Laser treatments developed to correct visual defects have created a true revolution in modern ophthalmology. Among these methods, one of the most remarkable is ReLEx SMILE laser eye surgery. Thanks to its high-tech structure, minimal incision and fast recovery time, many patients prefer this method.
However, as with every medical procedure, ReLEx SMILE is not suitable for everyone. This treatment should not be applied to individuals with certain eye structures or general health conditions. Op. Dr. Diclehan highlights several specific patient groups who require particular caution.
An Innovative Method in Modern Eye Surgery
ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is one of the most advanced applications of femtosecond laser technology. In this method, no flap is created on the cornea; instead, a small 2–3 mm incision is made and a thin tissue segment called a lenticule is removed from inside the cornea. The cornea is reshaped and refractive errors are corrected permanently.
Op. Dr. Diclehan defines this technique as “the laser surgery method that interferes the least with corneal structure.”
ReLEx SMILE is usually applied in patients with myopia and astigmatism, who are over 18, have a stable prescription and an appropriate corneal structure. But in some cases, the surgery is not recommended.
Below are the patient groups who are not suitable for ReLEx SMILE
During surgery, a small amount of tissue is removed from the cornea. If the cornea is too thin, the structural stability of the eye may be compromised and conditions such as corneal ectasia may develop.
Corneas thinner than about 480 microns are generally considered unsuitable.
Keratoconus is a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea. Any laser intervention may worsen the disease and cause severe visual loss. These patients should consider cross-linking or alternative treatments instead.
Because eye development and prescription stability are not yet complete, the results may not be permanent.
Hormonal changes can temporarily alter vision. Surgery is usually postponed until at least 6 months after childbirth.
Fluctuating blood sugar may delay healing and increase infection risk. Diabetes must first be stabilized.
If severe dryness already exists, complications may increase. The eye surface must be treated before any laser procedure.
Conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis or stye must completely heal before surgery to avoid spreading infection.
Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus may impair wound healing, therefore ReLEx SMILE is not recommended.
If there are retinal tears, macular disease or other retinal disorders, surgery may be risky. A retinal examination is essential before any laser treatment.
ReLEx SMILE is generally suitable for:
• Myopia up to -10.00D
• Astigmatism up to -5.00D
Beyond these limits, other surgical techniques may be more appropriate.
Because the patient remains awake, those with severe anxiety, panic disorder or uncontrolled movements may face difficulty during the procedure.
Hormonal fluctuations may cause prescription instability; therefore timing of surgery is important.
Previous injuries or surgeries may alter corneal structure and must be carefully evaluated first.
Frequent eye rubbing increases complication risk after surgery.
Before ReLEx SMILE, a comprehensive eye examination is performed, including:
• Corneal thickness & curvature mapping (topography)
• Tear film quality
• Retina evaluation
• Pupil size measurement
• Eye pressure & visual acuity assessment
Only after this detailed evaluation can true suitability be determined.
• PRK – surface laser treatment
• LASIK – in patients with sufficient corneal thickness
• ICL (implantable lens) – for very high refractive errors
Treatment selection must always be personalized.
If surgery is performed on an unsuitable eye, complications such as:
• Permanent blurred vision
• Corneal ectasia
• Severe dryness
• Light scattering
• Reduced visual quality
may occur. Therefore accurate diagnosis and proper selection are essential.
ReLEx SMILE is one of the safest and most comfortable laser vision correction methods of modern medicine — when applied to the right patient. Suitability can only be confirmed after a detailed evaluation by an experienced ophthalmologist.
As Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes
ReLEx SMILE gives excellent results in the right patient but may create risks in the wrong one.
Experience healthy vision with our clinic that provides expert and reliable eye health and treatment services.
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