiding direct sunlight during this period provide comfort.

Infection Risk
As with any surgical procedure, there is a low risk of infection after ReLEx SMILE. This risk increases if the procedure is not performed under sterile conditions or if the patient does not use the prescribed drops regularly.

Symptoms include redness, pain, tearing, or decreased vision. If these are noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Op. Dr. Diclehan draws attention to hygiene by saying, “When ReLEx SMILE operations are performed under sterile operating room conditions, the risk of infection is almost zero.”

Loss of Corneal Sensitivity
Nerve endings in the cornea may be partially affected during the procedure. This may lead to temporary sensory reduction. For a while, the eye may react less to foreign body sensation. However, this situation returns to normal within a few weeks.

Halos and Night Vision Problems
Some patients may see halo-shaped rings around light sources, especially when driving at night after the procedure. This is caused by temporary changes in the way light is refracted due to the new corneal shape.

It usually resolves spontaneously within 1–2 months, but rarely can last longer. Eye drops and lubricants may reduce symptoms during this period.

Op. Dr. Diclehan notes that night vision complaints generally decrease significantly after the third week.

Visual Acuity Not Fully Settling
In some patients, visual clarity may not reach perfect levels immediately after the procedure. This depends on the speed of corneal healing. In patients with high myopia, this process can be longer.

However, visual clarity generally stabilizes within a few weeks.

Changes in Intraocular Pressure
Some steroid eye drops used after the procedure may temporarily increase intraocular pressure. Therefore, follow-up examinations are very important. Drops should be used exactly as prescribed.

Op. Dr. Diclehan states that follow-up visits should not be neglected, since early-detected increases in pressure can easily be controlled.

Rare Corneal Complications
Since ReLEx SMILE is performed without creating a flap, corneal complications are extremely rare. However, in some cases small air bubbles or temporary changes in corneal transparency may be seen. These usually resolve spontaneously.

The procedure should not be performed in structurally weak corneas. In such patients, there may be a risk of keratoconus or ectasia.

Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that ReLEx SMILE should only be applied to patients whose corneal thickness and structure are appropriate; otherwise long-term risks may increase.

What Should Be Done to Reduce Risks?
Although the complication rate of ReLEx SMILE Laser is low, both the surgeon’s experience and the patient’s postoperative care habits are very important in minimizing risks.

Choosing an Experienced Surgeon
ReLEx SMILE is a procedure requiring advanced technology. Therefore, the surgeon’s experience is very important.

Op. Dr. Diclehan highlights the importance of expertise by saying, “The surgeon’s experience with the device is the determining factor in treatment success.”

Proper Patient Selection
Not everyone is a candidate for ReLEx SMILE. Those with unstable prescriptions, thin or irregular corneas, or active eye disease are not suitable. Detailed analysis must be performed before the procedure.

Preoperative Preparation
Contact lenses should not be used for several days before surgery, and eye makeup should be avoided. A clean and healthy eye surface increases success.

Postoperative Care
Prescribed antibiotic and moisturizing eye drops should be used regularly.
The eyes should not be rubbed.
Swimming pools and the sea should be avoided for one month.
Follow-up examinations should not be skipped.

In patients who follow these rules, complication rates are extremely low.

Balance of Advantages and Risks
The advantages of ReLEx SMILE Laser are far greater than its risks. These advantages include preservation of corneal integrity due to no flap creation, less dryness, faster recovery, painless procedure, and minimal intervention to eye structure.

Op. Dr. Diclehan states that this method provides the most stable long-term visual results, but that informed consent is important in terms of medical ethics.

Long-Term Risks
Long-term permanent risks after ReLEx SMILE are quite rare. However, in some patients, small prescription changes (regression) may be seen 5–10 years later. This is usually related to hormonal changes, age-related loss of tissue elasticity, or the natural physiology of the eye.

In such cases, enhancement laser treatment may be performed.

ReLEx SMILE Laser Eye Treatment is one of the safest and most comfortable laser methods today. Thanks to its small-incision application, painless nature, and rapid recovery, it has enabled millions of people to get rid of glasses. However, as with every surgical method, it also has certain risks.

These risks include temporary dryness, mild vision fluctuations, light sensitivity, and rare infection risk. With proper patient selection, an experienced surgeon, and correct postoperative care, these complications can be prevented.

Op. Dr. Diclehan summarizes by saying, “ReLEx SMILE Laser is a procedure with a high safety standard. The greatest risk is applying it to an unsuitable patient. When the right patient, the right technology, and the right surgeon come together, success is inevitable.”

When applied consciously, ReLEx SMILE Laser is an extremely safe, effective, and permanent vision correction method. By receiving detailed information before the procedure and following the recommendations, patients can obtain maximum benefit from this treatment.